*Exodus 7:1-14
Appointed by God as Pharaoh’s divine spokesperson, Aaron throws down his staff which becomes a snake, but Pharaoh’s magicians do the same, hardening Pharaoh’s heart.
- God Empowers Moses:
- God reassures Moses of His support and guidance.
- Moses is appointed as God’s spokesperson to Pharaoh, with Aaron acting as his assistant.
- The First Encounter with Pharaoh:
- Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh as commanded by God.
- They demand the release of the Israelites to worship in the wilderness.
- Pharaoh defiantly asks for proof of God’s authority.
- The Miracle of the Staff:
- Moses and Aaron perform a miraculous sign before Pharaoh.
- Aaron casts down his staff, and it transforms into a serpent.
- Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the feat, but Aaron’s serpent swallows theirs.
- Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart:
- Despite witnessing the miracle, Pharaoh remains unyielding.
- His heart is hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go.
- This sets the stage for a series of confrontations and plagues as God demonstrates His power and demands freedom for His people.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for showing us that Your power is greater than anything in this world. Just as You worked through Moses and Aaron to demonstrate Your might, help us to trust in Your strength and to follow Your guidance faithfully.
Lord, when we face opposition or doubt, remind us that You are in control. Give us courage to stand firm in obedience to You, knowing that Your plans always prevail.
We are grateful for Your love and faithfulness. Help us to walk in trust and to rely on Your power in all we do.
Amen.
Exodus 7:1-14 (KJV)
7:1 And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
7:2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
7:4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
7:5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
7:6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
7:7 And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
7:8 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 7:9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
7:10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
7:12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
7:13 And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
7:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.