Exodus 7:1 – “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.'”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 7:1 is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses and the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. In this verse, God is speaking directly to Moses, preparing him for the immense task ahead. God tells Moses that He has made him “like God” to Pharaoh. This phrase signifies that Moses would carry the authority and power of God before Pharaoh. Moses would act as God’s representative, delivering His commands and demonstrating His power through the miraculous signs and wonders that were to follow.
Aaron, Moses’ brother, is described as Moses’ prophet, meaning that Aaron would speak on behalf of Moses, just as a prophet speaks on behalf of God. This arrangement was made because of Moses’ earlier hesitation about his speaking abilities (Exodus 4:10-16). In this divine partnership, Moses and Aaron were to confront the most powerful ruler in the known world, armed not with military might but with the authority of the Almighty God.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is set in the time of the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt. The Israelites had been in Egypt for over 400 years, much of that time as slaves. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had become increasingly oppressive, fearing the growing number of Israelites. The situation was dire, and the people of Israel were crying out to God for deliverance.
Moses, born a Hebrew but raised in the Egyptian royal household, was chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage. After fleeing Egypt and spending 40 years in the wilderness, God called Moses from the burning bush, instructing him to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh let His people go. Pharaoh, however, would not easily relinquish his slave labor force, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontations that would follow, beginning with this verse.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His ability to empower individuals to fulfill His purposes. By making Moses “like God” to Pharaoh, God was demonstrating that His authority superseded that of any earthly power, including the mighty Pharaoh. This was not just a battle between Moses and Pharaoh but a cosmic struggle between the God of Israel and the false gods of Egypt.
Moreover, the partnership between Moses and Aaron highlights the importance of obedience and faith in God’s plan. Moses’ initial reluctance to speak led to Aaron’s involvement, showing that God accommodates our weaknesses but still calls us to step into His purposes. This verse also points to the concept of mediation, where Moses acts as a mediator between God and Pharaoh, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 7:1 serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative. Up until this point, Moses had been reluctant and uncertain about his role. However, this verse marks the moment when God explicitly commissions Moses with divine authority. The structure of the verse is straightforward, yet the words are loaded with profound meaning. The use of “like God” underscores the gravity of Moses’ mission and the seriousness with which God views the impending showdown with Pharaoh.
The verse also sets up the dual roles of Moses and Aaron, a theme that continues throughout the subsequent chapters. Aaron’s role as Moses’ spokesman reflects the hierarchical nature of communication between God, His chosen leaders, and the people they are called to influence or deliver.
Biblical Cross-References
Several biblical passages cross-reference and expand upon the themes found in Exodus 7:1:
- Exodus 4:16 – “He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.” This verse introduces the concept of Moses being “like God” to Aaron, which is later expanded to include Pharaoh.
- Psalm 105:26-27 – “He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham.” This psalm reflects on the events of the Exodus, highlighting the roles of Moses and Aaron as God’s instruments.
- Deuteronomy 18:18 – “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.” This prophecy about a future prophet like Moses points forward to Jesus, who would perfectly embody the role of mediator between God and humanity.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 7:1 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Just as God empowered Moses, He empowers believers today to be His representatives in the world. We may not face a Pharaoh, but we do face challenges and obstacles that require God’s strength and authority.
This verse also teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s call, even when we feel inadequate. God doesn’t choose us because we are perfect; He chooses us because He is perfect, and He equips us for the tasks He assigns.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 7:1 reveals the loving nature of God in His desire to liberate His people from oppression. God’s intervention in Egypt was driven by His compassion for the Israelites and His faithfulness to the promises He made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By empowering Moses, God was demonstrating His commitment to justice and His willingness to act on behalf of the oppressed.
God’s love is also evident in His patience with Moses. Despite Moses’ doubts and hesitations, God continually reassures and supports him, providing Aaron as a helper. This shows that God understands our fears and limitations and lovingly provides what we need to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 7:1 foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Just as Moses was “like God” to Pharaoh, Jesus is the perfect representation of God to the world. Hebrews 1:3 states, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Jesus, unlike Moses, is not merely “like God”; He is God incarnate.
Furthermore, just as Moses confronted Pharaoh to deliver Israel, Jesus confronted sin and death to deliver all who believe in Him. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus fulfills the role that Moses began, bringing ultimate freedom and salvation to God’s people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what ways do you see God calling you to be His representative in your current situation?
- How does Moses’ example of obedience, despite his insecurities, challenge you in your walk with God?
- How do you understand the role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity, and how does this impact your faith?
- How does knowing that God equips those He calls give you confidence in your spiritual journey?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s love and His desire for justice in the world?