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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 7:5 articulates God's explicit and profound purpose for the impending plagues upon Egypt: to compel the Egyptians to experientially "know that I am the LORD." Through a series of powerful, supernatural judgments against their land and deities, culminating in the miraculous liberation of the enslaved Israelites, God intended to unequivocally reveal His unique identity, supreme power, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, thereby establishing His absolute sovereignty over all nations and demonstrating His active, decisive involvement in human history.
Context
Literary Context
This verse stands as a declarative statement of divine intent, strategically placed by the author of Exodus immediately before the commencement of the ten plagues. Moses and Aaron have just confronted Pharaoh (recounted in Exodus 5 and Exodus 6), demanding the release of the Israelites, only to be met with hardened resistance and increased oppression. God had already revealed His covenant name, Yahweh, to Moses in Exodus 3:13-15, promising to deliver His people. Here, in Exodus 7, God declares that the Egyptians, too, will be forced to acknowledge His unique identity and power through the unfolding events, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the Lord and the gods of Egypt.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, worshipping a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses associated with various aspects of nature, life, and the cosmos. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine being, a living god, the son of Ra. The Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, was deified, and various animals were held sacred. In this context, God's declaration that the Egyptians "shall know that I am the LORD" is a direct challenge to their entire religious and political worldview. The plagues, as they unfold, are not random acts of destruction but targeted judgments against specific Egyptian deities and the very fabric of their society, designed to dismantle their false beliefs and demonstrate Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy.
Key Themes
Exodus 7:5 powerfully encapsulates several central themes of the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty, asserting God's absolute control over creation, nations, and human history, even over the hardened heart of a powerful ruler like Pharaoh (as seen in Exodus 9:16). Closely related is the theme of God's Self-Revelation, where God makes Himself known not just through words, but through powerful, undeniable acts of judgment and deliverance. The verse also highlights the Conflict Between Yahweh and False Gods, setting the stage for a cosmic battle that exposes the impotence of Egypt's deities. Finally, it underscores the twin themes of Judgment and Deliverance, as God's actions serve to punish Egypt for its oppression while simultaneously fulfilling His covenant promises to deliver Israel, His chosen people, as promised to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 7:5 states God's explicit purpose for the impending plagues: "And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." This declaration signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies an undeniable, experiential recognition of God's unique power and identity, forced upon a nation steeped in polytheism.
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies more than intellectual comprehension; it denotes an intimate, experiential, and often relational knowledge. In this context, it implies a forced, undeniable recognition of God's power and identity through direct observation of His actions. The Egyptians would not merely hear about the LORD, but would be compelled to acknowledge His reality and supremacy through the devastating impact of His judgments.
This is the sacred, covenant name of God, YHWH (Yahweh), derived from the verb "to be" and signifying the self-existent, eternal, and faithful God ("I AM WHO I AM" from Exodus 3:14). By declaring "I am the LORD," God asserts His unique identity as the one true, living God against the backdrop of Egyptian polytheism and their myriad impotent deities. This name underscores His active presence and unwavering commitment to His covenant.
In this anthropomorphic expression, "hand" symbolizes God's power, authority, and direct intervention. It represents the means by which God executes His will. The "stretching forth" of His hand denotes a forceful, irresistible display of divine might, indicating that God's actions are decisive and effective in bringing about both judgment upon Egypt and miraculous deliverance for Israel.
Verse Breakdown
"And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD"
This opening clause establishes the primary purpose of the impending divine actions. The "knowing" is not an optional intellectual exercise but a compelled, experiential recognition. Through the plagues, the Egyptians, who worshipped a pantheon of gods and regarded Pharaoh as divine, would be forced to confront the reality of Yahweh's unique and supreme existence, power, and authority. This statement is a profound theological assertion against polytheism.
"when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt"
This phrase describes the means by which the Egyptians will come to "know" the LORD. The "stretching forth of God's hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, signifying God's direct, active, and irresistible intervention. It refers to the series of devastating plagues that God would unleash upon Egypt, targeting their land, their people, and their false gods, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and history.
"and bring out the children of Israel from among them"
This final clause articulates the dual outcome of God's intervention. The plagues serve not only as judgment upon Egypt but also as the means of miraculous deliverance for the enslaved Israelites. God's mighty actions will fulfill His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, extracting His chosen people from the midst of their oppressors and establishing His faithfulness to His covenant.
Literary Devices
Exodus 7:5 employs several potent literary devices. Anthropomorphism is evident in the phrase "stretch forth mine hand," attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His active power and direct involvement in human affairs. The verse also utilizes Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of the plagues and the ultimate confrontation between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt. There is an inherent Irony in God's declaration: the very nation that oppressed His people and denied His existence would be forced to acknowledge Him through the very acts designed to liberate Israel. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Divine Oracle, a direct declaration from God Himself, emphasizing the certainty and intentionality of His plans.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is foundational for understanding God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to act decisively in human history, fulfilling His purposes despite human resistance. His actions serve a dual purpose: righteous judgment upon the oppressive and idolatrous nation of Egypt, and miraculous deliverance for His covenant people, Israel. This highlights God's justice and His redemptive love, revealing that His power is always directed toward His ultimate redemptive plan. The "knowledge" imparted to the Egyptians is not merely intellectual assent but a forced, experiential recognition of His unique identity and power, compelling them to confront the impotence of their false deities and acknowledge the one true God.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 7:5 serves as a profound reminder that God remains actively involved in the affairs of the world, even in times of profound oppression, injustice, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as He demonstrated His might to the Egyptians, He continues to reveal His character and power through His providential workings in history and in our personal lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan for deliverance and justice, recognizing that His actions often serve to bring about a greater knowledge of who He is, not only for His people but for the world around them. It assures us that God's power is sufficient to overcome any opposition, whether it be a hardened heart like Pharaoh's, systemic evils in society, or personal struggles. Our response should be to acknowledge His sovereignty, seek to know Him more deeply, and align our lives with His revealed will, confident that He is working all things for His glory and our good, even when His methods are mysterious or challenging.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God need to reveal Himself to the Egyptians?
God's revelation to the Egyptians served multiple, interconnected purposes. Firstly, it demonstrated His supreme power and authority over all other gods and earthly rulers, including Pharaoh, who was considered divine. This was crucial for both the Egyptians, who worshipped a vast pantheon of deities, and for the Israelites, who needed to see God's faithfulness and power to deliver them from centuries of bondage. It was a direct judgment against Egypt's pervasive idolatry and their cruel oppression of God's chosen people, forcing them to acknowledge the one true God. This display of power also served to glorify God's name throughout the earth, as implied in Exodus 9:16.
What is the significance of God stretching forth His hand?
The phrase "stretch forth mine hand" is a powerful anthropomorphism, a figure of speech attributing human characteristics to God. It signifies God's direct, active, and powerful intervention in human affairs. It conveys the irresistible nature of His might, indicating that His actions are decisive and effective in executing His will, whether in judgment or deliverance. This imagery emphasizes His personal involvement in the events, rather than a passive observation, highlighting His omnipotence and His commitment to His purposes. This divine "hand" is seen throughout the Exodus narrative, bringing both plagues and provision (e.g., Exodus 14:31).
Does "know that I am the LORD" imply the Egyptians would convert?
While some Egyptians may have come to believe in the LORD (as suggested by the "mixed multitude" that accompanied Israel in Exodus 12:38), the primary meaning of "know" (Hebrew: yâdaʻ) here is an undeniable, experiential recognition of God's power and sovereignty, rather than necessarily a saving faith leading to conversion. They would be forced to acknowledge His existence and supremacy through the devastating plagues, even if their hearts remained hardened against true worship. It was a compelled recognition of His divine reality and authority, demonstrating that Yahweh alone is God, superior to all their deities and their mighty Pharaoh.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 7:5, with its declaration of God's self-revelation through mighty acts of judgment and deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God revealed His identity and power to the Egyptians through the plagues and the liberation of Israel, so too in Christ, God fully reveals His character, His power over sin and death, and His comprehensive plan of salvation. The plagues, which brought judgment upon an oppressive system and liberated a people, foreshadow Christ's work on the cross, where He bore the ultimate judgment for humanity's sin, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through His death and glorious resurrection, Christ secured eternal deliverance for all who believe, setting them free from the bondage of sin and death (Romans 6:23). Thus, the world is called to "know that I am the LORD" not merely through terrifying displays of power, but preeminently through the transformative power of grace, truth, and sacrificial love embodied in Jesus, the very image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). In Him, the ultimate Exodus from spiritual slavery is accomplished, leading to an eternal inheritance in the true promised land (Hebrews 4:9-10).