Exodus 6:28–7:7 “I Am the Lord!”

Exodus 6:28-7:7 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Sovereign ‑ Chris Tomlin
• Chris Tomlin – Whom Shall I Fear [God Of Angel Armies]
• Sanctus Real – Confidence

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Bible Stories Exodus 6:28 – 7:7 – Story for Kids
• Good in Every Way | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Nothing Can Keep Me From You | Blast Off VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After introducing genealogy, the narrative paused in verse 13 and resumed. God commands Moses to speak His will to Pharaoh. Moses tries to avoid this command by using the excuse that he is not eloquent (6:28–29). In verse 12, Moses had already said, “I speak with faltering lips.” A literal translation of the Hebrew expression is, “I have uncircumcised lips.” Because of this phrase, some people assume Moses had a speech impediment, but it is more accurate to interpret it as indicating a lack of eloquence or rhetorical skill.

The statement in 7:1, “I have made you like God to Pharaoh,” contains a layer of irony. Pharaoh considered himself a god. But God was about to humble Pharaoh through Moses. The Pharaoh would come to realize that he is not divine. The Lord instructs Moses to have Aaron serve as his spokesperson and make the demands before Pharaoh (v. 2). However, God also foretells that Pharaoh will not easily grant Moses’ request. God warns that He will perform many “signs and wonders” until Pharaoh’s stubbornness is broken (vv. 3–5).

The phrase in verse 3, “But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart,” appears frequently until chapter 10. Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart in response to the signs God performed. At first, the text states, “Pharaoh hardened his heart,” but later it shifts to, “the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Through this progression, we are invited to observe the process by which Pharaoh’s heart became hardened.

Initially, Pharaoh exercised his free will to choose evil, and God gave him opportunities to turn back from his wickedness. However, God gave him over to his corrupt desires as his heart grew irreversibly hardened. Through this, the Israelites and Egyptians would realize that the Lord (YHWH) is the one and only true God.

Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. Moses was 80 years old, and Aaron was 83 at the time.

Meditation:

The declaration “I am the Lord!” can also be read as “I am the true Lord!” At that time, the king of Egypt was considered an absolute monarch who ruled over all the people. Everyone belonging to Egypt was considered Pharaoh’s property, and all the land in Egypt was also his possession. This resulted from Joseph’s actions during the seven years of famine following the seven years of abundance (Genesis 47).

When the state owns all land, if a king rules justly, all people may enjoy peace and fairness. However, under a wicked king, such centralized power becomes a means of oppression and exploitation. In Moses’ time, the king of Egypt was just such a tyrannical ruler. As a result, the people lived in constant fear. For foreigners like Moses and his people, the oppression was even worse.

In such a situation, God repeatedly tells Moses, “It is I, not the king of Egypt, who AM the Lord.” The “mighty hand” is not Pharaoh’s hand, but God’s invisible hand. Moses would soon come to experience this truth firsthand, but at this point, he had not yet encountered it. He was afraid to stand before Pharaoh, so God continually reassured him, “I am the Lord!”

Moses would learn this truth through the process by which God broke Pharaoh’s stubborn heart. And not only Moses, Pharaoh himself, all the people of Israel, and the Egyptians would come to know that the Lord (YHWH) alone is the true God.

From a purely visible, human perspective, Pharaoh appeared to be the master. But the one who directs and shapes history is God. Moses needed to realize this, and we are invited to grasp it today as we read his story.

Prayer:

Creator God of the universe, Sovereign Lord of history, You continue even today to guide the cosmos and govern history with Your unseen hand. Cause the Pharaohs of this world to bow before Your sovereignty and lead them to act according to Your truth and justice. Help us to live as citizens of heaven while we dwell in the kingdoms of this earth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when powerful people seem to be in control, God is the one who truly rules over all things. We may not always see His hand, but God guides history with justice and love. Like Moses, we can be brave because God is with us and will show His power in His time.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who seemed more powerful at first—Pharaoh or God? Why?
  • Why was Moses afraid to talk to Pharaoh? What did God say to help him?
  • Can you think of a time when you were scared, but God helped you be brave?
    
    
• For Youth
  
  
  • Why do you think God allowed Pharaoh to harden his heart over time? What do you think God was teaching the people?
  • Moses didn’t feel ready, but God used him anyway. What does this teach you about how God might use you, even when you feel unprepared?
  • What does it mean to trust in God’s “unseen hand” when life feels unfair or when those in power seem to be in control?