Exodus Chapter 7: A Detailed Explanation

 

Exodus Chapter 7: A Detailed Explanation

Exodus 7 marks the beginning of the intense confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, setting the stage for the Ten Plagues that demonstrate God's power over Egypt. This chapter contains the first miraculous signs and the first plague—the turning of the Nile into blood.

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Outline of Exodus 7

1. God's Commission to Moses and Aaron (7:1–7)

2. The Staff Becomes a Serpent (7:8–13)

3. The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood (7:14–24)

4. Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart (7:25)

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1. God's Commission to Moses and Aaron (7:1–7)

• Verse 1: God tells Moses, "I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet."

  • This means Moses will act as God's representative, while Aaron speaks on his behalf.

• Verse 2-3: Moses and Aaron must obey God's commands, even though Pharaoh's heart will be hardened.

• Verse 4-5: God declares that He will bring the Israelites out of Egypt through mighty acts of judgment.

• Verse 6-7: Moses and Aaron obey God; Moses is 80 years old, and Aaron is 83 when they confront Pharaoh.

💡 Key Lesson: God often calls people into His service, regardless of their age or perceived limitations.

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2. The Staff Becomes a Serpent (7:8–13)

• Verse 8-9: God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform a sign before Pharaoh—turning Aaron's staff into a serpent.

• Verse 10: Aaron obeys, and his staff becomes a serpent before Pharaoh and his officials.

• Verse 11-12: Pharaoh’s magicians use their secret arts to do the same, but Aaron’s staff swallows theirs.

• Verse 13: Pharaoh remains stubborn and refuses to listen.

💡 Key Lesson: Satan can imitate God's miracles, but God's power always prevails.

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3. The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood (7:14–24)

• Verse 14-18: God commands Moses to warn Pharaoh that if he refuses to release the Israelites, the Nile will turn to blood.

• Verse 19-20: Aaron strikes the Nile with his staff, and all the water in Egypt turns to blood.

• Verse 21: The fish die, the river smells, and the Egyptians cannot drink the water.

• Verse 22: Pharaoh’s magicians imitate this sign, so Pharaoh remains unmoved.

• Verse 23-24: Pharaoh refuses to listen and returns to his palace. Meanwhile, the Egyptians dig around the Nile for drinking water.

💡 Key Lesson: Judgment falls when people reject God, but even in judgment, God allows opportunities for repentance.

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4. Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart (7:25)

• Verse 25: The plague lasts for seven days, but Pharaoh remains resistant.

💡 Key Lesson: A hardened heart can lead to prolonged suffering.

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Themes in Exodus 7

1. God’s Sovereignty – God controls history and rulers, using them to fulfill His purposes.

2. Spiritual Warfare – Pharaoh’s magicians symbolize the forces of darkness that oppose God.

3. Judgment and Mercy – God brings judgment but gives Pharaoh chances to repent.

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Conclusion

Exodus 7 sets the stage for God's mighty deliverance of His people. It reveals that God is patient yet firm, allowing Pharaoh time to repent while demonstrating His absolute power. The chapter teaches us that resisting God leads to hardship, while obedience brings blessings.