Exodus 7:8

KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} spake {H559} unto Moses {H4872} and unto Aaron {H175}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe and Aharon,

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:8 marks a critical turning point in the confrontation between God and Pharaoh, as the Lord directly instructs Moses and Aaron to initiate the series of miraculous judgments, known as the Ten Plagues, which will ultimately secure the release of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

### CONTEXT
Exodus 7:8 serves as a pivotal transition point in the narrative of Moses and Aaron's confrontation with Pharaoh. Up to this point, Moses has repeatedly approached Pharaoh with God's demand to let the Israelites go, only to be met with defiance and increased oppression ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's initial defiance")). This verse marks the beginning of the Lord's direct instructions for the series of miraculous judgments that will ultimately compel Pharaoh to release God's people. It underscores that the ensuing events are not random acts, but divinely ordained interventions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 7:8 acts as a divine interlude, prefacing the dramatic escalation of God's confrontation with Pharaoh. Following repeated rejections of God's command to "let My people go" and the intensification of Israelite oppression ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Pharaoh's initial defiance")), this verse signals a shift from negotiation to direct divine intervention through miraculous signs and judgments.

The Hebrew phrase, "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron" (וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וְאֶל־אַהֲרֹן), employs the common verb *vayyomer* (and He said). This construction emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and unambiguous nature of God's communication. It leaves no doubt that the instructions that follow, beginning with the command in [Exodus 7:9](/exodus/7-9 "The command for the first sign"), originate unequivocally from the Lord Himself, underscoring His sovereign initiative.

* **Divine Initiative:** The phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron" profoundly emphasizes that the impending actions are solely initiated and directed by God. He is the ultimate actor, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and active involvement in human history.
* **Preparation for Judgment:** This verse serves as a crucial prelude, setting the stage for the powerful display of God's might against Egypt. It marks the transition from verbal demands to a series of divine judgments, signaling a new, more forceful phase of God's redemptive plan.
* **Moses and Aaron's Instrumental Role:** While God is the supreme orchestrator, Moses and Aaron are His chosen and indispensable instruments. They are the direct recipients of divine revelation and the agents through whom God's commands will be executed. Their obedience to these precise instructions, mirroring God's consistent pattern of guidance before significant actions (e.g., [Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "God's call to Moses at the burning bush")), is paramount for the unfolding of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Sovereignty and Active Presence:** The repetition of "the LORD spake" throughout Exodus highlights God's continuous, active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His ultimate control over history and His commitment to His covenant promises.
* **Divine Revelation and Obedience:** The verse underscores the necessity of divine communication for the execution of God's plan. Moses and Aaron's role is one of obedient reception and faithful execution, modeling the importance of listening to and acting upon God's word.
* **Justice and Deliverance:** This verse initiates the process of divine judgment against Egypt, not merely as punishment, but as a means to achieve the righteous deliverance of Israel, demonstrating God's dual attributes of justice and mercy.
* **Preparation for Service:** God equips and instructs His servants before sending them into challenging situations, illustrating His providential care and the importance of being prepared through divine guidance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:8 serves as a profound reminder of the critical role of divine communication in fulfilling God's purposes. Just as Moses and Aaron diligently awaited and received specific instructions from the Lord before undertaking their monumental task, believers today are called to earnestly seek God's guidance and attentively listen for His word before embarking on significant endeavors. This passage underscores that God sovereignly prepares His servants for their assignments, equipping them with the necessary commands and empowering them to face challenges and accomplish His will. It encourages a posture of attentiveness to God's voice and a readiness to obey, trusting in His ultimate control over all circumstances.

### FAQ
**Why did God need to "speak" to Moses and Aaron if He is sovereign?**

Answer: While God is absolutely sovereign and could act independently, He often chooses to work through human agents, involving them in His divine plan. His speaking to Moses and Aaron in [Exodus 7:8](/exodus/7-8 "The Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron") demonstrates His desire for relationship, His method of equipping His servants, and His establishment of human responsibility in carrying out His will. It also authenticates Moses and Aaron's authority before Pharaoh and the Israelites, showing that their actions are divinely sanctioned, not merely human initiatives.

**Does this verse suggest God's plan was failing before the plagues began?**

Answer: No, [Exodus 7:8](/exodus/7-8 "The Lord speaks to Moses and Aaron") does not imply a failure in God's plan. Instead, it marks a pre-ordained transition in God's strategy for deliverance. The initial attempts at negotiation and signs (like the staff turning into a snake in [Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's rod becomes a serpent")) were part of God's unfolding plan to harden Pharaoh's heart and demonstrate His power progressively. This verse signals the divine timing for the next, more intense phase of judgment, which was always part of God's sovereign design to bring glory to His name and deliver His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:8, with its emphasis on God's direct instruction to His chosen mediators before a period of judgment and deliverance, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine communication and action in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron were God's appointed agents to deliver Israel from bondage through signs and wonders, Christ is the ultimate Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "In the beginning was the Word")), through whom God directly communicates His will and executes His perfect plan of salvation. He is the greater Moses who delivers humanity not from physical slavery, but from the bondage of sin and death ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Christ is superior to Moses")). The judgments against Egypt, initiated by God's word through Moses, point forward to the final judgment enacted through Christ, who will ultimately establish God's kingdom and deliver His people for all eternity ([John 5:22-29](/john/5-22-29 "Christ the Judge"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Christ's return and judgment")).

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.