Exodus 7:10

KJV

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} went in {H935} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, and they did {H6213} so as the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680}: and Aaron {H175} cast down {H7993} his rod {H4294} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}, and before {H6440} his servants {H5650}, and it became a serpent {H8577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe and Aharon went in to Pharaoh and did this, as ADONAI had ordered -Aharon threw down his staff in front of Pharaoh and his servants, and it turned into a snake.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent.

American Standard Version

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so, as Jehovah had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a pivotal confrontation within Pharaoh's court, Moses and Aaron faithfully execute the LORD's command. Aaron casts his rod before Pharaoh and his officials, and it undergoes a miraculous transformation into a formidable serpent. This initial sign serves as a profound demonstration of the LORD's supreme authority and power, directly challenging the perceived divinity of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, while simultaneously authenticating Moses' divine commission to liberate the enslaved Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the immediate fulfillment of the LORD's explicit instructions given to Moses and Aaron in [Exodus 7:8-9](/exodus/7-8-9 "God's instructions to Moses and Aaron for the sign"). Having received their divine mandate, Moses and Aaron enter the very heart of Egyptian power, Pharaoh's royal court, to deliver God's message and perform the commanded sign. This dramatic event is not an isolated incident but the opening salvo in a protracted spiritual and political struggle. It directly precedes the escalating series of [divine judgments known as the plagues](/exodus/7-14 "The beginning of the Plagues on Egypt"), which God orchestrates to compel Pharaoh to release the enslaved Israelites. The narrative meticulously details the obedience of God's messengers and the immediate, powerful demonstration of His sovereignty over all earthly powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, an embodiment of the gods, particularly Ra or Horus. His authority was absolute, and his court was the epicenter of power and religious belief. Magic and sorcery were integral to Egyptian religious practice, with court magicians (like Jannes and Jambres, referenced in 2 Timothy 3:8) serving as interpreters of divine will and wielders of supernatural power. Serpents, especially the uraeus (a stylized cobra) worn on Pharaoh's crown, were potent symbols of royal and divine authority, protection, and destruction. Therefore, God's choice to transform Aaron's rod into a *tannîyn* (a large, formidable serpent or dragon) was a direct, culturally resonant challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the efficacy of his magicians' powers, asserting the LORD's superior sovereignty on Egypt's own symbolic ground.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's rod becomes a serpent") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it powerfully establishes the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating the LORD's absolute authority over all creation, human rulers, and false gods. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authentication**, as the miracle serves as irrefutable proof of Moses and Aaron's divine commission, validating them as God's chosen representatives before both Pharaoh and the Israelites. Thirdly, it initiates the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, portraying the confrontation not merely as a political struggle but as a direct challenge to the gods of Egypt and the demonic influences behind Pharaoh's resistance. Finally, the verse highlights the critical importance of **Obedience** to God's specific commands, as Moses and Aaron's faithful execution of instructions leads directly to the manifestation of God's power, setting the stage for Israel's ultimate [deliverance from bondage](/exodus/14-30 "Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Aaron (Hebrew, _ʼAhărôwn'_):** Derived from uncertain origins, Aaron is identified as Moses' older brother and designated spokesman. In this context, his role is crucial as the one physically performing the commanded sign, highlighting his direct involvement in God's plan and his position as a divinely appointed representative.
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This term refers to a staff or branch, often symbolizing authority, a shepherd's tool, or a weapon. Here, it is an ordinary object that becomes an extraordinary instrument of divine power, underscoring that God can use the mundane to achieve the miraculous and that true authority stems from Him.
* **Serpent (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** More than a common snake, _tannîyn_ denotes a large marine or land monster, a sea-serpent, or a dragon. This choice of word emphasizes the formidable, awe-inspiring, and potentially terrifying nature of the transformation, signifying a creature of immense power and challenging the Egyptian symbols of authority and chaos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh":** This clause signifies a direct and audacious confrontation. Moses and Aaron, two enslaved Israelites, boldly enter the court of the most powerful ruler of their time, acting as emissaries of a higher authority, the LORD. Their entry marks the beginning of the divine challenge to Pharaoh's dominion.
* **"and they did so as the LORD had commanded":** This phrase is crucial, emphasizing the immediate and faithful obedience of Moses and Aaron. It underscores that the ensuing miracle is not a human trick or a display of their own power, but a direct result of their adherence to God's specific instructions, thus validating the divine origin of the sign.
* **"and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants":** The act of casting down the rod is a deliberate, public demonstration. It occurs in the presence of Pharaoh and his entire court, ensuring that the miracle is witnessed by all the key figures of Egyptian power, leaving no room for doubt about its occurrence or its intended audience.
* **"and it became a serpent":** This is the climactic moment of the verse. The ordinary rod transforms into a _tannîyn_, a fearsome and powerful creature. This instantaneous and miraculous metamorphosis serves as the initial, undeniable proof of the LORD's power, directly challenging Pharaoh's authority and the efficacy of Egyptian magic.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's rod becomes a serpent") is rich with **Symbolism**. The "rod" itself is a potent symbol of authority, both human (a shepherd's staff, a king's scepter) and divine (God's instrument). Its transformation into a "serpent" (specifically, a _tannîyn_ or dragon) carries significant symbolic weight, directly challenging the Egyptian use of serpent imagery (like the uraeus on Pharaoh's crown) as symbols of royal and divine power. This act is a direct declaration of the LORD's superior power over all Egyptian deities and their earthly representative, Pharaoh. The event also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the escalating conflict and the ten plagues that will follow, each designed to demonstrate God's sovereignty over specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon. The immediate, miraculous nature of the transformation creates a moment of intense **Dramatic Irony**, as Pharaoh and his court, initially dismissive, are about to witness a power far beyond their comprehension or control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational event in Exodus unequivocally declares the LORD's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to humble the proudest rulers and dismantle human systems of oppression. It establishes that God's power is not confined by human limitations or earthly authority, but transcends all, capable of transforming the ordinary into the miraculous to achieve His divine purposes. The faithfulness of Moses and Aaron in executing God's specific, seemingly audacious, command underscores that divine power is often manifested through human obedience, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This miracle served as irrefutable proof of Moses and Aaron's divine commission, authenticating them as God's chosen representatives before Pharaoh and the Israelites, and initiating a spiritual battle that challenged the gods of Egypt, asserting the LORD's supremacy over all idolatry and demonic influence.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21-22 "How to discern a true prophet")
* [1 Kings 18:20-40](/1_kings/18-20-40 "Elijah and the prophets of Baal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's rod becomes a serpent") offers enduring lessons for believers today, powerfully illustrating God's absolute authority and His capacity to overcome any human resistance or perceived obstacle. Just as He equipped Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh, God empowers His people to face their own challenges, demonstrating His might through their faithful obedience. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ability to work miracles in seemingly impossible situations and to walk confidently in His commands, knowing that His glory will be revealed through our faithfulness. It reminds us that our obedience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can become the conduit for God's mighty acts, leading to ultimate deliverance, just as He delivered Israel from [slavery in Egypt](/exodus/14-30 "Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea"). We are called to stand firm in our faith, even when confronted by overwhelming worldly power, knowing that the LORD is sovereign over all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to obey God's commands, even if they seem audacious or impossible?**
* **How does the demonstration of God's power over Pharaoh encourage you to trust Him with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your own life?**
* **What "rods" (ordinary objects, talents, or resources) has God given you that He might want to transform and use for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose a serpent for this sign?**

Answer: The choice of a serpent (or *tannîyn*, a large, formidable reptile or dragon) was highly significant and strategically chosen for its cultural and religious resonance in ancient Egypt. Serpents were prominent in Egyptian iconography, often associated with royalty (like the uraeus, the stylized cobra on Pharaoh's crown, symbolizing divine protection and destructive power) and divine authority. By transforming Aaron's rod into a *tannîyn*, God directly challenged Pharaoh's perceived divine authority and the power of Egypt's gods on their own symbolic ground, demonstrating the LORD's superior power over all their deities and symbols. It was a direct assault on the very foundations of Egyptian religious and political power.

**What was the primary purpose of this initial sign?**

Answer: The primary purpose of this sign was multifaceted: primarily, to authenticate Moses and Aaron as God's true messengers before Pharaoh and his court, thereby validating their divine commission. Secondly, it served as a powerful demonstration of the LORD's supreme power and authority over all creation and earthly rulers, directly challenging Pharaoh's stubborn will and the perceived might of Egypt's gods. It was the opening move in God's plan to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, initiating a series of escalating judgments designed to reveal God's glory and unique identity to both Egyptians and Israelites, proving that He alone is the true God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic transformation of Aaron's rod into a formidable serpent, symbolizing God's power overcoming earthly and demonic authority, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's absolute power and authority, not merely over human rulers and their symbols, but over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of darkness, which are often symbolized by serpents in biblical narrative (e.g., the ancient serpent in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium: Enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring") and [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "The great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan")). Christ's miracles, His victory on the cross, and His glorious resurrection are the definitive demonstrations of God's sovereignty, achieving the ultimate deliverance for humanity from the bondage of sin and death, far surpassing Israel's physical liberation from Egypt. He is the true and greater Moses, as highlighted in [Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Jesus greater than Moses"), wielding all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.")) to lead His people to eternal freedom and a new covenant relationship with God ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Set free from sin, enslaved to God")).

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 4:3

And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Amos 9:3

And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.