Exodus 10:2

KJV

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that thou mayest tell {H5608} in the ears {H241} of thy son {H1121}, and of thy son's {H1121} son {H1121}, what things I have wrought {H5953} in Egypt {H4714}, and my signs {H226} which I have done {H7760} among them; that ye may know {H3045} how that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that you can tell your son and grandson about what I did to Egypt and about my signs that I demonstrated among them, and so that you will all know that I am ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

and that you may tell your children and grandchildren how severely I dealt with the Egyptians when I performed miraculous signs among them, so that all of you may know that I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

and that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought upon Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:2 unveils God's profound and multi-generational purpose behind the devastating plagues on Egypt: they were not merely acts of judgment but deliberate, powerful demonstrations of His unique identity and sovereign power. Through these mighty interventions, God intended to reveal Himself to both Israel and Egypt, ensuring that these foundational events would be faithfully recounted across successive generations as the basis for a deep, experiential "knowing" of Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a pivotal moment in the plague narrative, immediately preceding the eighth plague of locusts. It follows the persistent hardening of Pharaoh's heart after the seventh plague of hail, as recorded in [Exodus 9:35](/exodus/9-35 "Pharaoh's heart hardened again"). God's preceding instruction to Moses in [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh") explicitly states that He has intentionally hardened Pharaoh's heart "that I might show these my signs among them." Verse 2 then elaborates on the ultimate, enduring, and intergenerational purpose of these divine demonstrations, before Moses and Aaron deliver the warning of the impending locust plague to Pharaoh in [Exodus 10:3](/exodus/10-3 "Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh about the locusts"). Thus, [Exodus 10:2](/exodus/10-2 "God's purpose for the plagues") functions as a crucial divine explanation, providing the overarching theological rationale for the entire escalating series of judgments against Egypt.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the power and identity of a deity were intrinsically linked to their actions in the world. Divine authority was demonstrated through control over natural phenomena, military victories, and the prosperity or judgment of nations. The plagues against Egypt were not random disasters but a direct, systematic challenge to the entire Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's own claims of divinity. Each plague meticulously targeted specific Egyptian gods or aspects of their cosmic order, progressively dismantling their perceived power and revealing the absolute supremacy of YHWH. Furthermore, the transmission of historical narratives and ancestral deeds was a vital cultural practice, especially for covenant communities. For Israel, the remembrance of God's mighty acts, particularly the Exodus, was foundational to their national and spiritual identity. This act of remembering served as a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness, His unique sovereignty, and their special relationship with Him. The command to "tell" (Hebrew: *çâphar*) in this verse underscores the paramount importance of oral tradition and intergenerational teaching in preserving their spiritual heritage and ensuring future generations would "know" the LORD.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 10:2](/exodus/10-2 "God's purpose for the plagues") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **God's Self-Revelation**, where YHWH actively makes His identity and character known through powerful deeds, contrasting Himself with the impotent deities of other nations. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation, human rulers, and historical events, even using Pharaoh's hardened heart to accomplish His purposes (as seen in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "For this purpose I have raised you up")). A crucial theme is the **Importance of Remembering and Transmitting God's Acts**, emphasizing that faith is not a static concept but a dynamic narrative to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the foundational events of the Exodus remain central to Israel's identity and worship. This intergenerational mandate is echoed throughout the Deuteronomic law, such as in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Teach them diligently to your children"), which commands parents to diligently teach their children about God's commands and deeds. Ultimately, the verse points to the theme of **Experiential Knowledge of God**, where "knowing" God transcends mere intellectual assent to encompass a deep, relational, and transformative understanding of His being and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:2 is a profound statement of divine intent, revealing the ultimate *telos* (purpose) behind the Exodus narrative and the plagues.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tell (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This verb (H5608) signifies more than just casual speech; it means "to recount," "to enumerate," or "to declare." It implies a deliberate, detailed, and often celebratory act of narration, ensuring that the events are not merely remembered but actively transmitted and preserved. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of formal, intentional instruction to ensure the accurate and impactful passing down of God's mighty deeds.
* **signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This noun (H226) refers to a "signal," "mark," "token," or "miracle." These were not simply wonders or natural disasters but divinely appointed indicators designed to authenticate God's presence, power, and message. They served as undeniable proofs of His sovereignty and authority, compelling recognition of His unique identity and demonstrating His power over all creation and false gods.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb (H3045) encompasses a rich spectrum of meaning beyond mere intellectual understanding. It implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge, often forged through personal encounter and observation. In this context, "knowing" the LORD means to recognize, acknowledge, and confess His unique identity, power, and unwavering faithfulness, leading to a transformative relationship and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son..."**: This opening clause establishes the intergenerational imperative. The command is directed personally to Moses ("thou") but extends to future generations ("thy son, and of thy son's son"), highlighting the enduring legacy God intends. The phrase "in the ears" suggests a direct, intentional, and audible transmission, emphasizing the importance of careful listening and deliberate teaching. This is not a casual mention but a purposeful recounting designed to embed these truths deeply within the community's memory.
* **"...what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them..."**: God specifies the content to be transmitted: His mighty deeds ("what things I have wrought") and their miraculous nature ("my signs which I have done"). The repetition of divine agency ("I have wrought," "I have done") underscores God's singular sovereignty and active involvement in all these events. These are not human achievements but direct divine interventions. The phrase "among them" refers to both the Egyptians, who experienced the plagues as judgment, and the Israelites, who witnessed them as deliverance and revelation.
* **"...that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD."**: This is the ultimate purpose clause, the *telos* of the entire Exodus event and its subsequent recounting. The verb "know" (Hebrew: *yâda‘*) implies a deep, experiential, and relational understanding. The plagues were designed to lead both Israel and Egypt to this profound realization: that YHWH alone is God, supreme over all other deities, and faithful to His covenant. This knowledge is meant to be transformative, leading to recognition, acknowledgment, and worship of His unique identity and power.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 10:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrase "thy son, and of thy son's son," which emphasizes the continuity and perpetuation of the divine mandate across generations. Similarly, the parallel construction "what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them" effectively describes the dual nature of God's interventions—His powerful actions and their miraculous, revelatory quality. The verse is structured around two clear **Purpose Clauses**, introduced by "that" (Hebrew: *lema‘an*): "that thou mayest tell..." and "that ye may know..." These clauses meticulously highlight God's intentionality and establish a direct causal link between remembering His mighty acts and attaining a deep, transformative knowledge of His character. Finally, the entire passage is presented as a **Divine Monologue**, with God speaking directly to Moses. This literary choice lends immense divine authority to the words, underscoring the critical importance of His purpose and the enduring significance of the Exodus events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:2 is rich with theological truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative, establishing foundational principles for understanding God's character and His relationship with humanity. The primary theological truth is **God's Purposeful Self-Revelation**: His interventions in history are not arbitrary but are meticulously designed to make His character, power, and identity known. The plagues were a dramatic demonstration of His sovereignty over creation, human rulers, and false gods, revealing Him as the one true God. This leads to the theme of **The Nature of "Knowing" God**, emphasizing an experiential and relational understanding rather than mere intellectual assent. This "knowing" is forged in the crucible of deliverance and sustained through remembering His faithfulness, leading to worship, trust, and obedience. Furthermore, the verse highlights **The Importance of Memory and Intergenerational Transmission**: God commands the active recounting of His deeds, underscoring that faith is not a private, isolated experience but a shared heritage passed down through generations. Remembering God's past faithfulness anchors present faith and informs future hope. This also reinforces **God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness**, as the declaration "I am the LORD" (YHWH) asserts His absolute control over all things, contrasting Him sharply with the limited and impotent deities of the nations.

This theme of remembering and transmitting God's mighty acts is central to Israel's identity and is echoed throughout the Old Testament:
* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teach your children diligently") explicitly commands parents to diligently teach their children about God's commands and works, integrating divine instruction into daily life.
* [Psalm 78:4](/psalm/78-4 "We will not hide them from their children") affirms the commitment to recount God's glorious deeds to the next generation, ensuring His praise is known and His works are not forgotten.
* [Isaiah 43:10](/isaiah/43-10 "You are my witnesses, that you may know and believe me") directly connects Israel's role as God's witnesses to their ability to "know and believe" Him, a knowledge rooted in His powerful and redemptive actions.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:2 transcends its ancient context to offer profound relevance for believers today, challenging us to actively engage with God's story and faithfully transmit it. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to remember the Exodus, we are called to recall God's past acts of deliverance, provision, and guidance—both in the grand narrative of salvation history and in our personal lives. This intentional remembrance builds our trust in His unchanging character and strengthens our faith in challenging times. We bear a sacred responsibility to share our experiences of God's work with the next generation, whether they are our biological children, spiritual mentees, or others within our sphere of influence. This includes recounting the overarching narrative of salvation found in Scripture, culminating in Jesus Christ, and sharing personal testimonies of His faithfulness. Our faith is not meant to be a hidden treasure but a living legacy, passed down through intentional teaching and authentic witness. The ultimate goal of remembering and recounting God's acts is to "know" the LORD more intimately. This isn't merely intellectual assent but a transformative, relational knowledge that shapes our understanding of who God is, our identity in Him, and our place in His unfolding plan. It calls us to pursue a deeper, more experiential relationship with Him through His Word and Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "things God has wrought" (deliverances, provisions, interventions) in your life or in the history of your family or church do you need to more intentionally remember and recount?**
* **In what practical ways can you, or your faith community, improve the intergenerational transmission of God's story and His faithfulness to the next generation?**
* **How does remembering God's past acts of power and faithfulness strengthen your "knowing" of Him and equip you to face present doubts or future uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need to "show" Himself through plagues? Couldn't He just tell them?**

Answer: God's self-revelation in Exodus is not merely propositional but demonstrative. In an ancient polytheistic context where deities were known by their actions and power, God revealed His unique identity (YHWH) and supremacy through overwhelming displays of power that directly challenged the entire Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's divine claims. These "signs" were undeniable proofs, designed to compel both Israel and Egypt to acknowledge His singular sovereignty and to establish a foundational narrative for Israel's faith. Words alone would not have conveyed the magnitude of His power or His absolute distinction from the impotent gods of Egypt. The plagues were a divine curriculum, teaching through experience.

**Does "knowing the LORD" in this verse mean intellectual assent or something more?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "know" (_yâda‘_, H3045) implies far more than mere intellectual understanding. It signifies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge, often involving personal encounter and covenant relationship. For Israel, "knowing" the LORD meant recognizing His unique identity, His power, His faithfulness to His promises, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs. This knowledge was meant to be transformative, leading to worship, trust, obedience, and a profound reshaping of one's entire being and worldview. It is a knowledge that comes from experiencing God's mighty acts and living in covenant with Him.

**How is this command to "tell" relevant if we don't experience plagues today?**

Answer: While we don't witness the Exodus plagues, the principle of intergenerational transmission of God's mighty acts remains vitally relevant. We are called to recount God's redemptive work throughout history, culminating in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and to share personal testimonies of His faithfulness in our own lives. This storytelling anchors faith across generations, reminds us of God's unchanging character, and equips future generations to trust Him in their own unique contexts and challenges. The specifics of God's "wrought things" may change, but the mandate to "tell" and "know" Him endures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:2, with its emphasis on God's self-revelation through mighty acts and the intergenerational transmission of His story, finds its ultimate fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If the plagues were "signs" revealing God's identity and power, Jesus Christ is the ultimate "sign" and the complete self-revelation of God. [Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "God has spoken by His Son") powerfully declares that God, who spoke in various ways in the past, has now "spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He created the universe." Jesus is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being." To see Jesus is to truly see the Father ([John 14:7](/john/14-7 "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also")). The "things I have wrought in Egypt" were acts of physical deliverance; in Christ, God has "wrought" an infinitely greater deliverance—salvation from sin and death through His life, atoning death, and resurrection. These are the ultimate "signs" demonstrating God's perfect love, righteous justice, and unparalleled power. The Exodus itself pointed forward to this greater spiritual exodus from bondage to sin, accomplished by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The purpose "that ye may know how that I am the LORD" is fully realized in the New Testament's call to know God through Christ. Jesus Himself states, "This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "This is eternal life, that they may know you")). The relational knowledge of God, once primarily mediated through His acts in Israel's history, is now fully accessible through faith in Jesus. Finally, the command to "tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son" is amplified in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). The story to be told is now the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and its transformative power. The Lord's Supper itself is a New Covenant institution designed to ensure that Christ's ultimate "wrought thing" (His sacrifice) is remembered and proclaimed "until He comes" ([1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Do this in remembrance of me")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 1:3

Tell ye your children of it, and [let] your children [tell] their children, and their children another generation.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

Deuteronomy 6:20

[And] when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [mean] the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

Deuteronomy 6:22

And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

Exodus 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Psalms 44:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Exodus 7:17

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.