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Exodus 6 The Ten Plagues on Egypt

1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.”

2 God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord.

3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord I did not make myself known to them.

4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they lived as aliens.

5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’”

9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage.

10 Then the Lord said to Moses,

11 “Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.”

12 But Moses said to the Lord, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?”

13 Family Record of Moses and Aaron
Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

14 These were the heads of their families:
The sons of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.

16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

17 The sons of Gershon, by clans, were Libni and Shimei.

18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.

19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.
These were the clans of Levi according to their records.

20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

21 The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg and Zicri.

22 The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan and Sithri.

23 Aaron married Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah and Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans.

25 Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas.
These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by clan.

26 It was this same Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, “Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.”

27 They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. It was the same Moses and Aaron.

28 Aaron to Speak for Moses
Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt,

29 he said to him, “I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.”

30 But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”

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Analysis of Exodus Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of the Book of Exodus plays a pivotal role in the broader narrative of Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This chapter sees God reaffirming His covenant with Israel and bolstering Moses’ faltering resolve. It also provides a genealogical bridge, connecting the story of Moses and Aaron to the broader history and future leadership of the Israelites. Let’s delve deeper into the chapter, examining its key elements and overarching themes.

Verses 1-5: God’s Assurance and Promise Renewed

Verse 1: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.'” In this opening verse, God reassures Moses following his initial discouragement after his first confrontation with Pharaoh ended with increased suffering for the Israelites. The Lord emphasizes His direct intervention with a display of divine power that will compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This assurance underscores God’s control over the unfolding events and the inevitability of Israel’s deliverance.

Verses 2-3: “God also said to Moses, ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make Myself fully known to them.'” Here, God identifies Himself as “the LORD” (YHWH), a name denoting His covenantal faithfulness. This revelation indicates a deepening relationship, wherein God reveals more of His nature and purposes. While the patriarchs knew Him as El Shaddai (God Almighty), the name YHWH encompasses His eternal, unchanging essence and His commitment to His covenant promises.

Verses 4-5: “I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, where they resided as foreigners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.” God recounts His covenant with the patriarchs, reminding Moses of His promise to give their descendants the land of Canaan. God’s acknowledgment of Israel’s suffering and His remembrance of the covenant signals that the time for their deliverance is imminent. This section emphasizes God’s faithfulness and His responsiveness to the cries of His people.

Verses 6-9: The Sevenfold Promise of Redemption

Verses 6-8: “Therefore, say to the Israelites, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.'” These verses contain seven promises that collectively provide a full picture of redemption:

  1. “I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians” – Deliverance from oppression.
  2. “I will free you from being slaves to them” – Liberation from slavery.
  3. “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment” – Redemption through divine intervention and judgment on their oppressors.
  4. “I will take you as my own people” – Adoption into a special relationship with God.
  5. “I will be your God” – Establishing an exclusive covenant relationship.
  6. “I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” – Fulfillment of the promise of a homeland.
  7. “I will give it to you as a possession” – Assurance of permanent inheritance.

Each promise builds on the previous one, culminating in the ultimate purpose of the exodus: establishing Israel as God’s people in the promised land. These declarations are a powerful testament to God’s intention to transform Israel’s identity and destiny completely.

Verse 9: “Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.” Despite the profound promises, the Israelites’ current suffering hinders their ability to believe in the coming deliverance. This contrast between divine assurance and human despair highlights the challenges of faith under oppression and sets the stage for the miracles to come that will validate God’s words.

Verses 10-13: Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Command

Verses 10-12: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.’ But Moses said to the LORD, ‘If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?'” Moses’ hesitation and self-doubt resurface as he questions his ability to persuade either the Israelites or Pharaoh. His “faltering lips” may indicate a speech impediment or simply his lack of confidence in his rhetorical skills. This passage highlights Moses’ humanity, his struggles with self-doubt, and his need for continuous divine support.

Verse 13: “Now the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and He commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.” God responds not with reassurances but with a direct command, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of His mission. By addressing both Moses and Aaron, God also affirms the collaborative leadership they will provide.

Verses 14-27: The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron

Verses 14-27 present the genealogical record of the heads of the Israelite families, emphasizing the lineage of Moses and Aaron. This genealogy serves multiple purposes:

  • Historical Anchoring: It situates Moses and Aaron within the broader tribal history, grounding the narrative in the reality of the Israelite tribes. This historical anchoring provides continuity and connects their mission to the earlier promises made to the patriarchs.
  • Legitimate Leadership: By detailing their lineage, the text underscores the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron’s leadership. It highlights their descent from Levi, one of Jacob’s sons, thus reinforcing their role as divinely chosen leaders of the Levites, who would later become the priestly tribe.
  • Community Identity: This record fosters a sense of community identity among the Israelites by recalling their shared heritage and linking the present leaders with their ancestral roots.

The genealogy begins with Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and proceeds through Simeon to Levi. It then focuses in detail on the Levite clans, specifically the lineage leading to Moses and Aaron.

Verses 28-30: Reaffirmation of the Divine Mission

Verses 28-30: “Now when the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt, He said to him, ‘I am the LORD. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’ But Moses said to the LORD, ‘Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?'” This section revisits God’s command and Moses’ hesitance, creating a narrative inclusio that frames the chapter. It reiterates the central tension: Moses’ reluctance juxtaposed with God’s unwavering command. Moses’ repeated doubt highlights the human struggle with divine callings, especially in the face of daunting tasks.

Theological Themes and Insights

Chapter 6 of Exodus is rich with theological themes that resonate throughout the Bible:

  • Divine Faithfulness: God’s detailed reaffirmation of His covenant promises underscores His unwavering faithfulness. Despite the Israelites’ current suffering and Moses’ doubts, God’s plan and promises remain steadfast. The repeated declaration “I am the LORD” serves as a powerful reminder of His eternal and covenantal presence.
  • Redemptive Plan: The sevenfold promise encapsulates the arc of God’s redemptive plan for Israel. It moves from liberation to relationship, then to ultimate fulfillment in the promised land. This sequence mirrors the broader biblical theme of redemption: delivering people from bondage, establishing a covenant relationship, and leading them to inheritance and rest.
  • Human Weakness and Divine Empowerment: Moses’ hesitance and the Israelites’ despair highlight human frailty and the natural struggle to trust in unseen promises. Yet, God’s response is to emphasize His might and His actions. This interplay between human weakness and divine empowerment is a recurring biblical motif, illustrating that God’s plans are not thwarted by human limitations.
  • Community and Identity: The genealogical record reinforces the importance of community and shared history in forming identity. Moses and Aaron’s lineage is a reminder that God’s work transcends generations, linking past, present, and future in His redemptive purposes.

Practical Applications

Beyond its historical and theological significance, Exodus Chapter 6 offers practical insights for contemporary faith practice:

  • Trust in God’s Promises: Like the Israelites, believers today may find it challenging to hold onto divine promises amid suffering and discouragement. This chapter encourages steadfast faith in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak.
  • Embrace God’s Mission Despite Personal Inadequacies: Moses’ story reminds us that God often calls imperfect people to fulfill His purposes. Our perceived weaknesses do not disqualify us from being used by God. Instead, they provide opportunities for His strength and glory to be manifested.
  • Value of Heritage and Community: The detailed genealogy underscores the importance of understanding and valuing one’s spiritual heritage and community. It is through these connections that believers find identity, support, and purpose.
  • Patience in God’s Timing: The fulfillment of God’s promises often requires patience and endurance. This chapter exemplifies the need to trust in God’s timing and His broader plan, even when immediate outcomes are not apparent.

In summary, Exodus Chapter 6 bridges the gap between divine promise and human experience, illustrating the challenges of faith and the certainty of divine redemption. It calls readers to trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness, to recognize the transformative power of His promises, and to participate in His redemptive mission despite personal inadequacies. Through this chapter, the narrative of Exodus gains depth and nuance, rooting the story of deliverance in the character of God and the history of His people.