Exodus 6:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: On the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

NIV: Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt,

NASB: Now it came about on the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

CSB: On the day the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

NLT: When the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

KJV: And it came to pass on the day when the Lord spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,

NKJV: And it came to pass, on the day the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

The final verses of this chapter reiterate Moses' doubts about his role and the Lord's demand that Moses bring all the required messages to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–2). Moses has already shown a lack of self-confidence (Exodus 3:11; 4:10, 13). Recently, he referred to himself as someone with "uncircumcised lips" (Exodus 6:12). This may be Moses' protest about his speaking skills or a claim that he's not holy enough for the job.

At the burning bush (Exodus 3:4–6), Moses said he was unable to speak well (Exodus 4:10). The Lord assured him that He would "be with your mouth and teach you what to speak" (Exodus 4:12), but Moses asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13). God still sent Moses, but He sent Aaron with him (Exodus 4:14–16, 27). Moses would lead the people from Egypt as their spiritual guide and source of authority. But Aaron would serve as God's mouthpiece before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1–7). This special arrangement would later continue in a different way as Aaron would serve as the first high priest of Israel while Moses led the nation (Exodus 29:9).

Exodus 6:14–30 records the genealogies of Moses and his brother, Aaron. This supports that this is part of God's continuous plan to arrive at this very point in history. It also clarifies their status as members of the tribe of Levi. Along the way, God reiterates and re-establishes Moses' commission as His messenger. Moses is still wracked with self-doubt.

God responds to Moses, who struggles to understand recent events (Exodus 5:22–23). Pharaoh has retaliated against the Lord's message about Israel's freedom (Exodus 5:1–9). Here, the Lord repeats His predic-tion that Israel will be freed (Exodus 3:14–22). God's specific identity and relationship to Israel are key to this response. The Lord will fulfill His promises and take the Hebrews from Egypt into the Promised Land. The passage then rec-ords the genealogies of Moses and Aaron. Moses' commission from God is also repeated.

After centuries of enslavement (Exodus 1:11–14), God commissions Moses to be His representative in freeing Israel (Exodus 3:4–10). But when Moses delivers the Lord's message (Exodus 5:1–3), Pharaoh retaliates (Exodus 5:6–9). This leads to infighting (Exodus 5:20–21) and causes Moses to doubt (Exodus 5:22–23). After the Lord offers reassurances in this chapter, He will repeat an account of how the story will play out. Then God begins to bring plagues of judgment against Egypt (Exodus 7).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 4/8/2025 9:24:41 PM