READ: Ex. 6:13–7:13: … 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 …
A genealogy of Moses and Aaron follows, focusing on the first three sons of Jacob: Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. Special attention is given to the high-priestly line extending from Aaron to Eleazar and Phinehas. This highlights Aaron’s role beside Moses, supporting him in his mediating office.
The LORD works through human ministry in the Old Testament time. Although names of men are mentioned, we see the LORD working through these weak people. These are the ones He chose to lead His people out of Egypt, but He is the one who is really in charge.
From verse 27 onward, the LORD speaks to Moses. Moses is to convey all of God’s words to Pharaoh. When Moses again objects, the LORD points to Aaron: he is to be Moses’ mouth, his prophet, but Moses himself must represent God before Pharaoh.
God Himself hardens Pharaoh’s heart. It is precisely through signs that God’s greatness will become all the more evident—not just to the Egyptians and Pharaoh, but also to the Israelites.
The LORD says: “I will stretch out My hand over Egypt.” The hand of the LORD means blessing, help, and encouragement for His people. But for unbelievers, it means judgment and punishment. “Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.”
After these words, Moses and Aaron are reassured. They obediently do as the LORD commands. Pharaoh challenges God by demanding a sign. It comes: Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent. But the magicians can do this too. However, their staffs are swallowed by Aaron’s staff—demonstrating God’s almighty power and victory. Yet Pharaoh hardens his heart, just as the LORD intended (v.13).
Are the magicians’ arts the work of the devil?
Sing: Ps. 84:3