Exodus Chapter 7

At a Glance

  • Exodus 7 marks the formal beginning of the public confrontation with Pharaoh through Moses and Aaron.
  • Historically, this chapter functions as a bridge between the call and the plagues.
  • - Divine appointment and authority: Moses and Aaron act as God’s agents, embodying His sovereignty in a hostile political environment.
  • - Power encounter: The miracles are staged as contest between the Almighty and Egypt’s sorcery, setting the stage for the Exodus as a theophany to the nations.
  • - God’s sovereignty and hardening of the heart: The text wrestles with human responsibility and God’s decree, a tension central to the plagues’ purpose.

EXODUS CHAPTER 7

Chapter Overview

Exodus 7 marks the formal beginning of the public confrontation with Pharaoh through Moses and Aaron. The Lord declares that He has made Moses a god to Pharaoh, with Aaron as his prophet, signaling a shift from private exhortation to public, divinely authorized confrontation. The chapter lays the groundwork for the series of signs and wonders that will demonstrate God’s power over Egypt’s gods and rulers. The narrative introduces the recurring motif of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart, a mystery that raises questions about human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The sign of Aaron’s rod becoming a serpent, and its swallowing of the magicians’ serpents, intensifies the showdown and signals that the true power belongs to the God of Israel. The awe-inspiring actions are set against Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal, illustrating that God’s purposes advance not by human persuasion alone but through deliberate, authoritative acts that reveal the gulf between divine authority and human pride.

Historically, this chapter functions as a bridge between the call and the plagues. It emphasizes the role of Moses and Aaron as spokespersons and instruments. The genre blends narrative history with the theological inauguration of Israel’s exodus—the signs are not mere wonders but the means by which Israel’s God demonstrates supremacy over Egypt’s magicians and deities. The chapter’s tone is ceremonial and polemical, establishing the framework for the subsequent plagues as judgments aimed at exposing Egypt’s false religion and liberating the Israelites.

Key Themes

- Divine appointment and authority: Moses and Aaron act as God’s agents, embodying His sovereignty in a hostile political environment.

- Power encounter: The miracles are staged as contest between the Almighty and Egypt’s sorcery, setting the stage for the Exodus as a theophany to the nations.

- God’s sovereignty and hardening of the heart: The text wrestles with human responsibility and God’s decree, a tension central to the plagues’ purpose.

- Sign-value of leadership: The rod turning into a serpent illustrates that leadership aligned with God’s power can overcome human prestige and Egyptian magic.

- The Lord’s name in public witness: The signs are meant to reveal the LORD to Pharaoh, Egypt, and the people of Israel.

Modern Application

Exodus 7 invites contemporary readers to reflect on what it means to be called as a spokesperson for truth in settings of power and persuasion. It challenges believers to trust that God equips and authorizes them for difficult tasks, even when external outcomes are uncertain or contested. The narrative also warns against relying on human authority or status alone; true power lies in God’s presence and initiative. The theme of signs points to discernment: not every remarkable event signals God’s presence, but when aligned with His purpose, miracles and courageous speech can catalyze transformation. The chapter’s exploration of God’s sovereignty amid resistance offers solace for those who face stubborn systems—whether in politics, community life, or personal battles—reminding us that liberation often comes through steadfast faithfulness, even when the immediate signs seem few. Finally, the piece encourages bold, faithful witness, trusting that God’s purposes will be revealed to the nations.

Cross-References: Exodus 4-5; Exodus 8-9 (plagues as divine judgments); Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (wisdom of God’s power); Isaiah 43:10-13

Recommended Personas: Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh (as foil), God (the LORD)

Chapter Text

1

And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

2

Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.

3

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

4

But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

5

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

6

And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.

7

And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

8

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

9

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

10

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

11

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

12

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

13

And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

14

And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

15

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

16

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

17

Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

18

And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.

19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.

20

And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

21

And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.

22

And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.

23

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

24

And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.

25

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.

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