Exodus 7:1

The LORD answered Moses, "See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.

Study Bible

The LORD answered Moses
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, emphasizing the personal relationship and divine authority behind Moses' mission. Throughout the Pentateuch, God frequently speaks to Moses, establishing him as a central figure in the narrative of Israel's deliverance. This divine communication underscores the importance of Moses as a mediator between God and His people, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament (1 Timothy 2:5).

See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh
Here, God elevates Moses' status in the eyes of Pharaoh, granting him authority and power that mirrors divine attributes. This is not to suggest that Moses becomes divine but rather that he acts as God's representative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, Pharaohs were often considered gods or semi-divine figures, so this statement subverts the Egyptian belief system by positioning Moses, a Hebrew, as superior. This prefigures the ultimate authority of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man, and who exercises authority over all earthly powers (Matthew 28:18).

and your brother Aaron will be your prophet
Aaron's role as a prophet to Moses highlights the importance of prophetic ministry in communicating God's will. In this context, Aaron serves as the spokesperson, conveying Moses' messages to Pharaoh. This arrangement reflects the broader biblical theme of God using prophets to speak to His people, as seen throughout the Old Testament. The prophetic office finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, revealing God's will perfectly (Hebrews 1:1-2). Aaron's role also emphasizes the importance of partnership and support in ministry, a principle seen in the New Testament with the apostles and early church leaders working together to spread the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the deliverance of His people from Egypt.

2. Moses
The chosen leader of the Israelites, who is empowered by God to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is seen as a god in his own right by the Egyptians, yet is about to witness the power of the true God.

4. Aaron
Moses' brother, who serves as his spokesperson or prophet, communicating God's messages to Pharaoh.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the unfolding of God's mighty acts of deliverance.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
God equips those He calls. Just as Moses was made "like God" to Pharaoh, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their God-given missions.

Role of Prophets
Aaron's role as a prophet underscores the importance of speaking God's truth. Believers today are called to be messengers of God's Word.

Authority and Responsibility
Being "like God" to others carries a significant responsibility. Christians are called to reflect God's character and authority in their interactions.

Partnership in Ministry
Moses and Aaron's partnership illustrates the importance of working together in ministry. God often uses teams to accomplish His purposes.

Confronting Worldly Powers
Just as Moses confronted Pharaoh, believers are called to stand firm against worldly systems that oppose God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Moses' role as "like God" to Pharaoh change your perspective on the authority God gives to His followers?

2. In what ways can you act as a "prophet" in your own life, speaking God's truth to those around you?

3. How does the partnership between Moses and Aaron encourage you to seek collaboration in your own ministry or service?

4. What are some modern-day "Pharaohs" or systems of power that Christians are called to confront, and how can we do so effectively?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by God to accomplish a task. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:16
This verse establishes Aaron's role as Moses' prophet, reinforcing the idea that God equips His chosen leaders with the necessary support.

Psalm 82:6
This passage speaks to the concept of being "like God," highlighting the authority and responsibility given to those who represent God.

John 1:1-14
The role of a prophet and the Word of God is further expanded in the New Testament, where Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God.

1 Corinthians 12:28-29
The New Testament church is given various roles and gifts, similar to how Moses and Aaron were given specific roles in God's plan.

Hebrews 3:1-6
Moses is compared to Jesus, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan through different leaders.