*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.
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.