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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 7:8–13.
The first time that Moses made his application to Pharaoh, he produced his instructions only; now he is directed to produce his credentials, and does accordingly. 1. It is taken for granted that Pharaoh would challenge these demandants to work a miracle, that, by a performance evidently above the power of nature, they might prove their commission from the God of nature. Pharaoh will say, Show a miracle; not with any desire to be convinced, but with the hope that none will be wrought, and then he would have some colour for his infidelity. 2. Orders are therefore given to turn the rod into a serpent, according to the instructions, Exo 4:3. The same rod that was to give the signal of the other miracles is now itself the subject of a miracle, to put a reputation upon it. Aaron cast his rod to the ground, and instantly it became a serpent, Exo 7:10. This was proper, not only to affect Pharaoh with wonder, but to strike a terror upon him. Serpents are hurtful dreadful animals; the very sight of one, thus miraculously produced, might have softened his heart into a fear of that God by whose power it was produced. This first miracle, though it was not a plague, yet amounted to the threatening of a plague. If it made not Pharaoh feel, it made him fear; and this is God's method of dealing with sinners - he comes upon them gradually. 3. This miracle, though too plain to be denied, is enervated, and the conviction of it taken off, by the magicians' imitation of it, Exo 7:11, Exo 7:12. Moses had been originally instructed in the learning of the Egyptians, and was suspected to have improved himself in magical arts in his long retirement; the magicians are therefore sent for, to vie with him. And some think those of that profession had a particular spite against the Hebrews ever since Joseph put them all to shame, by interpreting a dream which they could make nothing of, in remembrance of which slur put on their predecessors these magicians withstood Moses, as it is explained, Ti2 3:8. Their rods became serpents, real serpents; some think, by the power of God, beyond their intention or expectation, for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart; others think, by the power of evil angels, artfully substituting serpents in the room of the rods, God permitting the delusion to be wrought for wise and holy ends, that those might believe a lie who received not the truth: and herein the Lord was righteous. Yet this might have helped to frighten Pharaoh into a compliance with the demands of Moses, that he might be freed from these dreadful unaccountable phenomena, with which he saw himself on all sides surrounded. But to the seed of the serpent these serpents were no amazement. Note, God suffers the lying spirit to do strange things, that the faith of some may be tried and manifested (Deu 13:3; Co1 11:19), that the infidelity of others may be confirmed, and that he who is filthy may be filthy still, Co2 4:4. 4. Yet, in this contest, Moses plainly gains the victory. The serpent which Aaron's rod was turned into swallowed up the others, which was sufficient to have convinced Pharaoh on which side the right lay. Note, Great is the truth, and will prevail. The cause of God will undoubtedly triumph at last over all competition and contradiction, and will reign alone, Dan 2:44. But Pharaoh was not wrought upon by this. The magicians having produced serpents, he had this to say, that the case between them and Moses was disputable; and the very appearance of an opposition to truth, and the least head made against it, serve those for a justification of their infidelity who are prejudiced against the light and love of it.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Great indeed was Moses, who afflicted Egypt grievously and saved his people by many signs and prodigies, who went within the cloud and instituted the twofold law: the law of the letter without and the law of the spirit within. Aaron also, the brother of Moses according to the flesh and the spirit, sacrificed and prayed on behalf of the people, as consecrated minister of the great and holy tabernacle, “which the Lord has erected and not man.”
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Summary
Exodus 7:8 serves as a pivotal divine interjection, marking the transition from a period of Pharaoh's resistance and escalating oppression to God's direct, miraculous intervention. In this verse, the Lord explicitly commands Moses and Aaron, His chosen mediators, to initiate the series of powerful signs and judgments that will culminate in the forceful liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, underscoring God's unwavering resolve and sovereign control over history.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed after repeated failed attempts by Moses and Aaron to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites, and Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of his heart and intensification of their labor. Chapters 5 and 6 detail Moses' initial, disheartening encounters with Pharaoh, the increased suffering of the Israelites, and Moses' own doubts and complaints to God. Exodus 6:28-30 specifically records Moses expressing his unsuitability due to his "uncircumcised lips." Exodus 7:1-7 then provides God's powerful reaffirmation of His plan, empowering Moses as "Pharaoh's god" and Aaron as his prophet, preparing them for the dramatic confrontation that is about to unfold. Exodus 7:8 directly precedes the instructions for the first plague, the turning of the Nile to blood, thus acting as a divine preamble to the escalating conflict.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a formidable empire, and its Pharaoh was considered a living deity, the embodiment of the sun god Ra, holding absolute power. The concept of a foreign deity challenging Pharaoh's authority and the might of Egypt's gods was profoundly offensive and unthinkable to the Egyptians. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's divine claims, demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh. The Nile, in particular, was the lifeblood of Egypt, revered as a god (Hapi) and essential for agriculture. The turning of its waters to blood would have been a direct blow to their economic stability, religious beliefs, and very existence.
Key Themes
Exodus 7:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. It emphatically highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and rulers, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly king is subject to His will. It underscores the theme of divine revelation and communication, as God directly speaks His commands to His chosen servants, Moses and Aaron, before enacting His plan. This verse also initiates the theme of judgment and deliverance, where God's righteous judgment against the oppressors serves as the means to bring about the liberation of His chosen people, a pattern seen throughout biblical history, from the flood narrative to the eschatological judgments in Revelation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be" (הָיָה), it signifies "the Self-Existent One," "the Eternal," or "He who causes to be." In this context, the use of "LORD" emphasizes that the speaker is not just any deity, but the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who is utterly sovereign and unchanging. His speaking here is an act of His eternal, self-existent power asserting His will over creation and human affairs.
The Hebrew verb (H559) signifies "to say" or "to speak" with a wide range of applications, often implying authoritative declaration, command, or instruction. In this verse, it denotes a direct, intentional, and authoritative communication from God to His chosen agents. It's not a suggestion or a request, but a divine utterance that carries the full weight of God's command, initiating a new phase of action and signifying divine initiative and control.
The name (H4872) means "drawing out" or "rescued," reflecting his miraculous preservation from the Nile. As God's chosen lawgiver and prophet, Moses is the primary human mediator of God's will to Israel and Pharaoh. His inclusion here, alongside Aaron, highlights his indispensable role as the direct recipient of divine revelation and the leader through whom God's mighty acts will be performed, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of working through human instruments.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD spake"
This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing instructions. It underscores that the events about to unfold are not arbitrary or humanly conceived, but are directly commanded and orchestrated by Yahweh, the sovereign God. This divine initiative is crucial for understanding the nature of the plagues as acts of God's power and judgment.
"unto Moses and unto Aaron"
This specifies the recipients of God's direct communication. Moses, as the primary leader and prophet, and Aaron, as his appointed spokesman and co-laborer, are the chosen instruments through whom God's will is to be conveyed and executed. Their joint commission highlights their complementary roles in God's redemptive plan for Israel, emphasizing the importance of unified leadership in divine service.
"saying,"
This participle indicates that the verse serves as an introduction to the specific divine commands that follow in the subsequent verses (Exodus 7:9ff). It signals that the content of God's instructions to Moses and Aaron is about to be revealed, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with Pharaoh and the unfolding of the plagues.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 7:8 is Foreshadowing. By explicitly stating that "the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying," the verse serves as a clear signal that a new, decisive phase in the narrative is about to begin. It builds anticipation for the divine instructions that will lead directly to the plagues, which are the main mechanism for Israel's liberation. The direct address also employs Divine Speech, a common biblical device that emphasizes God's active involvement and absolute authority in the unfolding events. This direct communication highlights the Mediatorial Role of Moses and Aaron, as they are the chosen conduits for God's word and power, preparing the reader for their central role in the ensuing miraculous confrontations.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 7:8 powerfully reiterates God's active engagement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine action is often preceded by divine communication, highlighting God's orderly and purposeful nature. The Lord's direct address to Moses and Aaron underscores His sovereign authority, not only over His chosen people but also over the most powerful earthly rulers, setting the stage for a dramatic display of His might against the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's defiance. This verse initiates the process of God's righteous judgment, which is executed not out of caprice, but as a just response to oppression and a means to achieve the promised deliverance of His people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 7:8 serves as a profound reminder of the absolute necessity of divine communication in fulfilling God's purposes. Just as Moses and Aaron, facing an insurmountable task, diligently awaited and received specific, authoritative instructions from the Lord before undertaking their monumental confrontation with Pharaoh, believers today are called to cultivate a posture of earnest seeking and attentive listening for God's word. This passage underscores that God sovereignly prepares and equips His servants for their assignments, providing the necessary guidance and empowering them to face challenges and accomplish His will, even when the path seems daunting or the opposition overwhelming. It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances and to prioritize obedience to His revealed will, knowing that His commands are always aligned with His perfect plan for our lives and for the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God need to "speak" to Moses and Aaron if He is sovereign?
While God is absolutely sovereign and could act independently, His decision to "speak" to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7:8 reveals several profound truths about His character and methods. It demonstrates His desire for relationship and partnership with humanity, involving His chosen agents in His divine plan. This communication also serves to equip His servants, authenticate their authority before Pharaoh and the Israelites, and establish human responsibility in carrying out His will. It underscores that God's sovereignty does not negate human agency but often works through it, empowering individuals like Moses and Aaron to participate in His grand redemptive narrative.
Does this verse suggest God's plan was failing before the plagues began?
No, Exodus 7:8 does not imply a failure in God's plan. Instead, it marks a pre-ordained transition in God's strategic unfolding of deliverance. The initial attempts at negotiation and the performance of the staff-to-snake sign (as seen in Exodus 7:10) were integral parts of God's design to progressively harden Pharaoh's heart and demonstrate His power. This verse signals the divinely appointed timing for the next, more intense phase of judgment, which was always part of God's sovereign design to bring ultimate glory to His name and secure the complete liberation of His people. It's a strategic shift, not a course correction due to failure.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 7:8, with its profound emphasis on God's direct instruction to His chosen mediators before a period of escalating judgment and ultimate deliverance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine communication and action embodied in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses and Aaron were God's appointed agents to deliver Israel from physical bondage through miraculous signs and wonders, Christ is the ultimate "Word of God" (John 1:1), through whom God definitively communicates His will and executes His perfect plan of salvation. He is the greater Moses who delivers humanity not from the slavery of Egypt, but from the far more profound bondage of sin and death (Hebrews 3:1-6). The judgments against Egypt, initiated by God's authoritative word through Moses, point forward to the final and decisive judgment enacted through Christ, who will ultimately establish God's eternal kingdom and deliver His people from all evil (John 5:22-29; Revelation 19:11-16). In Christ, God's "speaking" is not merely a command but the very incarnation of His redemptive purpose, bringing about the ultimate and everlasting liberation.