Exodus 7:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 7:1
1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
Chapter Context
Exodus 7 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 7:1
1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
Analysis
God declares 'I have made thee a god to Pharaoh' (אֱלֹהִים, elohim—a god, divine representative). Moses will speak with divine authority, while Aaron serves as 'thy prophet' (נְבִיאֶךָ, nebi'ekha). This establishes the divine-prophet-people chain that challenges Pharaoh's claim to divinity.
Historical Context
Egyptian theology made Pharaoh a living god, son of Ra and incarnation of Horus. God's declaration that Moses is 'elohim' to Pharaoh inverts this claim—the Hebrew shepherd outranks Egypt's god-king.
Reflection
- How does understanding Moses as God's representative encourage you in facing opposition?
- What does this verse teach about delegated divine authority?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 82:6
- References Lord: Exodus 16:29
- Parallel theme: Genesis 19:21, 1 Kings 17:23, 2 Kings 6:32, Jeremiah 1:10