Exodus 7 Commentary

The book of Exodus is the second book of the Torah (“law”). It continues the story of Genesis concerning the migration of the family of Jacob (the Israelites) to Egypt (Genesis 50). It describes the commissioning of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives on earth to accomplish God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land (the land of Canaan). It also relates the miraculous deliverance from Egypt beginning with the plagues on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It then describes the journey to Mount Sinai and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant with the Israelites. The last part of the book involves the specifications and building of the tabernacle – the place where the Lord Himself dwelt amongst His people.

In the book of Exodus, the focus shifts to the deliverance of God’s people.

Chapter 7 continues the dialog between Moses and the LORD concerning his fitness for the task set before him. He repeated the excuse of not being eloquent, to which the LORD answered (as with the other excuses Moses gave). It is the final step in preparing Moses to be the deliverer.

This chapter also has the story of Aaron’s staff being turned into a serpent when Pharaoh asked for a miracle. The sorcerers were able to replicate the miracle, so Pharaoh ignored Moses’ and Aaron’s request to leave Egypt.

This sets the stage for the ten plagues that come upon Egypt. The first one is described in chapter 7, and it involves the turning of water (including the Nile) into blood.

Chapter 7 can be outlined as follows:

• The LORD’s instructions to Moses (7:1 – 7)
• Verification of Moses and Aaron as the LORD’s messengers (7:8 – 13)
• The first plague – water turned to blood (7:14 – 25)

The Bible Project - Exodus Summary Pt. 1

The Bible Project - Exodus Summary Pt. 2