Exodus 7:5

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.

And the Egyptians {H4714} shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, when I stretch forth {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon Egypt {H4714}, and bring out {H3318} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} from among {H8432} them.

Then, when I stretch out my hand over Egypt and bring the people of Isra'el out from among them, the Egyptians will know that I am ADONAI."

And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.”

And the Egyptians shall know that I am Jehovah, when I stretch forth my hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 7:5

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus, immediately preceding the first of the ten plagues. Moses and Aaron have confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites, but Pharaoh has hardened his heart and refused. God here declares His intention to demonstrate His supreme power and authority not only to the enslaved Israelites but, crucially, to the Egyptians themselves. The stage is set for a dramatic revelation of God's identity through powerful, miraculous acts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation through Action: The primary message is that God will reveal Himself – His true identity, power, and sovereignty – through His direct intervention. The Egyptians, who worshipped a pantheon of gods, would be forced to acknowledge the unique supremacy of the LORD.
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: This verse underscores God's absolute control over creation and nations. His "stretching forth of His hand" signifies a mighty, irresistible display of divine power that would both judge Egypt and deliver Israel. It is a testament to God's ability to act decisively in human history.
  • Judgment and Deliverance: The actions described serve a dual purpose: judgment upon Egypt for its oppression and idolatry, and miraculous deliverance for the children of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promises to their forefathers.
  • The Knowledge of God: The phrase "the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD" implies an experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. They would witness undeniable proof of His existence and power, compelling them to confront their own false deities.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am the LORD" is a profound declaration. In Hebrew, "the LORD" is YHWH (Yahweh), God's covenant name, often rendered in English Bibles as "LORD" (all caps) to distinguish it from Adonai ("Lord"). This name signifies God's self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM" from Exodus 3:14) and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. By declaring this name, God asserts His unique identity as the one true, living God against the backdrop of Egyptian polytheism.

Practical Application

Exodus 7:5 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world. Even in times of oppression or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God works to reveal His character and power. Just as He demonstrated His might to the Egyptians, He continues to reveal Himself to those who witness His faithfulness and justice. This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan for deliverance and to recognize 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 also highlights that God's power is sufficient to overcome any opposition, whether it be a hardened heart like Pharaoh's or the systemic evils of society.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 14:18 (7 votes)

    And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

  • Exodus 7:17 (6 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that [is] in mine hand upon the waters which [are] in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

  • Exodus 8:22 (6 votes)

    And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth.

  • Exodus 3:20 (5 votes)

    And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

  • Exodus 14:4 (5 votes)

    And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

  • Exodus 8:10 (4 votes)

    And he said, To morrow. And he said, [Be it] according to thy word: that thou mayest know that [there is] none like unto the LORD our God.

  • Ezekiel 39:22 (4 votes)

    So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward.