Exodus 7:9

KJV

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast [it] before Pharaoh, [and] it shall become a serpent.

KJV (with Strong's)

When Pharaoh {H6547} shall speak {H1696} unto you, saying {H559}, Shew {H5414} a miracle {H4159} for you: then thou shalt say {H559} unto Aaron {H175}, Take {H3947} thy rod {H4294}, and cast {H7993} it before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}, and it shall become a serpent {H8577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When Pharaoh says to you, 'Perform a miracle,' tell Aharon to take his staff and throw it down in front of Pharaoh, so that it can become a snake."

Berean Standard Bible

“When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent.”

American Standard Version

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Show a wonder for you; then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:9 records God's precise instruction to Moses and Aaron to demonstrate divine authority before Pharaoh. This initial sign involved Aaron casting his rod to the ground, where it would miraculously transform into a serpent. This act was designed as the first undeniable proof of their divine commission, directly challenging Pharaoh's power and the efficacy of Egyptian magic, setting the stage for the escalating conflict between the Lord and the gods of Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very beginning of the direct confrontation between God's representatives, Moses and Aaron, and Pharaoh. It immediately follows God's explicit declaration that He would harden Pharaoh's heart and multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt to demonstrate His glory and power ([Exodus 7:3-5](/exodus/7-3-5 "God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh's Heart")). The preceding chapters detail Moses' initial call at the [burning bush](/exodus/3 "Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"), his reluctance, and God's assurance that Aaron would be his spokesman. The narrative has built to this moment where divine power is about to be publicly displayed, initiating the series of plagues that will ultimately secure Israel's release. This specific instruction prepares Moses and Aaron for Pharaoh's anticipated demand for a sign, ensuring they are equipped to respond immediately and powerfully.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly polytheistic society, deeply steeped in magic, sorcery, and a complex pantheon of gods. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine king, a living manifestation of Horus, and the son of Ra. Serpents, particularly the uraeus cobra, were potent symbols of Egyptian royalty, divine protection, and power, often depicted on Pharaoh's crown and in religious iconography. Magicians and sorcerers were integral to the court, serving as advisors and performing feats that were believed to harness divine power. Thus, when Moses and Aaron, two foreign emissaries, demanded the release of a slave nation, Pharaoh would naturally expect a demonstration of power commensurate with their claims. The choice of a serpent transformation was not arbitrary; it was a direct challenge to the very symbols and spiritual foundations of Egyptian power, setting up a confrontation not merely between men, but between the Lord and the gods of Egypt.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 7:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Supremacy** over all human and spiritual powers, especially false deities. The impending miracle serves as the initial salvo in God's demonstration that He alone is the true God, superior to all the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's supposed divinity. It also highlights **Divine Commission and Empowerment**, showing that God not only calls His servants but also equips them with the necessary authority and power to fulfill their mission, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Signs and Wonders as Divine Attestation**, where miraculous acts serve as undeniable proof of God's presence, truth, and the authenticity of His messengers, intended to convince both Pharaoh and the Israelites of His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, as seen throughout the narrative of the [plagues](/exodus/7-14-12-32 "The Plagues on Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Miracle (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** As used in this verse, `môwphêth` refers to a conspicuous and extraordinary act, specifically a "miracle," "token," or "omen." It denotes a sign that is not merely surprising but carries divine significance, serving to authenticate a message or messenger. In this context, it is the requested and divinely provided proof of Moses and Aaron's authority, intended to compel Pharaoh's attention and belief in the power of the God of Israel.
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** The `maṭṭeh` is more than a simple stick; it signifies a "rod" or "staff" that can be used for various purposes—walking, chastising, or as a symbol of authority (a scepter). In the Exodus narrative, Moses' `maṭṭeh` becomes intrinsically linked with God's power, transforming into a serpent here and later being used to perform many of the plagues and to part the Red Sea. It is an ordinary object imbued with extraordinary divine power, symbolizing God's enablement of His chosen instruments.
* **Serpent (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** This term is crucial. `Tannîyn` denotes a "marine or land monster," often translated as "dragon," "sea-monster," or a large, formidable "serpent." Its use here is highly significant, distinguishing it from the more common word for snake, `nachash` (נָחָשׁ), used in [Exodus 4:3](/exodus/4-3 "Moses' Rod Becomes a Snake") when Moses' rod first transformed. The `tannîyn` implies a creature of greater size, power, and terror, directly challenging the Egyptian symbols of power (like the uraeus cobra) and setting the stage for a dramatic contest of power between the Lord and the Egyptian magicians.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you:"** This opening clause anticipates Pharaoh's natural skepticism and demand for proof. Knowing Pharaoh's hardened heart and his reliance on court magicians, God foretells that he will not simply believe Moses and Aaron's words but will demand a tangible demonstration of their divine commission. This highlights God's foreknowledge and His proactive preparation of His servants for the inevitable challenge.
* **"then thou shalt say unto Aaron,"** This phrase emphasizes the chain of command and the specific roles God has assigned: God speaks to Moses, and Moses, in turn, instructs Aaron. Aaron, as Moses' designated spokesman and co-worker, is the one who will perform the physical act, but the authority and instruction originate from God through Moses.
* **"Take thy rod,"** The instruction to "take thy rod" identifies the specific instrument to be used. This is not just any rod, but Aaron's rod, which, like Moses' rod, has been designated by God as the conduit for His miraculous power. It is a tangible object that will become the focal point of God's supernatural intervention, signifying that God works through ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary ends.
* **"and cast [it] before Pharaoh,"** This command specifies the public and direct nature of the demonstration. The miracle is to be performed openly, in the presence of Pharaoh and his court, leaving no room for doubt or accusation of trickery. The act of casting it down implies a relinquishing of human control, allowing God's power to manifest.
* **"[and] it shall become a serpent."** This final clause reveals the astonishing outcome: the rod's transformation into a `tannîyn` (a formidable serpent or dragon). This is the core of the miracle, a direct display of creative and transformative power that will serve as the initial, undeniable sign of God's presence and authority, setting the stage for the contest with Pharaoh's magicians and the subsequent plagues.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**, as God explicitly tells Moses what Pharaoh will say and what they are to do, setting up the dramatic confrontation that immediately follows. This divine foreknowledge underscores God's absolute control over events and His meticulous planning. There is also strong **Symbolism** present: the rod itself, an ordinary object, becomes a symbol of divine authority and power, transforming into a `tannîyn` (serpent/dragon), which is a powerful symbol of chaos, evil, and the forces opposing God, particularly in the Egyptian context where serpents represented royalty and deity. The transformation of the rod into a `tannîyn` and its subsequent consumption of the Egyptian magicians' serpents ([Exodus 7:12](/exodus/7-12 "Aaron's Rod Swallows Their Rods")) serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's ultimate victory over all opposing powers and false gods. The entire scene is an act of **Divine Irony**, as Pharaoh's demand for a "miracle" (a `môwphêth`) leads directly to a demonstration of the very power he seeks to deny, ultimately contributing to his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:9 serves as a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement in human history. It establishes that the Lord is not a distant deity but a powerful, intervening God who initiates confrontation with evil and injustice. This miracle, the first of many, is a direct challenge to the prevailing worldview of Egypt, asserting that the God of Israel is superior to all human rulers, political systems, and the entire pantheon of Egyptian gods. It underscores that God's power is not merely a force, but a personal attribute wielded for the deliverance of His people and the demonstration of His glory to all nations. The divine instruction to Moses and Aaron further highlights God's faithfulness in equipping His chosen servants for the formidable tasks He calls them to, ensuring that His purposes are accomplished not by human might, but by His own supernatural enablement.

* [Deuteronomy 6:22](/deuteronomy/6-22 "God's Mighty Hand in Egypt")
* [Psalm 105:27](/psalm/105-27 "God Sent Signs and Wonders")
* [Jeremiah 32:20](/jeremiah/32-20 "God's Signs and Wonders in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:9 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God often calls us to confront formidable opposition, whether it be societal injustices, spiritual strongholds, or personal fears, and He equips us with the necessary means to do so. Just as God precisely instructed Moses and Aaron, He provides clear guidance through His Word and Spirit for the tasks He sets before us. Our role is not to generate power, but to be faithful in obedience to His commands, trusting that His power will manifest through our seemingly ordinary lives and actions. In a world that demands tangible proof and often dismisses spiritual realities, this passage encourages us to rely on God's ability to demonstrate His truth and authority, not through our own cleverness or strength, but through His divine enablement. It assures us that when we step out in faith, God will establish His supremacy in every circumstance, confirming His presence and power to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Pharaohs" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles might God be calling you to confront in your life or sphere of influence today?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's provision and enablement when you feel inadequate for a task He has given you?**
* **In what ways can you, like Moses and Aaron, be an instrument through whom God demonstrates His power and truth in a skeptical world?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose a serpent for the first sign?**

Answer: The choice of a serpent was profoundly symbolic and confrontational within the Egyptian context. Serpents, particularly the uraeus cobra, were powerful symbols of Egyptian royalty, divine protection, and the gods themselves (e.g., Wadjet). By turning Aaron's rod into a `tannîyn` (a formidable "dragon" or "sea monster"), which later consumed the Egyptian magicians' own snakes ([Exodus 7:12](/exodus/7-12 "Aaron's Rod Swallows Their Rods")), God directly challenged and humiliated the very symbols of Pharaoh's authority and the power of Egypt's deities, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over them. It was a direct assault on the spiritual foundations of Egyptian power.

**Does God still perform miracles like this today?**

Answer: While the specific nature of miraculous signs may differ across dispensations and according to God's sovereign purposes, the principle of God's active intervention and demonstration of His power remains constant. God continues to work supernaturally, though often through less overtly dramatic means than those seen in the Exodus narrative. His power is still evident in answered prayer, transformed lives, divine provision, the healing of the sick, and the global spread of the Gospel against all odds, confirming His truth and presence to those who seek Him and to a watching world. The [Gospel of John](/john/20-30-31 "John's Purpose for Recording Miracles") explicitly states that signs were recorded so that people might believe.

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word _tannîyn_?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `tannîyn` (תַּנִּין) is highly significant because it implies something far larger, more fearsome, and more monstrous than a common snake (`nachash`, נָחָשׁ). While `nachash` was used when Moses' rod first turned into a snake at the [burning bush](/exodus/4-3 "Moses' Rod Becomes a Serpent"), `tannîyn` in Pharaoh's court elevates the miracle to a grander, more terrifying display of power. This deliberate distinction highlights God's overwhelming might compared to the limited imitations of the Egyptian magicians, whose rods turned into mere `nachash` ([Exodus 7:11](/exodus/7-11 "Egyptian Magicians Imitate the Miracle")). The `tannîyn` emphasizes the unique, awe-inspiring, and ultimately superior power of the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The confrontation in [Exodus 7:9](/exodus/7-9 "God's Command to Aaron") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation between God's power and the forces of evil, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God's rod, through Aaron, consumed the serpents of Pharaoh's magicians, demonstrating His supremacy over the powers of Egypt, so too does Christ's authority utterly defeat sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. He is the true and greater deliverer, whose miraculous signs and wonders validated His divine commission and message, serving as irrefutable proof of His identity as the Son of God ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John's Purpose for Recording Miracles")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ swallowed up the power of the ancient serpent, Satan ([Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Satan, the Ancient Serpent")), delivering His people from the bondage of sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's Victory Over Death and the Devil")). He established His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise of ultimate victory over all opposing forces and demonstrating God's supreme power over all creation and every spiritual adversary, leading His people to true freedom.

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

John 2:18

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Isaiah 7:11

Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.

Exodus 4:2

And the LORD said unto him, What [is] that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

John 6:30

They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Exodus 4:17

And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

Exodus 10:13

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all [that] night; [and] when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

Exodus 4:20

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.