Exodus 6: God Reminds Moses of What He Promised

Introduction: Exodus 6 is an important passage in the Bible that unveils profound theological truths about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and His covenant with Israel, and His promises therein. The chapter, resplendent with divine promises, is a fulfilment of God’s covenant to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-21. It is a call to the Israelites in bondage in Egypt and to all of us who are in various forms of bondage today, promising freedom and restoration.

I. Exodus 6:1-8: God’s Assurance to Moses
Exodus 6:1-8 is a rich passage where God reiterates His promise of deliverance to Moses. He encourages Moses not to despair over Pharaoh’s hardheartedness, promising that He will “bring the Israelites out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:6). As in Genesis 12:2, where God promised to make a great nation of Abraham’s descendants, Exodus 6:7 underlines God’s pledge to take the Israelites to be His people and to be their God.

II. Exodus 6:9-13: Moses Delivers God’s Message
Despite the great promises, the Israelites were despondent due to their heavy bondage (Exodus 6:9). Their condition mirrors our own when we face trials, often causing us to doubt God’s promises, as depicted in James 1:2-4. However, God, relentless in His purpose, instructs Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh with His message of liberation (Exodus 6:11-13).

III. Exodus 6:14-27: The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron
This section emphasizes the chosen status of Moses and Aaron within the Israelite community. God had chosen the lineage of Levi, reaffirming the promises He had made to their forefathers. The genealogy underscores the divine plan that aligns with God’s covenant promise (Genesis 50:24).

IV. Exodus 6:28-30: Moses’ Self-doubt and God’s Assurance
Moses’ self-doubt (Exodus 6:30) echoes our own insecurities and the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Despite Moses’ doubts about his eloquence, God reassures him of His power, reminding him that He is the One who enables and qualifies those He calls.

Conclusion: Exodus 6 is a potent chapter, unveiling the divine promises of God. It highlights God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant, His power to deliver, and His relentless pursuit of His people. It calls us to rise above our doubts, fears, and trials, and cling to His promises. Let us, like Moses, heed to God’s call, trusting His enabling power, and let the divine promises in Exodus 6 inspire us all to trust in God’s plans and purposes for our lives.