Exodus 7:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them."

NIV: And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it."

NASB: Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I extend My hand over Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst.'

CSB: The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the Israelites from among them."

NLT: When I raise my powerful hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”

The Lord has more than one purpose for rescuing Israel from slavery (Exodus 1:11–14; 6:5–6). Their freedom is important, but God is also establishing His own glory for the world to see. The plagues against Egypt (Exodus 3:20) each directly disprove the influence of a false deity believed to control an aspect of nature. When the catastrophes are over, the nation of Egypt will beg the Hebrews to leave with their freedom (Exodus 12:31–37). They will acknowledge the supremacy of the God of Israel.

Israel's experiences after leaving Egypt are also part of the Lord's plan to reveal Himself to the world (Joshua 4:24). Even when Israel was judged for their sin, it was a sign of God's power and influence (Psalm 46:10; Ezekiel 36:36; 39:23).

Exodus 7:1–7 completes the encouragement and summary which began in chapter 6. God intends to free Israel (Exodus 1:11–14) through spectacular miracles. These will demonstrate His power. Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:14–16) will obey, despite both men being more than eighty years old.

God again repeats (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:19–23; 6:6) the basic outline of how Israel will be freed from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:11–14). He then commands Moses and Aaron to show Pharaoh one of the miraculous signs given for that purpose (Exodus 4:2–5). Egyptian magicians seem to duplicate the feat, so Pharaoh still refuses to hear Mo-ses' message. This results in the first plague: all water in Egypt, including the Nile river, becomes blood. This lasts seven days. The Lord then tells Moses to repeat the demand for Israel's release.

God commissioned Moses (Exodus 3:10) and commanded him to confront Egypt's ruler, the pharaoh (Exodus 4:19–23). When Moses obeyed (Exodus 5:1–3), the immediate result was even worse oppression for Israel (Exodus 5:19–21). This inspired Moses to doubt (Exodus 5:22–23). The Lord responded with reassurances (Exodus 6:1–8). Chapter 7 completes this declaration and begins the cycle of plagues (Exodus 3:19–20), starting with turning the Nile river into blood. These catastrophes will continue (Exodus 8—11) until Pharaoh finally releases the Israelites (Exodus 12:41).

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 4/18/2025 7:04:43 PM