Exodus 7:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

NIV: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

NASB: Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

CSB: The Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

KJV: And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

NKJV: Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

This brief verse begins a new phase in the book of Exodus. Previously, God commanded Moses and Aaron to appear before Pharaoh (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:19–23). As predicted, Pharaoh refused to listen to their initial request (Exodus 5:6–9). What follows (Exodus 7:9) starts the first of ten cycles of command, rejection, miraculous judgment, divine mercy, and further rejection. This will continue until Egypt has been devastated and demands the Hebrews go free (Exodus 12:33–36, 41).

Exodus 7:8–13 depicts a faceoff between Moses and Aaron, against Pharoah and his Egyptian magicians. As instructed (Exodus 4:2–5), Aaron drops his staff, which becomes a snake. Pharaoh's sorcerers manage to duplicate this, but Aaron's snake devours theirs. So, the Egyptian king remains stubborn and will not listen to pleas for Israel's release. This triggers the first of the ten great plagues against Egypt (Exodus 7:17–18).

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 7/12/2025 9:47:46 PM