Exodus 7:6
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Moses and Aaron had faced Pharaoh before with disastrous results—increased oppression of Israel and no deliverance (Exodus 5). Their willingness to return demonstrates transformed confidence in God's promise. The intervening genealogy (6:14-27) and renewed commission (6:28-7:5) prepared them for this moment. Egyptian court protocol made approaching Pharaoh dangerous, especially for previously rejected petitioners. That they returned despite past failure, armed only with a shepherd's rod and divine promise, required extraordinary faith. The historical context—New Kingdom Egypt at the height of power, Pharaoh considered a living god, Moses and Aaron foreigners with a failed previous petition—makes their obedience remarkable.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses and Aaron's obedience after previous failure encourage persistence in following God's commands despite discouraging circumstances?
- What does their exact obedience teach about the relationship between faith and compliance with God's specific instructions?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. The emphatic doubling—"did... so did they"—stresses complete obedience. The Hebrew va'ya'asu (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ, "and they did") followed by ken asu (כֵּן עָשׂוּ, "so they did") creates a literary frame emphasizing exact compliance with divine instruction. This contrasts sharply with Pharaoh's repeated refusals to obey God's command (5:2, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?").
The phrase ka'asher tzivah YHWH (כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה, "as the LORD commanded") establishes the pattern for all ten plagues: God commands, Moses and Aaron obey, and judgment follows. Their obedience despite past failures (4:10-14, 5:22-23) demonstrates matured faith. This simple statement of compliance serves as a theological hinge—from this point forward, God's power will manifest through their faithful agency. The repetitive structure anticipates the litany of plagues where each begins with divine command and ends with execution.