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Exodus 7

25 verses

TL;DR

God empowers Moses and Aaron to perform miracles before Pharaoh, setting the stage for the impending judgment on Egypt.

Summary

In Exodus 7, God speaks to Moses, declaring him a god to Pharaoh and designating Aaron as his prophet. Moses and Aaron obey, confronting Pharaoh and showing signs: Aaron’s rod turns into a serpent that consumes the Egyptian magicians’ rods, and the river water is turned to blood, causing a foul stench and fish deaths. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, rejecting the signs, and the Israelites remain imprisoned. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty, the futility of Egyptian magic, and the beginning of divine judgment.

Outline
  1. Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with miracles
  2. Aaron’s rod becomes serpent, defeating Egyptian magicians
  3. Water turns to blood, revealing God’s power
Themes
Divine sovereignty over pagan magicThe inevitability of God’s judgmentFaithful obedience leads to divine intervention
Keywords
GodPharaohMosesAaronrodserpentwaterbloodhardening of heartmiraclejudgment
People
MosesAaronPharaohLord
Places
Egyptriverland of Egypt
Things
rodserpentbloodwater
Key Verses
  • Exodus 7:9: Aaron’s rod transforms into a serpent, confronting Egyptian sorcery.
  • Exodus 7:18: Water of the Nile turns to blood, the first major plague.
  • Exodus 7:25: Seven days of plague signify the growing severity of God’s judgment.
Questions
  • Why does God choose Aaron to speak to Pharaoh?
  • What does the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart signify?
  • How does the miracle of the serpent challenge the Egyptian magicians?
  • What is the significance of the river turning to blood?
  • How do these signs prepare the Israelites for liberation?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter portrays both divine compassion toward Israel and severe judgment against Pharaoh; overall tone is one of conflict and divine authority.