Exodus 7: Moses Stands Before Pharoah First Time

Introduction: The book of Exodus reveals the profound majesty and unsearchable greatness of God as He performs signs and wonders to free His chosen people from the yoke of Egyptian slavery. Exodus 7 is a pivotal chapter displaying God’s power through His servant Moses, and it brings us face-to-face with our Creator’s absolute authority and divine purpose. This overview will provide a theological exploration on this profound chapter, revealing the supreme majesty of God and His relentless love for His people.

I. Exodus 7:1-2 – God’s Empowerment and Command

Exodus 7:1-2, God makes Moses His spokesman to Pharaoh and Joshua is made his prophet, illustrates the divine empowerment God bestows upon His chosen vessels. This concept, reminiscent of God’s commission to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5), displays God’s sovereign ability to equip those He calls for His divine purpose.

II. Exodus 7:3-5 – The Purpose of God’s Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart

In Exodus 7:3-5, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart to multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt. This can be seen as God’s strategic move to reveal His power and majesty, similar to what Paul explains in Romans 9:17.

III. Exodus 7:6-7 – Submission to God’s Command

Moses and Aaron’s obedience in Exodus 7:6-7 echoes the submission to God’s will, a theme found in John 14:15. Their obedience shows us the importance of aligning our actions with God’s commands.

IV. Exodus 7:8-13 – The Power Encounter: Aaron’s Staff Becomes a Snake

Exodus 7:8-13, Aaron’s staff becomes a snake, demonstrates God’s superior power over Egyptian magicians. This scene foreshadows Christ’s victory over the devil as depicted in Revelation 20:10, re-emphasizing God’s supremacy.

V. Exodus 7:14-25 – The First Plague: Turning Water into Blood

The first plague where God turns the Nile River into blood in Exodus 7:14-25 serves as a judgment upon the Egyptian gods, specifically Hapi, the god of the Nile. This judgment is a testament to God’s sovereignty over all false gods, similar to how God calls out the false gods in Isaiah 44:6-20.

Conclusion: Exodus 7 is a powerful display of God’s majesty and authority. It reveals God as the supreme ruler who controls all events for His divine purposes. He is the God who empowers, commands, hardens hearts for His glory, and reigns supreme over all false gods. This divine revelation of God’s character inspires believers to submit to His will, trust in His plan, and acknowledge His absolute sovereignty. As we journey through life, may we always remember the God revealed in Exodus 7: The God of wonders, the God of power, and the God of relentless love for His people.