READ: Ex. 6:1–12: … I will take you as My people, and I will be your God …
Moses is deeply frustrated and, above all, rebellious toward the LORD. His sharp reproach to the LORD is completely inappropriate. Hadn’t the LORD already said that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart?
Still, the LORD remains patient, long-suffering, and merciful. He responds to Moses’ reproach, but not in anger. Calmly, He points out Who He is: the faithful God of the covenant, Yahweh. That is how they may now know Him. It is a great privilege because the LORD had not revealed this name to the patriarchs (v.2). He was and is also the Almighty.
Then the LORD points to His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan and His care for Israel in its oppression, remembering His covenant with Abraham. All this should be enough for Moses, Aaron, and Israel to trust that He truly will deliver them.
God will uphold His covenant—this is certain. In all these words, we hear God in His covenantal faithfulness and covenant love. The Israelites must not only hear that the LORD will truly lead them out of forced labor and deliver them through mighty acts of judgment. They may also hear that beneath it all lies God’s glorious covenant of grace: “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God” (v.6).
These are the same words God once spoke to Abraham (Gen. 17:7). Abraham too was severely tested by the LORD when he had to offer his son Isaac. Abraham passed that test in faith, which was credited to him as righteousness (Rom. 4:20–21; Heb. 11:17ff). Now Israel is being tested—to see whether they believe God’s covenant words.
How are we tested in our faith?
Sing: Ps. 33:2,4