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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 7:1–7.
Here, I. God encourages Moses to go to Pharaoh, and at last silences all his discouragements. 1. He clothes him with great power and authority (Exo 7:1): I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; that is, my representative in this affair, as magistrates are called gods, because they are God's viceregents. He was authorized to speak and act in God's name and stead, and, under the divine direction, was endued with a divine power to do that which is above the ordinary power of nature, and invested with a divine authority to demand obedience from a sovereign prince and punish disobedience. Moses was a god, but he was only a made god, not essentially one by nature; he was no god but by commission. He was a god, but he was a god only to Pharaoh; the living and true God is a God to all the world. It is an instance of God's condescension, and an evidence that his thoughts towards us are thoughts of peace, that when he treats with men he treats by men, whose terror shall not make us afraid. 2. He again nominates him an assistant, his brother Aaron, who was not a man of uncircumcised lips, but a notable spokesman: "He shall be thy prophet," that is, "he shall speak from thee to Pharaoh, as prophets do from God to the children of men. Thou shalt, as a god, inflict and remove the plagues, and Aaron, as a prophet, shall denounce them, and threaten Pharaoh with them." 3. He tells him the worst of it, that Pharaoh would not hearken to him, and yet the work should be done at last, Israel should be delivered and God therein would be glorified, Exo 7:4, Exo 7:5. The Egyptians, who would not know the Lord, should be made to know him. Note, It is, and ought to be, satisfaction enough to God's messengers that, whatever contradiction and opposition may be given them, thus far they shall gain their point, that God will be glorified in the success of their embassy, and all his chosen Israel will be saved, and then they have no reason to say that they have laboured in vain. See here, (1.) How God glorifies himself; he makes people know that he is Jehovah. Israel is made to know it by the performance of his promises to them (Exo 6:3), and the Egyptians are made to know it by the pouring out of his wrath upon them. Thus God's name is exalted both in those that are saved and in those that perish. (2.) What method he takes to do this: he humbles the proud, and exalts the poor, Luk 1:51, Luk 1:52. If God stretch out his hand to sinners in vain, he will at last stretch out his hand upon them; and who can bear the weight of it?
II.Moses and Aaron apply themselves to their work without further objection:
They did as the Lord commanded them, Exo 7:6. Their obedience, all things considered, was well worthy to be celebrated, as it is by the Psalmist (Psa 105:28), They rebelled not against his word, namely, Moses and Aaron, whom he mentions, v. 26. Thus Jonah, though at first he was very averse, at length went to Nineveh. Notice is taken of the age of Moses and Aaron when they undertook this glorious service. Aaron the elder (and yet the inferior in office) was eighty-three, Moses was eighty; both of them men of great gravity and experience, whose age was venerable, and whose years might teach wisdom, v. 7. Joseph, who was to be only a servant to Pharaoh, was preferred at thirty years old; but Moses, who was to be a god to Pharaoh, was not so dignified until he was eighty years old. It was fit that he should long wait for such an honour, and be long in preparing for such a service.
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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). 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). 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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why did God need Aaron to speak if He could empower Moses directly?
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) 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?
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?
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). 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 and John 1:14). 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 and John 12:49-50). 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 and Colossians 1:13-14). 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).