Exodus 7:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 7:6
6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Chapter Context
Exodus 7 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, fellowship, truth. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 7:6
6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 7:10
- Parallel theme: Exodus 7:2, Genesis 6:22