Exodus 7:5 – “And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 7:5 is a key verse in the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, God declares that through His mighty acts against Egypt, the Egyptians will come to know that He is the Lord. The phrase “stretch out my hand” refers to God’s direct intervention in the events to come, which will include the ten plagues that demonstrate His power and authority.
This verse highlights God’s intention to reveal Himself not only to the Israelites but also to the Egyptians. By bringing the Israelites out of Egypt with such powerful displays, God makes it clear that He is the one true God, sovereign over all nations and gods. The deliverance of the Israelites is not just about freeing them from slavery; it is also about revealing God’s identity and supremacy to the world.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is the period when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, a powerful and polytheistic empire. The Egyptians worshiped a multitude of gods, and Pharaoh himself was considered a deity. The Israelites had been living under harsh conditions, crying out to God for deliverance.
Moses, who had fled Egypt years earlier, was called by God to return and lead the people out of bondage. Despite repeated demands, Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites. God’s plan, however, was not just to force Pharaoh’s hand but to demonstrate to the Egyptians—and by extension, to the world—that He is the Lord. The plagues that would follow were not only judgments but also signs intended to reveal God’s power and His role as the supreme ruler of all creation.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 7:5 underscores the concept of God’s self-revelation. God’s acts of judgment against Egypt are not arbitrary; they serve a purpose in revealing His identity to both the Israelites and the Egyptians. This verse reminds us that God desires to be known, and He acts in history to make Himself known.
It also speaks to God’s sovereignty. Despite Egypt’s power and Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God is in control. He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that no human power can stand against Him. Furthermore, this verse reflects God’s justice and His commitment to His people. He is not a distant or indifferent deity; He is actively involved in the lives of His people and in the affairs of nations.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 7:5 is a pivotal verse in the narrative structure of the Exodus story. It serves as both a promise and a warning. The promise is that God will deliver His people from slavery; the warning is that this deliverance will come through acts of judgment against Egypt. The phrase “the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord” is repeated throughout the Exodus account, reinforcing the theme of God’s self-revelation.
The verse also uses the metaphor of God “stretching out” His hand, which is a common biblical image for divine intervention. This metaphor highlights the direct and powerful nature of God’s actions. The literary structure of this verse sets up the dramatic events that will follow, where God’s power is displayed in increasingly severe plagues, culminating in the liberation of the Israelites.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible that connect with the themes in Exodus 7:5 include:
- Exodus 9:16 – “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” This verse reinforces the idea that God’s actions in Egypt were intended to reveal His power and make His name known.
- Psalm 83:18 – “Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” This psalm reflects the broader biblical theme of God revealing Himself to all nations.
- Ezekiel 30:19 – “So I will inflict punishment on Egypt, and they will know that I am the Lord.” Like in Exodus, God’s judgment on Egypt in Ezekiel is meant to reveal His identity and authority.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 7:5 serves as a reminder that God is sovereign and desires to be known by all people. Just as He revealed Himself through the events in Egypt, God continues to reveal Himself through history, Scripture, and the life of Jesus Christ. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s power and His plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
It also challenges Christians to live in a way that makes God known to others. Just as the Egyptians were confronted with the reality of God through His mighty acts, Christians are called to be witnesses to God’s presence and power in the world today.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 7:5 reflects God’s love in His desire to make Himself known, even to those who do not acknowledge Him. The acts of judgment against Egypt were severe, but they were also opportunities for the Egyptians to recognize the true God. God’s love is shown in His willingness to reveal Himself and give people the chance to turn to Him.
Moreover, God’s determination to free the Israelites is an expression of His love for His people. He heard their cries and responded with powerful action to bring them out of slavery. This verse shows that God’s love is not passive; it is active and purposeful, working to deliver and save.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 7:5 connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of revelation. Just as God revealed Himself to the Egyptians through the plagues, He revealed Himself to the world through Jesus. In Jesus, God’s nature and character are fully made known. John 14:9 says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, showing us His love, power, and desire to save.
Furthermore, just as God’s acts in Egypt led to the deliverance of His people, Jesus’ death and resurrection lead to the deliverance of all who believe in Him. The cross is the ultimate “mighty act” by which God brings people out of spiritual slavery and into a relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Exodus 7:5 challenge your understanding of God’s sovereignty and His desire to be known?
- In what ways can you see God revealing Himself in your own life and in the world today?
- How does the theme of God’s self-revelation in this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God?
- What can you do to help others know that the Lord is God through your actions and words?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s plan, even when it involves difficult circumstances or judgment?