Psalms 105:26

KJV

He sent Moses his servant; [and] Aaron whom he had chosen.

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} Moses {H4872} his servant {H5650}; and Aaron {H175} whom he had chosen {H977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent his servant Moshe and Aharon, whom he had chosen.

Berean Standard Bible

He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen.

American Standard Version

He sent Moses his servant, AndAaron whom he had chosen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 105:26 powerfully encapsulates God's sovereign and decisive action in initiating the Exodus, a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The verse highlights the divine appointment of Moses, designated as God's "servant," and Aaron, specifically "chosen" by the Lord, as the indispensable instruments through whom He would execute His plan of deliverance for His people from Egyptian bondage. This concise declaration sets the stage for the miraculous signs and wonders that follow, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active involvement in human affairs.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 105 functions as a historical hymn, a liturgical recounting of Yahweh's faithful and wondrous deeds on behalf of Israel, from the covenant with Abraham to the settlement in Canaan. The psalm commences with an exhortation for the people to remember and proclaim God's mighty acts, then systematically traces His providential intervention throughout their history. Verses 8-25 meticulously recall the covenant established with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and the subsequent descent into Egypt, emphasizing God's unwavering care even amidst periods of hardship and oppression. Verse 26 serves as a critical narrative transition, marking the shift from the era of sojourning and growing oppression to the dramatic, direct intervention of God through His divinely appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. This verse thus prefaces the detailed account of the plagues and the Exodus narrative that dominates the subsequent verses of the psalm, from [Psalms 105:27](/psalms/105-27 "Psalms 105:27 - God's Plagues Begin") through [Psalms 105:38](/psalms/105-38 "Psalms 105:38 - Israel's Departure from Egypt"), functioning as the divine introduction to these mighty acts of deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 105:26 is the Israelites' prolonged and severe enslavement in Egypt, a period of intense oppression under a pharaoh who "dealt craftily with his servants" ([Psalms 105:25](/psalms/105-25 "Psalms 105:25 - Pharaoh's Cruelty")). In the ancient Near East, the concept of a king or deity "sending" a messenger or agent was a common practice, signifying the delegation of immense authority and the expectation that the agent would act with the full backing of the sender. The title "servant" (Hebrew: *'eved*) of God carried profound honor and responsibility, denoting a deep, obedient, and often intimate relationship with the divine. This designation was reserved for figures of exceptional standing and trust, such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and preeminently, Moses. The specific "choosing" of Aaron was equally significant, foreshadowing his unique and foundational role as the first high priest, establishing the sacred lineage and cultic practices essential for Israel's worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This dual divine appointment was crucial for legitimizing their leadership in the eyes of both the enslaved Israelites and the powerful Egyptian empire.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 105 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating that God is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator of history, meticulously raising up specific individuals to fulfill His redemptive purposes. Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's sending of Moses and Aaron is a direct and dramatic fulfillment of His solemn promises to the patriarchs to multiply their descendants and deliver them from bondage, as explicitly foretold in [God's prophecy to Abraham](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - Prophecy of Egyptian Bondage and Deliverance"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Appointment and Calling**, illustrating that true leadership in God's unfolding plan is never self-appointed but divinely commissioned, as God explicitly "sent" Moses and "chosen" Aaron for their respective, yet complementary, roles in Israel's redemption. Finally, it introduces the profound theme of **Servanthood**, particularly through Moses' designation, emphasizing that obedience, dedication, and a deep relational commitment to God's will are the hallmarks of authentic, divinely sanctioned leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root signifies a purposeful dispatch, a commission with inherent authority and a specific mission. In the context of God, it implies that the Lord is the active agent, initiating the action and empowering Moses for a task that is inherently divine and carries the weight of His own will. It is not merely a suggestion but a powerful act of sending forth, endowing the messenger with the sender's full authority and backing, as seen when God declares to Moses, "[I will send you to Pharaoh](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Sends Moses to Pharaoh")".
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This title, applied to Moses, is one of profound honor and intimacy in the Old Testament, denoting a deep relationship characterized by obedience, trust, and unwavering dedication to God's will. It distinguishes Moses as one uniquely chosen to mediate God's law and lead His people, setting him apart from other leaders. Other notable figures like David and the Suffering Servant in Isaiah also bear this title, signifying their unique relationship with God and their integral role in His redemptive plan (e.g., [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")).
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This word denotes a deliberate, sovereign, and intentional selection, emphasizing God's specific intentionality in appointing Aaron for his distinct function. It highlights that Aaron's pivotal role was not accidental or earned by human merit, but a divine prerogative, a direct act of God's will. This divine choice would later be unequivocally underscored by miraculous signs confirming Aaron's priestly authority and legitimacy (e.g., [Numbers 17:8](/numbers/17-8 "Numbers 17:8 - Aaron's Budding Staff")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent Moses his servant;":** This initial clause unequivocally establishes God's absolute initiative and sovereignty in the unfolding Exodus narrative. The "He" refers to the Lord, Yahweh, who is the ultimate subject of the entire psalm and whose mighty, faithful acts are being recounted. Moses is identified not merely as a human leader but as "his servant," a profound title that immediately conveys his unique, intimate relationship with God, his unwavering obedience, and the divine authority vested in him for the monumental task of confronting Pharaoh and leading the nation of Israel out of bondage. This sending is a direct, powerful act of covenant faithfulness.
* **"and Aaron whom he had chosen.":** This second clause perfectly complements the first by identifying Aaron as Moses' divinely appointed counterpart. While Moses is the primary leader, prophet, and lawgiver, Aaron is "chosen" for a distinct, yet equally vital, complementary role, primarily as Moses' spokesman and, crucially, as the first high priest. The emphasis on God's "choosing" highlights the divine intentionality behind the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, which would become foundational for Israel's worship, the maintenance of their covenant relationship with God, and the system of atonement. Both men are presented as indispensable instruments of God's singular, redemptive purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 105:26 employs several effective literary techniques. It utilizes **Conciseness** to deliver a profound theological statement with remarkable brevity, focusing the reader's attention directly on the divine agents and their commissioning. There is a clear implicit **Parallelism** between the two clauses, linking Moses and Aaron through their shared divine appointment, despite their distinct yet complementary roles. The use of specific titles and declarations, such as "his servant" for Moses and "whom he had chosen" for Aaron, serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the divine authority, unique status, and sacred nature of these individuals' callings. Furthermore, this succinct declaration functions as a crucial **Narrative Transition**, signaling the dramatic shift in the historical account from the period of the patriarchs and oppression to the momentous events of the Exodus, thereby setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of the plagues and the miraculous deliverance that immediately follow in the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 105:26 serves as a profound reminder of God's active, personal involvement in human history, particularly His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God sovereignly raises up, equips, and empowers individuals for His specific, redemptive purposes, thereby demonstrating His absolute control over historical events and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The divine appointment of both Moses and Aaron underscores that true authority and effective leadership in God's kingdom stem directly from His choosing and empowering, rather than from human ambition, self-appointment, or inherent merit. This consistent pattern of divine calling and sending is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, evident from the commissioning of the prophets to the apostles, all serving as indispensable instruments in God's unfolding plan of salvation and revelation.

* [Exodus 3:10](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Sends Moses to Pharaoh")
* [Numbers 16:5](/numbers/16-5 "Numbers 16:5 - Aaron's Divine Election")
* [Deuteronomy 34:5](/deuteronomy/34-5 "Deuteronomy 34:5 - Moses, the Servant of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound encouragement and a significant challenge for believers today. Just as God sovereignly appointed Moses and Aaron for a specific, world-changing mission of deliverance, so too does He continue to call, equip, and position individuals for His divine purposes in every generation. Whether in grand public roles that impact many or in quiet, faithful service within one's sphere of influence, every believer is an instrument in God's hands, uniquely gifted and strategically positioned to contribute to the advancement of His kingdom. This truth calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, availability, and eager anticipation, recognizing that our abilities, opportunities, and indeed, our very lives, are part of a larger, divine tapestry. It encourages us to prayerfully discern and courageously embrace our unique calling, trusting that the God who sends also empowers, and that our greatest fulfillment and purpose are found in being His obedient servants, chosen for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you observe God actively "sending" or "choosing" individuals for His purposes in the world today, both globally and in your local community?**
* **How does understanding Moses as "God's servant" and Aaron as "chosen" by Him influence your perspective on leadership, authority, and servanthood within the church or in your own sphere of influence?**
* **What particular "calling" or area of service do you believe God has uniquely "chosen" you for, and how are you presently responding to that divine appointment?**
* **How does the powerful demonstration of divine initiative in sending Moses and Aaron encourage and strengthen your faith when you are confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges or overwhelming circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why are both Moses and Aaron mentioned together in this verse, and what do their distinct roles signify?**

Answer: Moses and Aaron are mentioned together in Psalms 105:26 because, while Moses was the primary leader, prophet, and lawgiver, Aaron was his indispensable partner, particularly serving as his spokesman and the divinely appointed high priest. God's comprehensive plan for the deliverance of Israel and the subsequent establishment of the Mosaic covenant required both of their unique, complementary roles. Moses mediated God's word and power directly to Pharaoh and to the nation of Israel, leading them out of bondage. Aaron, on the other hand, facilitated communication as Moses' voice and, critically, established the sacrificial system and the priesthood, which were absolutely necessary for Israel's worship, atonement for sin, and the maintenance of their covenant relationship with God. Their combined and distinct roles were essential for the success of the Exodus and the formation of Israel as a holy nation under God's covenant, as detailed in passages like [Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "Exodus 4:14-16 - Aaron as Moses' Spokesman") and [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Aaron's Appointment as High Priest").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 105:26, with its profound emphasis on God's sovereign sending and choosing of Moses and Aaron for the miraculous deliverance of His people, serves as a powerful and direct foreshadowing of the ultimate divine agent of salvation: Jesus Christ. Moses, designated as God's "servant" and the great deliverer who led Israel out of physical bondage and mediated the Old Covenant at Sinai, functions as a significant type of Christ, the greater Prophet whom God would raise up, as prophesied in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"). Similarly, Aaron, "chosen" by God to be the high priest who made atonement for the people through sacrificial offerings, powerfully points forward to Jesus, our ultimate and perfect High Priest. Jesus offered Himself as the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice for sin, thereby entering the true heavenly sanctuary and securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Just as God meticulously "sent" Moses and Aaron to fulfill His covenant promises to Israel, so He "sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him" ([1 John 4:9](/1_john/4-9 "1 John 4:9 - God Sent His Son")). Jesus is the divinely appointed and eternally "chosen" Servant of the Lord who perfectly accomplishes God's will, not merely leading an exodus from physical slavery, but delivering humanity from the far greater bondage of sin and death, establishing a new and infinitely better covenant through the shedding of His precious blood ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

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

Exodus 3:10

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Exodus 29:5

And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

Exodus 29:46

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.

Exodus 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Exodus 28:29

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy [place], for a memorial before the LORD continually.

Exodus 28:38

And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.

Exodus 28:1

¶ And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.