Exodus 7:2

KJV

Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt speak {H1696} all that I command {H6680} thee: and Aaron {H175} thy brother {H251} shall speak {H1696} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, that he send {H7971} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} out of his land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to say everything I order you, and Aharon your brother is to speak to Pharaoh and tell him to let the people of Isra'el leave his land.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:2 articulates God's precise instructions to Moses, reaffirming his role as the primary recipient of divine revelation and the designated communicator of God’s will. Crucially, it reiterates Aaron’s appointment as Moses’ spokesman, specifically tasked with conveying the divine demand to Pharaoh. This verse establishes the immediate divine objective: to compel the Egyptian monarch to release the Israelite people from their oppressive bondage, thereby initiating the climactic confrontation that will culminate in their miraculous liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the book of Exodus. It immediately follows God's detailed reaffirmation of Moses' divine commission and the promise of miraculous signs to authenticate his message before Pharaoh (Exodus 6:28-7:1). Having addressed Moses' initial hesitations and provided Aaron as his "prophet" (Exodus 7:1), the narrative now shifts from preparation and commissioning to direct action. Exodus 7:2 serves as the launchpad for the unfolding drama of the plagues, marking the transition from internal divine dialogue and prophetic equipping to the external confrontation with the most powerful ruler of the ancient world. It sets the stage for the direct clash between God's sovereign will and Pharaoh's hardened heart, which will dominate the subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in history, Egypt was a dominant world power, and its pharaoh was considered a divine king, an embodiment of the gods. The Israelites were enslaved, a vast workforce essential to Egypt's economy and infrastructure. The idea of a foreign deity challenging Pharaoh's authority and demanding the release of his slaves would have been utterly unthinkable and deeply offensive to Egyptian religious and political sensibilities. Furthermore, the concept of a "spokesman" was not uncommon in ancient courts, where kings often communicated through intermediaries. Aaron's role as Moses' mouthpiece would have been culturally intelligible, even if the divine authority behind their message was revolutionary. The land ("his land") refers to Egypt, a fertile and powerful nation that had held Israel captive for centuries, making the demand for their departure a profound challenge to Pharaoh's sovereignty.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as God unequivocally declares His command and purpose, demonstrating His ultimate control over human rulers and nations. The provision of Aaron highlights **Divine Provision and Empowerment**, showing God's grace in equipping His servants to overcome their perceived weaknesses (as seen in Moses' earlier reluctance in [Exodus 4:10-16](/exodus/4-10-16 "Moses' Objections and God's Response")). It also introduces the theme of **Confrontation Between Divine Power and Worldly Authority**, setting the stage for the series of plagues that will systematically dismantle Pharaoh's power and the gods of Egypt (as described in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Judgment on the Gods of Egypt")). Finally, the explicit goal of releasing "the children of Israel" reaffirms God's unwavering **Covenant Faithfulness** to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 7:2 is a concise yet powerful declaration of divine authority, delegation, and purpose, setting the stage for the dramatic events to follow.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) primarily means "to arrange" or "to speak." In this context, it signifies the act of uttering words, communicating a message, or declaring a command. For Moses, it means to receive and articulate God's precise instructions. For Aaron, it means to be the vocal instrument through which those divine commands are conveyed to Pharaoh. The repetition of this word for both Moses and Aaron underscores the critical importance of verbal communication in the divine plan.
* **command (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This root (H6680) means "to constitute" or "to enjoin," often used intensively to mean "to give a charge" or "to command." It denotes an authoritative directive, an order that must be obeyed. When God "commands" Moses, it implies an unalterable, comprehensive, and binding instruction that leaves no room for human discretion or alteration. This highlights God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable nature of His will.
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it refers to the act of Pharaoh releasing or dispatching the Israelites from his land. The use of this word implies a decisive, complete, and irreversible departure. It is the ultimate objective of God's confrontation with Pharaoh, signifying the end of Israel's bondage and the beginning of their journey to freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt speak all that I command thee:"** This opening clause firmly establishes Moses' primary role as God's prophet and the direct recipient of divine revelation. The emphasis on "all" (כֹּל, _kol_) underscores the comprehensive and unalterable nature of God's instructions. Moses is not to filter, edit, or selectively deliver God's message; he is to be a faithful and precise conduit of the divine word, transmitting every detail as commanded. This highlights the integrity and authority of God's communication.
* **"and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh,"** This phrase confirms the divine provision and delegation of roles. Recognizing Moses' earlier concerns about his speech, God graciously appoints Aaron, his biological brother, as his designated spokesman. Aaron's task is specific: to articulate the divine demands directly to Pharaoh. This partnership demonstrates God's willingness to equip His servants with complementary gifts and support, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled despite human limitations. Aaron acts as Moses' "mouth," or "prophet," as described in the preceding verse.
* **"that he send the children of Israel out of his land."** This final clause clearly states the ultimate divine objective and the driving force behind the impending confrontation. The phrase "children of Israel" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, _bênê Yisrâʼêl_) emphasizes their identity as God's covenant people, descendants of Jacob (Israel). The demand for Pharaoh to "send" them "out of his land" (מֵאַרְצוֹ, _mêʼartsô_) signifies a complete and decisive liberation from Egyptian dominion and geographical territory. This is not a request but a divine imperative, setting the stage for the miraculous Exodus and reaffirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:2 employs several key literary devices. **Delegation** is central, as God explicitly outlines the distinct yet complementary roles for Moses (receiving the command) and Aaron (speaking to Pharaoh). This highlights God's strategic planning and His method of working through human agents. The phrase "all that I command thee" exemplifies **Divine Mandate**, emphasizing the absolute authority and comprehensive nature of God's word, which is to be delivered without alteration. The verse also functions as a powerful moment of **Anticipation**, building suspense for the direct confrontation with Pharaoh, which has been long foretold and prepared for. Furthermore, it contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the explicit statement of Israel's ultimate release hints at the series of miraculous events—the plagues—that God will use to compel Pharaoh's hand and fulfill His promise of liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:2 serves as a pivotal statement of God's sovereign will and His commitment to covenant promises. It underscores the principle that God's word is authoritative, complete, and must be delivered faithfully by His chosen messengers. The provision of Aaron for Moses illustrates God's grace in empowering and equipping His servants, often through complementary partnerships, to fulfill His divine purposes despite human weaknesses. This verse initiates the direct clash between the omnipotent God and the seemingly insurmountable power of Pharaoh, setting the stage for a dramatic demonstration of God's supremacy over all earthly rulers and false deities, ultimately leading to the liberation of His people for His glory and their worship.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "God will raise up a Prophet like Moses") - God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, emphasizing the importance of a faithful messenger.
* [Jeremiah 1:7-9](/jeremiah/1-7-9 "God's Commission to Jeremiah") - God commissions Jeremiah, putting His words in his mouth, echoing the principle of divine utterance through a chosen vessel.
* [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission") - Jesus commands His disciples to teach "all that I have commanded you," reflecting the comprehensive nature of divine instruction.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:2 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. We are called to be faithful stewards and communicators of God's truth, recognizing that we are conduits, not originators, of His divine message. Just as God provided Aaron to compensate for Moses' perceived inadequacy, He graciously equips us with the necessary gifts, resources, and even other individuals to fulfill His calling, especially when we feel unqualified or overwhelmed. Our perceived weaknesses do not hinder God's grand plan; rather, they can become platforms for His power to be displayed. The daunting confrontation with Pharaoh was part of God's larger purpose to demonstrate His power and liberate His people. Similarly, the formidable challenges we face in our lives can be divinely orchestrated opportunities for God to work miraculously, reveal His glory, and advance His kingdom purposes. This verse encourages believers to embrace their roles in God's plan, to speak His truth boldly, and to trust in His provision, even when facing formidable opposition, knowing that His ultimate objective will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate to fulfill God's calling, and how might God be providing an "Aaron" to assist you?**
* **How does the command "all that I command thee" challenge you to be more faithful and comprehensive in your understanding and sharing of God's Word?**
* **What "Pharaohs" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing, and how can this verse encourage you to trust God's power to bring about His desired outcome?**

### FAQ
**Why did God need Aaron to speak if He could empower Moses directly?**

Answer: God's provision of Aaron was not a sign of His inability to empower Moses directly, but rather an act of grace and a demonstration of His method of working through human partnership and complementary gifts. It addressed Moses' genuine concern about his eloquence (as expressed in [Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses' reluctance to speak")) and served to illustrate God's willingness to accommodate human limitations while still accomplishing His divine will. It also established a pattern of delegated authority and complementary roles within God's plan, showing that God often uses a team to achieve His purposes, rather than relying solely on one individual.

**What does "all that I command thee" imply about divine revelation?**

Answer: This phrase implies that divine revelation is comprehensive, authoritative, and to be received and transmitted precisely as given. It underscores the importance of faithfulness in handling God's word, emphasizing that prophets and messengers are not to add to, subtract from, or alter the divine message. It speaks to the integrity and completeness of God's communication to humanity, establishing a precedent for the inerrancy and sufficiency of His revealed Word. This principle is foundational to the concept of biblical authority.

**Is Pharaoh's release of Israel solely due to the plagues, or is there a deeper reason?**

Answer: While the plagues were the immediate and powerful means by which God compelled Pharaoh to release Israel, the deeper and ultimate reason for Israel's liberation was God's unwavering covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). The plagues served multiple purposes: they were a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over all creation and all earthly powers, revealing His glory to both Israel and Egypt. They systematically dismantled the authority of the Egyptian gods, proving that Yahweh alone is the true God who delivers His people, ultimately fulfilling His redemptive plan for His chosen nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:2, with its emphasis on God's precise command to Moses and the delegation of a spokesman to Pharaoh, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Moses was commanded to speak "all that I command thee," Jesus perfectly embodies and articulates the Father's will, being the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")). He is the ultimate Prophet, who perfectly delivers God's message, not merely as a conduit, but as the divine Son who declares what He has seen and heard from the Father ([John 8:26](/john/8-26 "Jesus speaks what He has heard from the Father") and [John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "Jesus speaks as the Father commanded")). Furthermore, just as this verse points to the liberation of Israel from Pharaoh's oppressive bondage, Christ is the ultimate Liberator who sets humanity free from the far greater bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life") and [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from darkness into the kingdom of His Son")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial work on the cross, Jesus fulfills God's eternal purpose, securing a spiritual exodus for all who believe, leading them into true freedom and life in His kingdom ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Christ has set us free")).

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 4:15

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

Exodus 6:29

That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I [am] the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.

Acts 20:27

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

1 Kings 22:14

And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.