Exodus 6:26

KJV

These [are] that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.

KJV (with Strong's)

These {H1931} are that Aaron {H175} and Moses {H4872}, to whom {H834} the LORD {H3068} said {H559}, Bring out {H3318} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} according to their armies {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the Aharon and Moshe to whom ADONAI said, "Bring the people of Isra'el out of the land of Egypt, division by division,"

Berean Standard Bible

It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”

American Standard Version

These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom Jehovah said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:26 functions as a crucial narrative interjection, strategically placed within the extensive genealogies to emphatically identify Moses and Aaron as the divinely chosen and commissioned leaders for the monumental task of liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This verse powerfully reaffirms their unique mandate and central role in God's meticulously orchestrated Exodus, underscoring that their authority to lead God's people out of slavery was directly bestowed by the LORD Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after a detailed genealogical record of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, culminating in the lineage of Moses and Aaron through Amram and Jochebed in [Exodus 6:14-25](/exodus/6-14-25 "The Genealogies of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi"). Rather than continuing with further ancestral lists, the text pauses to re-emphasize the identity and divine appointment of these two brothers. It serves as a narrative anchor, drawing the reader's attention back to the primary agents of God's deliverance and reinforcing their crucial role before the narrative proceeds with their further confrontations with Pharaoh. This interruption highlights the theological significance of their commission over mere biological succession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Exodus is set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, a dominant superpower of the Late Bronze Age, known for its highly centralized government, advanced infrastructure, and polytheistic religious system that deified Pharaoh. The Israelites, having multiplied significantly, had become a large, enslaved minority within this empire. Their forced labor, as described in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Israelites Enslaved in Egypt"), was crucial to Egyptian building projects. The cultural context includes the concept of divine kingship in Egypt, which stood in stark contrast to the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the one true God who calls and empowers human agents. The Exodus itself was a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and the power of the Egyptian gods, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader book and the Pentateuch. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, emphasizing that God Himself initiates and directs the liberation, choosing specific individuals for His purposes, as seen in [God's initial call to Moses at the burning bush](/exodus/3-10 "God's Call to Moses at the Burning Bush"). It also highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the command to "Bring out the children of Israel" is a direct fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to deliver their descendants and bring them to a land of their own ([Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's Covenant with Abram")). Furthermore, the phrase "according to their armies" introduces the theme of **Divine Order and Organization** in God's redemptive work, portraying Israel not as a chaotic mob, but as a divinely arrayed host, foreshadowing their identity as the "armies of the LORD" later in the narrative ([Exodus 12:41](/exodus/12-41 "The Departure of the Hosts of the LORD")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 6:26 provides a concise yet profound declaration, solidifying the identity and purpose of Moses and Aaron within the unfolding Exodus narrative. The verse acts as a powerful summary statement, drawing the reader's attention back to the central figures of God's deliverance and reiterating their divine mandate.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH), often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." Its use here (H3068) underscores that the command to bring Israel out of Egypt originates from the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant promises. It emphasizes divine authority and the personal involvement of the God of Israel in the liberation.
* **Bring out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3318) signifies "to go out" or, causatively, "to bring out." In this context, it denotes the act of leading forth, delivering, and causing to depart. It highlights the active, decisive nature of God's intervention through Moses and Aaron to extract Israel from their bondage, emphasizing a complete and definitive departure from Egypt.
* **armies (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This word (H6635) refers to a "mass of persons," especially those organized for war, an army, or a host. It can also imply service or a campaign. Here, it indicates that the Israelites were to leave Egypt not as a disorganized rabble, but as an organized, disciplined body, perhaps structured by clans or families, under divine direction. This term elevates their departure from a mere escape to a divinely ordered military-like procession, signifying God's meticulous planning and control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] that Aaron and Moses,"**: This opening phrase serves as an emphatic identification, linking directly back to the preceding genealogies. It declares with certainty that the individuals whose lineage has just been detailed are the very ones central to God's redemptive plan, setting them apart as the divinely appointed agents.
* **"to whom the LORD said,"**: This clause immediately establishes the source of their authority and mission. Their leadership is not self-proclaimed or humanly conferred, but directly commanded by Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. This highlights the divine initiative and underscores the absolute authority behind their actions.
* **"Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt"**: This is the core of their divine commission—the monumental task of liberating God's chosen people from their oppressive slavery. It encapsulates the central theme of the Exodus: God's deliverance of His covenant people from bondage to freedom, fulfilling His ancient promises.
* **"according to their armies."**: This concluding phrase describes the manner of their departure. The Hebrew *tsâbâʼ* (armies/hosts) implies an organized, disciplined, and purposeful exodus, rather than a chaotic flight. It suggests that Israel departed as a divinely arrayed multitude, prepared and led by God, foreshadowing their future identity as the "armies of the LORD" ([Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "The Departure of the Hosts of the LORD")) and their subsequent military campaigns.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. It functions as a **Narrative Interruption** or **Parenthesis**, breaking the genealogical flow to pivot the reader's focus and re-emphasize the divine commission of Moses and Aaron. This strategic placement serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting their unique and irreplaceable roles in God's plan. The explicit declaration "to whom the LORD said" is a clear instance of **Divine Command**, underscoring the absolute authority and origin of their mission. Furthermore, the phrase "according to their armies" can be seen as **Foreshadowing**, anticipating Israel's future identity as a divinely organized and disciplined people, prepared for both journey and conquest, and their role as the "hosts of the LORD" ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbering of Israel's Armies")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:26 profoundly encapsulates God's sovereign initiative in redemption, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, and the divine appointment of human agents to accomplish His purposes. It demonstrates that the liberation of Israel was not a happenstance event but a meticulously planned and divinely commanded act, executed through chosen leaders. The orderly departure "according to their armies" speaks to God's providential control over every detail, transforming a subjugated people into an organized "host" under His command, ready for their journey and future identity as His nation.

* [Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "God's Commission to Moses")
* [Exodus 12:51](/exodus/12-51 "The Departure of the Hosts of the LORD")
* [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "The Census of Israel's Armies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:26 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events and raising up leaders for His purposes. Just as He unequivocally called and empowered Moses and Aaron for the monumental task of leading Israel out of slavery, He continues to call and equip individuals today for various roles within His kingdom. This underscores the profound importance of discerning and submitting to divine authority, recognizing that true and effective leadership in God's work is not self-appointed but flows from His specific commission. The orderly nature of the Exodus, where Israel departed "according to their armies," also teaches us that God's plans are often executed with precision and order, even amidst challenging and seemingly chaotic circumstances. This encourages us to trust in His sovereign orchestration, to approach our own callings and tasks with diligence, discipline, and a reliance on His guidance, knowing that He is in control of the details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's direct commission to Moses and Aaron impact your understanding of leadership within the church or in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God leading His people "according to their armies" encourage you about His providential care and order, even in chaotic situations?**
* **How can you better discern and submit to God's specific callings in your own life, trusting that He will equip you for the tasks He sets before you?**

### FAQ
**Why does the text interrupt the genealogy with this statement?**

Answer: The interruption in [Exodus 6:26](/exodus/6-26 "Exodus 6:26 - Moses and Aaron's Commission") serves as a crucial narrative anchor and an emphatic declaration. Immediately after detailing the lineage of Moses and Aaron, the text pauses to re-emphasize their identity and, more importantly, their divine commission. It reminds the reader that these specific individuals, whose ancestry has just been established, are the very ones chosen by the LORD for the monumental task of leading Israel out of Egypt, thereby reinforcing their authority and the divine nature of the entire Exodus event. It shifts the focus from their biological heritage to their theological mandate.

**What is the significance of "according to their armies"?**

Answer: The phrase "according to their armies" (Hebrew: *tsâbâʼ*) signifies that the Israelites departed Egypt not as a disorganized rabble or a chaotic flight, but as an orderly, disciplined host, structured perhaps by families or clans, under God's direct command. This highlights God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over every aspect of the Exodus, from the plagues to the logistics of departure. It portrays Israel as a divinely organized body, prepared for their journey and their future role as God's people, foreshadowing their identity as the "armies of the LORD" ([Exodus 12:41](/exodus/12-41 "The Departure of the Hosts of the LORD")) and their disciplined structure in the wilderness ([Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "The Census of Israel's Armies")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:26, by identifying Moses and Aaron as divinely appointed deliverers, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron were commissioned by the LORD to lead Israel out of physical bondage in Egypt, Christ is divinely appointed by the Father to lead humanity out of spiritual bondage to sin and death ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")). He is the true and greater Prophet and Mediator, fulfilling and surpassing the roles of Moses and Aaron ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Jesus Greater Than Moses")). The orderly departure of Israel "according to their armies" can be seen as a type of the Church, the redeemed people of God, who are called out of darkness into light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race")) and march under Christ's supreme leadership. We, as His spiritual "army," are equipped for spiritual warfare ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "The Armor of God")) and are being led by Him towards our eternal inheritance in the heavenly Promised Land, demonstrating that our ultimate liberation, spiritual journey, and final rest are all orchestrated by the supreme authority of God's Son ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Entering God's Rest")).

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

Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

Exodus 7:4

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.

Exodus 12:17

And ye shall observe [the feast of] unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 6:13

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Numbers 33:1

¶ These [are] the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Psalms 99:6

¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.