Exodus 7:8
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. In the context of Exodus, God frequently speaks to Moses, establishing him as a prophet and leader of Israel. Aaron, Moses' brother, is included here, highlighting his role as Moses' spokesperson and later as the first high priest of Israel. This divine communication underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's leadership, where God directly guides His chosen leaders. The inclusion of both Moses and Aaron signifies the beginning of their joint mission to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This partnership is crucial, as Moses initially expressed reluctance to speak due to his self-perceived inadequacies (Exodus 4:10-16). The phrase also sets the stage for the subsequent signs and wonders that God will perform through them, demonstrating His power over the Egyptian gods and affirming His covenant with Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises. In this context, He is the one orchestrating the events to demonstrate His power and authority over Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesperson and is central to the unfolding of God's plan.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother, who acts as his spokesperson. Aaron plays a crucial role in communicating God's commands to Pharaoh and performing signs.

4. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing opposition to God's will. His hardened heart becomes a backdrop for God's display of power.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It serves as the setting for God's mighty acts and the eventual liberation of His people.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
God is in control of all events, using them to fulfill His purposes. Believers can trust in His ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Obedience to God's Call
Moses and Aaron demonstrate obedience to God's command. Christians are called to respond to God's direction in their lives with faith and action.

The Role of Faith in Leadership
Moses and Aaron's leadership is rooted in their faith in God. Effective Christian leadership requires reliance on God's strength and guidance.

The Power of God's Word
The events in Exodus 7:8 remind us of the power inherent in God's word. Believers are encouraged to speak and act according to His word, trusting in its effectiveness.

God's Patience and Justice
The account of Exodus shows God's patience with Pharaoh and His ultimate justice. Christians are reminded of God's patience with humanity and His righteous judgment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the interaction between God, Moses, and Aaron in Exodus 7:8 demonstrate God's sovereignty and plan for His people?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of obedience to God's call in the lives of Moses and Aaron, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

3. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serve as a backdrop for understanding God's power and justice? What does this teach us about responding to God's will?

4. How can the faith and leadership of Moses and Aaron inspire us in our roles within our communities and churches today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in the power of God's word in a challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 4:21-23
God foretells the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the signs that Moses will perform, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 7.

Hebrews 11:24-29
Highlights Moses' faith and his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, connecting the Old Testament account to New Testament teachings on faith.

Psalm 105:26-27
Reflects on the signs and wonders performed by Moses and Aaron in Egypt, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness.
A God to PharaohJ. Orr Exodus 7:1-8
The Great ConflictH.T. Robjohns Exodus 7:1-25
The Lord, He is GodG.A. Goodhart Exodus 7:1-25
The Credentials of God's Ambassadors to the FrowardJ. Urquhart Exodus 7:8-13
The First Sign to Pharaoh: the Rod Becomes a SerpentD. Young Exodus 7:8-13
The Rod Turned into a SerpentJ. Orr Exodus 7:8-14
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Nile River
Topics
Aaron, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 7:8-12

     1449   signs, purposes
     4512   staff
     5072   Aaron, spokesman

Exodus 7:8-24

     5593   trial

Library
The History of the Prophetic Sermons, Epistles, and Apocalypses
[Sidenote: Real character and aims of the prophets] To understand and rightly interpret the prophetic writings of the Old Testament it is necessary to cast aside a false impression as to the character of the prophets which is widely prevalent. They were not foretellers, but forth-tellers. Instead of being vague dreamers, in imagination living far in the distant future, they were most emphatically men of their own times, enlightened and devoted patriots, social and ethical reformers, and spiritual
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Letter Lxxxv. To Paulinus.
Paulinus had asked Jerome two questions, (1) how can certain passages of scripture (Exod. vii. 13; Rom. ix. 16) be reconciled with Free Will? and (2) Why are the children of believers said to be holy (1 Cor. vii. 14) apart from baptismal grace? For the first of these questions Jerome refers Paulinus to his version (newly made) of Origen's treatise, On First Principles. For the second he quotes the explanation of Tertullian. Written in 400 a.d. 1. Your words urge me to write to you but your eloquence
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the Church.
Text: Ephesians 3, 13-21. 13. Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 and that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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