Exodus 6:28

KJV

And it came to pass on the day [when] the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the day {H3117} when the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714},

Complete Jewish Bible

On the day when ADONAI spoke to Moshe in the land of Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

Now on the day that the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the day when Jehovah spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Exodus 6:28](/exodus/6-28 "Exodus 6:28 KJV") serves as a pivotal narrative transition, marking the precise moment when the LORD, Yahweh, resumed direct communication with Moses in the land of Egypt. This verse signals the conclusion of a detailed genealogical interlude and re-establishes the divine initiative and authority behind the impending confrontation with Pharaoh and the liberation of Israel from bondage, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Exodus.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows an extensive genealogical record (specifically [Exodus 6:14-27](/exodus/6-14 "The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron")) that meticulously traces the lineage of key figures, particularly Moses and Aaron. This seemingly abrupt interlude serves to establish their legitimate credentials and priestly heritage before God's renewed commission. By stating, "And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt," the narrative swiftly shifts focus back to the unfolding drama of Israel's liberation. It sets the stage for the intensified divine instructions and the subsequent confrontations with Pharaoh, reminding the reader that the entire Exodus narrative is driven by direct divine initiative and sovereign purpose, even amidst the oppression in Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Exodus 6:28](/exodus/6-28 "Exodus 6:28 KJV") is a concise yet powerful statement that re-orients the reader to the central divine-human interaction driving the Exodus narrative:

* **"And it came to pass"**: The Hebrew phrase *vayhi* (וַיְהִי) is a common narrative device in the Old Testament, often translated as "and it happened" or "now it came about." Its use here signals a significant event or a transition to a new, crucial phase of the story. It emphasizes that the following action is divinely ordained and part of God's unfolding plan, not a random occurrence.
* **"on the day"**: This specific temporal marker underscores the precise timing of God's renewed communication. It highlights God's sovereignty over time and circumstances, indicating that His plan unfolds according to His perfect schedule, even when human perception suggests delay or difficulty.
* **"the LORD spake unto Moses"**: This is the core of the verse. **"the LORD"** refers to the covenant name of God, *YHWH* (often transliterated as Yahweh), first revealed to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "God Reveals His Name to Moses")). The use of *YHWH* here emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship with Israel and His unwavering faithfulness to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Exodus 6:4](/exodus/6-4 "God's Covenant with the Patriarchs")). It signifies God's self-existent, eternal nature and His active involvement in the affairs of His people. **"spake"** signifies direct divine communication, highlighting God's active engagement with humanity. God is not distant or silent but intimately involved, communicating His will and purpose to His chosen mediator. This reaffirms Moses' unique role as the recipient of divine revelation. **"unto Moses"** reiterates Moses' central role as God's chosen instrument for leading Israel. Despite Moses' initial reluctance ([Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses' Hesitation") and [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' Plea")), God continues to speak to and through him, reaffirming his divine mandate for the challenging task ahead.
* **"in the land of Egypt"**: This crucial detail reminds the reader that God's communication and action are occurring within the very heart of the oppressive environment. It underscores God's immanence and His power to intervene directly in human history, even amidst the most severe bondage and resistance from Pharaoh. God's presence and authority are not limited by geographical or political boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Initiative and Revelation:** God consistently initiates communication with humanity, revealing His will and purpose. This verse highlights His active engagement in history, speaking directly to His chosen servant, Moses, to bring about His redemptive plan.
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The use of the divine name "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, particularly His pledge to deliver their descendants from bondage and bring them to the Promised Land ([Exodus 6:4-5](/exodus/6-4 "God Remembers His Covenant")).
* **God's Sovereignty and Timing:** The phrase "on the day" reinforces that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing and sovereign control, even when circumstances appear bleak or delayed. He acts decisively and purposefully.
* **Moses' Reaffirmed Commission:** This verse underscores the ongoing nature of Moses' divine mandate. Despite the preceding challenges and Pharaoh's hardened heart, God continues to empower and instruct Moses for the immense task of leading a nation.
* **God's Presence in Oppression:** The specific mention of "in the land of Egypt" demonstrates God's immanence and His ability to work powerfully within the very heart of human suffering and oppression, bringing about liberation from within.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 6:28](/exodus/6-28 "Exodus 6:28 KJV") offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the world, speaking and acting in history. Just as He took the initiative to speak to Moses in a time of great oppression, He continues to communicate with His people, primarily through His written Word and the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of listening for God's voice and trusting in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem dire or His promises appear delayed. It also reassures us that God is sovereign over all situations, including those that feel overwhelming, and that He equips those He calls for the work He has prepared for them, demonstrating His steadfastness in bringing about His redemptive purposes.

### FAQ
**Why does the narrative include a lengthy genealogy (Exodus 6:14-27) immediately before this verse?**

Answer: The genealogy serves a crucial purpose by establishing the legitimate lineage and credentials of Moses and Aaron, particularly their priestly heritage. It provides a foundation for their authority and role as God's chosen leaders, ensuring the reader understands their background before God's renewed commission for the Exodus.

**What is the significance of God being referred to as "the LORD" (YHWH) in this context?**

Answer: "The LORD" (Hebrew: *YHWH*, often pronounced Yahweh) is God's personal covenant name, first revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Its use here emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His active, self-existent nature. It assures Israel that the God who is speaking is the same faithful God who promised their deliverance.

**Why is it important that God spoke to Moses "in the land of Egypt"?**

Answer: This detail highlights God's immanence and His sovereign power to act directly within the very heart of human oppression. It demonstrates that God's presence and authority are not limited by the circumstances of bondage or the power of Pharaoh, but that He is actively working to bring about deliverance even from within the enemy's territory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 6:28](/exodus/6-28 "Exodus 6:28 KJV") foreshadows the ultimate divine communication and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as God spoke to Moses to initiate Israel's liberation from Egypt, God has spoken His final and most complete word to humanity through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "God Speaks Through His Son")). Christ is the ultimate "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1 "The Word Became Flesh")), who came into the "land of Egypt" of our sin and bondage to deliver us. Moses was a mediator of the Old Covenant, but Christ is the mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")), fulfilling God's promise of complete redemption and bringing His people out of the slavery of sin into true freedom.

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.