Exodus 6:7

KJV

And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will take {H3947} you to me for a people {H5971}, and I will be to you a God {H430}: and ye shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, which bringeth {H3318} you out from under the burdens {H5450} of the Egyptians {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am ADONAI your God, who freed you from the forced labor of the Egyptians.

Berean Standard Bible

I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

American Standard Version

and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah your God, who bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:7 stands as a foundational declaration of God's covenant fidelity and redemptive purpose, delivered to Israel through Moses amidst their intense suffering in Egypt. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to sovereignly adopt Israel as His unique people, to establish an exclusive and intimate relationship as their God, and to powerfully demonstrate His divine identity and faithfulness through their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, leading them to an experiential and transformative knowledge of Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 6:7 is a pivotal statement within a broader divine revelation to Moses, following the initial, disheartening confrontation with Pharaoh. In [Exodus 5](/exodus/5 "Exodus 5 - Pharaoh's Refusal and Increased Oppression"), Pharaoh not only refused Moses' request but intensified the Israelites' forced labor, leading to their despair and complaints against Moses. This immediate backdrop highlights the dire circumstances and the profound need for divine intervention. God's response in [Exodus 6:1-8](/exodus/6-1-8 "God's Reassurance and Covenant Promises") serves as a powerful reassurance, reaffirming His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and detailing His resolute plan for deliverance. Verse 7, in particular, articulates the core of the covenant relationship God intends to establish, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of His commitment ("I will take you... I will be to you") and the experiential outcome ("ye shall know"). It sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the plagues and the exodus, which will serve as the tangible proof of God's identity and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Exodus 6, the Israelites had endured generations of brutal slavery under the oppressive regime of the Egyptian pharaohs. This historical reality meant they were a subjugated people, stripped of their national identity and religious freedom, forced to build monumental structures for their captors. Culturally, Egypt was a polytheistic society, worshipping a vast pantheon of gods, with Pharaoh himself often regarded as a divine figure. The Israelites, though descendants of Abraham who knew of YHWH, had likely assimilated some Egyptian customs and may have struggled to maintain a pure monotheistic faith. The promise in Exodus 6:7 to "bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians" was not merely a promise of physical liberation but a profound act of national and spiritual re-formation. It meant extricating them from a system of idolatry and oppression to establish them as a distinct, holy nation uniquely bound to the one true God, YHWH, in a land of their own.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 6:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to the patriarchs, even when human circumstances seem to negate them. It underscores **Divine Election and Adoption**, as God sovereignly chooses and "takes" Israel as His own unique "people" (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel, a chosen people")). The verse also powerfully introduces the theme of **Redemption and Deliverance**, portraying God as the active liberator who intervenes with mighty power to free His people from bondage, a motif that resonates throughout biblical history. Crucially, it highlights the **Experiential Knowledge of God**, emphasizing that Israel's understanding of YHWH's true identity and character would come not through abstract theology, but through witnessing and participating in His mighty acts of salvation. This knowledge is inextricably linked to the **Revelation of God's Name (YHWH)**, which signifies His self-existence, covenant-keeping nature, and active presence among His people, as first revealed in [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "God's Revelation of His Name, YHWH").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." In Exodus 6:7, it denotes God's sovereign and deliberate act of choosing and acquiring Israel as His own. It is an initiative of divine grace, not based on Israel's merit, but on God's prior covenant promises and His unchangeable will to establish a unique relationship. This "taking" is foundational to their identity as His treasured possession.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition)." Here, "know" implies far more than mere intellectual assent; it signifies a deep, intimate, and experiential understanding. Through God's mighty acts of deliverance, Israel would come to personally apprehend His character, power, and unwavering commitment, leading to a transformative relationship based on lived experience.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This proper noun, derived from the root "to be," refers to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." It is God's personal, covenant name, revealed to Moses as "I AM THAT I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God's Revelation of 'I AM'")). In Exodus 6:7, its use underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His unchanging nature, and His active, present involvement in fulfilling His promises to His people, distinguishing Him from all other gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will take you to me for a people":** This opening clause highlights God's sovereign initiative in establishing a unique relationship. It is an act of divine election and adoption, where God chooses Israel not based on their inherent worth, but by His gracious will, to be His distinct and treasured possession among all nations. This signifies the formation of a special, exclusive bond, setting Israel apart for God's divine purposes and establishing their identity as His own.
* **"and I will be to you a God":** This is the reciprocal and foundational promise of the covenant. God pledges His full divine presence, protection, provision, and guidance to Israel. It implies an exclusive relationship where Israel is called to worship and serve Him alone, acknowledging His supreme authority and faithfulness. This declaration establishes the very essence of their covenant bond, promising God's faithful presence and active involvement in their lives.
* **"and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD your God":** This clause emphasizes the experiential outcome of God's redemptive actions. The "knowing" (Hebrew: *yada'*) is not merely intellectual recognition but a deep, intimate, and transformative understanding of God's character and power, gained through personal encounter and observation of His mighty deeds. The phrase "the LORD your God" highlights the significance of His personal covenant name, YHWH, reinforcing His self-existence, eternality, and His active presence in fulfilling His promises specifically to *them*.
* **"which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians":** This final clause provides the tangible proof and the means by which Israel will "know" YHWH. It highlights God's active, powerful, and specific intervention to liberate His people. The deliverance is not achieved by human strength or cunning, but by divine might, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. This liberation serves as the ultimate validation of His identity as the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 6:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Covenant Formula**, encapsulated in the parallel structure "I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God." This succinct declaration is a hallmark of biblical covenants, establishing the reciprocal relationship between God and His chosen people. The verse also utilizes **Divine Speech/Oracle**, as it is a direct declaration from God to Moses, intended to reassure and instruct. There is a clear **Progression of Divine Action and Human Response**: God's initiative ("I will take," "I will be") leads to a transformative outcome for Israel ("ye shall know"), which is actualized through His powerful intervention ("which bringeth you out"). The phrase "burdens of the Egyptians" serves as **Symbolism** for oppression, slavery, and the futility of human effort against divine will, setting up a powerful **Antithesis** with God's act of "bringing out." This contrast underscores God's unparalleled power and His role as the ultimate Redeemer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:7 is a theological cornerstone, articulating the very essence of God's relationship with Israel and foreshadowing His broader redemptive plan for humanity. It powerfully reaffirms God's **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, even in the face of Israel's despair and Pharaoh's oppression. This verse underscores the concept of **Divine Election and Adoption**, where God sovereignly chooses and "takes" Israel as His unique people, not based on their merit but on His unmerited grace. This act of "taking" establishes a profound, exclusive, and mutual covenant bond, setting the stage for Israel's identity as a holy nation. The promise of deliverance from "the burdens of the Egyptians" establishes a foundational theme of **Redemption and Deliverance** through divine intervention, where God actively liberates His people from bondage, setting a pattern for future acts of salvation, culminating in Christ. Furthermore, the emphasis on "ye shall know that I am the LORD your God" highlights that true knowledge of God is experiential, gained through witnessing and participating in His mighty acts, revealing His character as the self-existent, covenant-keeping YHWH.

* [Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "God's Everlasting Covenant with Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel, a Holy People")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant - I Will Be Their God, and They Shall Be My People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:7 offers profound encouragement and enduring truth for believers today, echoing God's unchanging character and His enduring commitment to His people. Just as God promised to deliver Israel from their physical burdens and establish them as His own, He continues to deliver His people from spiritual, emotional, and even physical bondages in our contemporary world. This verse reminds us that God desires a deep, personal, and experiential relationship with us, promising to be our God and to take us as His own. Our challenges, difficulties, and moments of despair become opportunities for us to "know" Him more intimately, experiencing His faithfulness, power, and sovereignty firsthand. It reinforces the truth that [God is faithful to His promises](/deuteronomy/7-9 "God's Enduring Faithfulness"), even when circumstances seem bleak or human efforts fail. He is actively involved in bringing us out from under our burdens, demonstrating His love and power in our lives, and continually inviting us into a deeper, transformative knowledge of His divine nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing "burdens" from which you need God to "bring you out"?**
* **How does the promise "I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God" shape your understanding of your identity and relationship with God?**
* **What does it mean for you to "know" God experientially, and how can you cultivate a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Him in your daily life?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to Israel, how does this verse encourage you to trust God's promises in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the name "LORD" (YHWH) in this verse?**

Answer: The name "LORD" translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (Yahweh), which God revealed to Moses in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God's Revelation of 'I AM'") as "I AM THAT I AM." This name emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His active, faithful presence in fulfilling His covenant promises. In Exodus 6:7, it reinforces that the God who is about to deliver Israel is the same unchanging, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God who made promises to their forefathers, distinguishing Him from the false gods of Egypt.

**What does it mean for Israel to "know" the LORD?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "know" (*yada'*) implies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, extending far beyond mere intellectual understanding or factual information. Through His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites would not just hear about God, but would personally and profoundly experience and understand His character, power, and faithfulness. This knowledge would be transformative, cementing their identity as His people and their understanding of His divine nature, leading to worship and obedience. This concept of knowing God experientially is foundational throughout the Old Testament.

**How does "I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God" define the covenant relationship?**

Answer: This phrase encapsulates the very essence of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, often referred to as the "covenant formula." It signifies a profound, exclusive, and mutual commitment. God, in His sovereign grace, initiates the relationship by pledging to "take" them as His own unique people, promising His full divine presence, protection, and provision. In return, they are called to acknowledge Him as their exclusive God, to worship and serve Him alone, and to live as a distinct people set apart for His purposes. This promise echoes and expands upon [God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:7](/genesis/17-7 "God's Covenant with Abraham") and lays the theological groundwork for the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 6:7, with its profound themes of divine election, covenant relationship, and powerful deliverance, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God delivered Israel from physical bondage in Egypt, Christ delivers humanity from the far greater burden of sin and death, establishing a new and eternal covenant through His own blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through faith in Him, believers are not merely a chosen nation but are spiritually adopted into God's family, becoming His children and truly "His people" ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Children of God Through Faith in Christ")). The promise "I will be to you a God" is perfectly realized in Christ, who is God incarnate, dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the experiential knowledge of God promised in Exodus 6:7 is profoundly deepened in the New Covenant. We "know" God not just through His mighty acts of deliverance, but intimately through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who reveals the Father's love and character through Jesus ([John 14:7](/john/14-7 "Knowing the Father Through Jesus")). Christ is the ultimate "LORD your God" who brings His people out of the spiritual "Egypt" of sin and into the promised land of eternal life and communion with God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 29:13

That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and [that] he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 4:20

But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, [even] out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as [ye are] this day.

Exodus 29:45

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

Exodus 29:46

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.

Deuteronomy 26:18

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that [thou] shouldest keep all his commandments;

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.