In this in-depth Bible study, we will delve into chapter 7 of the book of Exodus in the Old Testament to examine the incredible power of God manifested through Moses and Aaron. Exodus 7:1-25 recounts the beginning of the plagues unleashed on Egypt and how God revealed himself as the Sovereign Lord of the universe. We will see how the Scriptures detail divine sovereignty, Pharaoh’s resistance, the manifestation of signs and wonders, and the timeless lessons we can draw from this account.
God’s Sovereignty Revealed (Exodus 7:1-5)
Exodus chapter 7 begins with God revealing to Moses the scope of His plan and the authority He granted to Moses and Aaron. In these verses, God declares to Moses: “Then the LORD said to Moses, Behold, I have made you a god over Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother will be your prophet.” (Exodus 7:1) . This statement is extraordinary, as God designates Moses as His divine representative before Pharaoh, who, at the time, was considered a god on earth.
However, this divine appointment does not mean that Moses became a god, but rather that he would act with the authority and power of God. Moses and Aaron would be God’s instruments to communicate His will and perform miracles that would demonstrate His sovereignty over all Egyptian gods. This divine act is a powerful illustration of the way God empowers and commissions those He chooses to fulfill His purposes.
Here we can find a parallel with the calling of all believers. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) and to exercise spiritual authority over the forces of evil in his name (Luke 10:19). Moses’ appointment reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our calling with humility, recognizing that it is God who empowers us to carry out his work.
Pharaoh’s Stubborn Resistance (Exodus 7:6-13)
Despite the clear divine message and God’s call to Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh demonstrates stubborn resistance. He refuses to let the people of Israel leave, even in the face of the signs and wonders that God performs through His servants. In verse 13, we see that Pharaoh’s heart “grew hard, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said” (Exodus 7:13, NIV) .
This resistance by Pharaoh is a vivid example of human stubbornness and obstinacy in the face of God’s will. Even when faced with undeniable evidence of divine power, human sinful nature often refuses to yield. However, God’s response to Pharaoh’s obstinacy also reveals His sovereignty and redemptive purpose.
However, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart also reminds us of the importance of freedom of choice. God did not force Pharaoh to act in a specific way; he hardened his own heart. This highlights human responsibility towards the choices we make. God invites us to choose his will, but respects our freedom of choice, even if it means resisting his will.
The First Signs and Wonders (Exodus 7:14-25)
The subsequent part of Exodus 7 presents us with the first signs and wonders performed by Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh. In obedience to God, they cast their rods on the ground, which turn into serpents. However, the magicians of Egypt manage to perform a similar spell, although Moses and Aaron’s serpents prevail in the end.
God also instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over the waters of Egypt, turning them into blood. This plague symbolizes divine judgment on the Egyptian land. However, even in the face of these signs and plagues, Pharaoh remains obstinate, refusing to release the people of Israel.
Here we see the beginning of the confrontation between the power of God and the power of Egypt. The ability of the magicians of Egypt to replicate, to some degree, the miracle of Moses highlights the reality of spiritual opposition. However, this opposition cannot match divine power and is eventually overcome.
Although Pharaoh resists, God demonstrates His mastery over the forces of nature and the ability to execute righteous judgments. These plagues are a testimony to God’s justice and His commitment to fulfilling His promises, freeing His people from slavery.
Timeless Lessons: Sovereignty, Resistance and Justice
This study of Exodus 7:1-25 offers us valuable timeless lessons that transcend historical context and apply to our lives today. God’s sovereignty is a central theme, emphasizing that He is the Supreme Sovereign who acts in accordance with His purposes. However, stubborn human resistance is also evident, highlighting the importance of recognizing our freedom of choice and the need to respond to the divine call with humility.
Furthermore, God’s justice is revealed in the plagues visited upon Egypt. These plagues represent His commitment to justice and His ability to judge those who oppress His people. This reminds us that God is a God of justice who defends the oppressed and fulfills his promises.
To strengthen these lessons, we can look to other Bible verses that reinforce these principles. For example, Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that “the heart of a king is like rivers of water in the hands of the Lord; he bends it where he wants” . This highlights God’s sovereignty over leaders and rulers. Regarding stubborn resistance, we can consider 2 Peter 3:9 , which states that God “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance . ” This highlights His patience and desire for everyone to choose the path of life.
Finally, regarding divine justice, Psalm 103:6 assures us that “the Lord executes justice and defends the rights of all who are oppressed” . This reinforces God’s righteous nature and His willingness to intervene on behalf of those who suffer.
Conclusion
Studying Exodus 7:1-25 gives us profound insight into God’s sovereignty, stubborn human resistance, and divine justice. These timeless lessons continue to resonate in our lives today, reminding us that God is the Supreme Sovereign, who respects our freedom of choice, and who acts justly in defense of His people.
As we continue to explore the Scriptures, it is critical to apply these lessons to our daily lives. We must recognize God’s sovereignty, choose to obey His will, and trust in His justice, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises and defend the oppressed. May this study inspire us to live with faith and humility, always seeking the will of the Sovereign Lord.
