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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 6:10–13. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. God sends Moses the second time to Pharaoh (Exo 6:11) upon the same errand as before, to command him, at his peril, that he let the children of Israel go. Note, God repeats his precepts before he begins his punishments. Those that have often been called in vain to leave their sins must yet be called again and again, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear, Eze 3:11. God is said to hew sinners by his prophets (Hos 6:5), which denotes the repetition of the strokes. How often would I have gathered you?
II.Moses makes objections, as one discouraged, and willing to give up the cause, Exo 6:12. He pleads,
1.The unlikelihood of Pharaoh's hearing: "Behold the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; they give no heed, no credit, to what I have said; how then can I expect that Pharaoh should hear me? If the anguish of their spirit makes them deaf to that which would compose and comfort them, much more will the anger of his spirit, his pride and insolence, make him deaf to that which will but exasperate and provoke him." If God's professing people hear not his messengers, how can it be thought that his professed enemy should? Note, The frowardness and untractableness of those that are called Christians greatly discourage ministers, and make them ready to despair of success in dealing with those that are atheistical and profane. We would be instrumental to unite Israelites, to refine and purify them, to comfort and pacify them; but, if they hearken not to us, how shall we prevail with those in whom we cannot pretend to such an interest? But with God all things are possible.
2.He pleads the unreadiness and infirmity of his own speaking: I am of uncircumcised lips; it is repeated, Exo 6:30. He was conscious to himself that he had not the gift of utterance, had no command of language; his talent did not lie that way. To this objection God had given a sufficient answer before, and therefore he ought not to have insisted upon it, for the sufficiency of grace can supply the defects of nature at any time. Note, Though our infirmities ought to humble us, yet they ought not to discourage us from doing our best in any service we have to do for God. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
III.God again joins Aaron in commission with Moses, and puts an end to the dispute by interposing his own authority, and giving them both a solemn charge, upon their allegiance to their great Lord, to execute it with all possible expedition and fidelity. When Moses repeats his baffled arguments, he shall be argued with no longer, but God gives him a charge, and Aaron with him, both to the children of Israel and to Pharaoh, Exo 6:13. Note, God's authority is sufficient to answer all objections, and binds us to obedience, without murmuring or disputing, Phi 2:14. Moses himself has need to be charged, and so has Timothy, Ti1 6:13; Ti2 4:1.
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Summary
Exodus 6:11 records God's unwavering command to Moses, instructing him to return to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and demand the immediate release of the children of Israel from their oppressive bondage. This divine directive, issued despite Moses's previous discouraging encounter with Pharaoh and his own profound self-doubt, underscores God's persistent will, divine initiative, and absolute commitment to His covenant promises, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of Israel's liberation.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within a crucial dialogue between God and Moses. It immediately follows God's powerful self-revelation to Moses, where He re-affirms His covenant name, Yahweh, and reiterates His promises to deliver Israel and bring them into the land of Canaan, as detailed in Exodus 6:2-8. Moses had just experienced a disheartening setback in Exodus 5, where his initial plea to Pharaoh resulted in increased burdens and suffering for the Israelites, leading to their despair and Moses's own questioning of God's plan in Exodus 5:22-23. Despite this, God does not waver but immediately reissues the command, demonstrating divine resolve and an unwavering commitment to His redemptive purpose, directly preceding Moses's renewed expression of inadequacy in Exodus 6:12.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is ancient Egypt, a powerful empire ruled by a pharaoh who was considered a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of the state's power and religious authority. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had been enslaved for generations, forced into hard labor, likely building cities like Pithom and Raamses (Exodus 1:11). Egyptian society was highly stratified, with a strict hierarchy and a polytheistic religious system that venerated numerous gods associated with natural forces and aspects of life. Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites was not merely an economic decision but a theological challenge, as he believed himself superior to any other deity. The command for Israel to "go out" was a direct affront to Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and a challenge to the very fabric of Egyptian power.
Key Themes
Exodus 6:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Power, as God asserts His authority over the most powerful earthly ruler, Pharaoh, and demonstrates His ability to deliver His people against all odds. It reinforces God's Covenant Faithfulness, showing His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:13-16). The verse also highlights the theme of Divine Initiative and Persistence in Salvation, revealing that despite human doubt and resistance, God's plan for redemption will prevail. Furthermore, it underscores the Prophetic Calling, as Moses is commissioned to be God's direct messenger, speaking truth to power, a role that will define his leadership throughout the Exodus narrative.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 6:11 presents a concise yet potent divine mandate. God directly commands Moses, "Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land." This instruction is not a suggestion but an emphatic order, revealing several critical aspects of God's character and plan.
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)." In this context, it is an imperative, "Go in," signifying a direct, authoritative command for Moses to approach Pharaoh. It implies not just physical movement but a purposeful, divinely appointed confrontation, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the mission.
A primitive root meaning "to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak." This is also an imperative, "speak," highlighting Moses's role as a direct messenger of God's word. It denotes a formal, authoritative declaration, not a negotiation or a polite request. Moses is to articulate God's will clearly and unequivocally to the most powerful man on earth.
Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." Here, "children of Israel" refers to the entire nation, the descendants of Jacob, emphasizing their familial and covenantal relationship with God. They are not merely slaves but God's chosen "sons," whose liberation is a matter of divine family honor and covenant fidelity.
A primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." This is also an imperative, "let...go out," directed at Pharaoh. It is a demand for release and freedom, signifying a complete and irreversible departure from Egyptian dominion. This word encapsulates the core purpose of the entire Exodus event: God sending His people out of bondage.
Verse Breakdown
"Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt"
This clause establishes Moses's direct, personal, and authoritative commission. "Go in" (בֹּא – bo') is an immediate command to approach the seat of power. "Speak" (דַּבֵּר – dabber) signifies that Moses is to be God's mouthpiece, delivering a divine decree, not his own words. The target is explicitly named: "Pharaoh king of Egypt," highlighting the confrontation between the sovereign God of Israel and the supposedly divine ruler of the mightiest empire of the time. This sets the stage for a cosmic battle of wills and powers.
"that he let the children of Israel go out"
This is the core demand and the ultimate purpose of Moses's mission. "Let...go out" (שַׁלַּח – shallach) is an imperative, a non-negotiable order for Pharaoh to release God's people. The phrase "children of Israel" emphasizes their identity as God's chosen family, not merely a slave population. Their departure is not a concession but a divine imperative, a necessary step in God's redemptive plan to fulfill His covenant promises.
"of his land"
This final phrase specifies the complete nature of the release. It's not just freedom from labor but complete expatriation from Egyptian territory. This signifies a full separation and a definitive end to their bondage under Pharaoh's dominion, paving the way for their journey to the promised land and their establishment as a free nation under God's direct rule.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Imperative Mood is dominant, with verbs like "Go," "speak," and "let...go out" functioning as direct commands. This highlights God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of His will, conveying a sense of divine urgency and purpose. The direct address to Moses, followed by the command to speak to Pharaoh, creates a powerful sense of Dramatic Irony, as the reader knows the immense power of God that Pharaoh will soon experience, contrasting with Pharaoh's current perceived invincibility. The phrase "children of Israel" functions as Metonymy, referring to the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing their collective identity and covenant relationship with God. The verse also serves as a Foreshadowing of the epic struggle and ultimate triumph of God's power over human oppression, setting the stage for the plagues and the Exodus itself.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 6:11 is a profound statement of divine resolve and redemptive purpose. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that His plans for deliverance are immutable, regardless of human doubt or the formidable resistance of earthly powers. This command is not a reaction to Moses's despair but a re-affirmation of God's sovereign initiative, reminding both Moses and the reader that the Exodus is fundamentally God's work, driven by His faithfulness and power. It sets the stage for the ultimate demonstration of Yahweh's supremacy over all the gods of Egypt and the oppressive might of Pharaoh.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 6:11 serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes will always prevail, even when circumstances appear insurmountable or when we, like Moses, feel inadequate for the task. It calls believers to unwavering obedience, trusting in God's power and faithfulness rather than our own limited abilities or the perceived strength of our opposition. In our own lives, we are often called to "go in and speak" God's truth to challenging situations, whether it's confronting injustice, sharing the Gospel in hostile environments, or standing firm in our convictions amidst cultural pressure. This verse encourages us to act courageously as God's messengers, knowing that the authority and power behind our mission are divine. It offers profound hope, assuring us that God's plans for liberation—whether from personal sin, societal oppression, or spiritual bondage—will ultimately be accomplished through His persistent and sovereign will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does God reiterate His command to Moses after previous failures?
God reiterates His command to Moses in Exodus 6:11 for several crucial reasons, demonstrating His divine character and strategic intent. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering purpose and commitment to His covenant promises, making it clear that His plan for Israel's liberation is immutable, regardless of initial setbacks or human resistance. This re-affirmation serves to establish God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances and rulers, including Pharaoh. Secondly, it functions as a profound act of reassurance and empowerment for Moses. Moses was deeply discouraged by Pharaoh's increased oppression and his own perceived inadequacy, even questioning God's effectiveness in Exodus 5:22-23. God's repeated command is an act of divine persistence, reinforcing Moses's mission and reminding him that the power behind the command is God's, not his own. Finally, it emphasizes the divine initiative in the entire Exodus narrative, making it clear that the deliverance is entirely God's work, executed through His chosen, albeit reluctant, servant, thereby magnifying His glory.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 6:11, with its urgent command for liberation from oppressive bondage, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God commanded Moses to lead Israel out of physical slavery in Egypt, so too does God, through His Son, command and accomplish the spiritual liberation of humanity from the far more pervasive and deadly bondage of sin and death. Moses, as the one sent to speak truth to power and lead God's people to freedom, serves as a powerful type of Christ, the greater Deliverer who confronts the ultimate oppressor, Satan, and secures eternal freedom for all who believe. The "going out" from Pharaoh's land foreshadows the "going out" from the dominion of darkness into the glorious light of God's kingdom, a deliverance fully realized through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection (Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 2:14-15). Jesus is the One who truly "lets His people go out" from spiritual captivity, leading them not to an earthly promised land, but to eternal life and fellowship with God (John 8:36).