Exodus 7 Commentary

This passage is the LORD’s response to the latest iteration of Moses using the excuse that he is not eloquent enough to talk to Pharaoh. The LORD accommodates him by restating His appointment of Aaron as his mouthpiece before Pharaoh. Moses will receive the LORD's message and then tell Aaron to convey it to Pharaoh. The purpose of this was to not only deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery but also to demonstrate that He is the sovereign God all creation. The section concludes with a statement of complete obedience by Moses and Aaron and also the ages of the two men when all this took place.

Moses’ conflict with Pharaoh begins in verse 8. The first confrontation is in 7:18-23. Here, the LORD instructed Moses and Aaron concerning what to do when Pharaoh asked for a miracle. Moses had Aaron cast down his staff in Pharaoh's presence, which became a serpent. Pharaoh's sorcerers duplicated the miracle, resulting in Pharaoh's heart being hardened. All this happened because the LORD planned it.

Since the account of the plagues upon Egypt begins here in verse 14 and extends to 12:32, it is useful to include a word of introduction.