Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord:
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.
And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord.
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
These be the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.
And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the Lord said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.
And it came to pass on the day when the Lord spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
That the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, I am the Lord: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
Exodus 6 marks a pivotal point in the narrative, transitioning from the Israelites' suffering to the dawn of their deliverance. Despite Moses's initial discouragement and the people's despair, God reaffirms His commitment to His covenant and unveils His plan to redeem them from slavery in Egypt. This chapter is not just a historical account; it's a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, His unwavering love for His people, and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
God Remembers His Covenant (Exodus 6:1-5)
The Lord acknowledges the immense pressure Moses is facing, offering reassurance rather than rebuke. Everything leading up to this point has been a prelude to the extraordinary events about to unfold. God declares, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh" (Exodus 6:1). This isn't just a promise of action, but a revelation of God's character and power.
He reminds Moses of His previous self-revelation to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though they did not know Him by His covenant name, "the LORD" (YHWH) (Exodus 6:3). More than a mere name, "the LORD" represents God's self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. He had established a covenant with them, promising to give their descendants the land of Canaan (Exodus 6:4). Now, He has heard the groaning of His people, their cries for help, and He remembers His covenant (Exodus 6:5).
It's crucial to understand that when the Bible speaks of God "remembering," it doesn't imply a lapse in His memory. Rather, it signifies that the opportune moment has arrived for Him to act on His covenant promise. In His perfect timing, the season of deliverance has come for Israel. This "remembering" is an active, intentional decision to fulfill His obligations based on His established covenant.
God's Promise of Deliverance (Exodus 6:6-8)
The Lord outlines His specific plan to rescue Israel from their bondage. He declares, "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments" (Exodus 6:6). The phrase "outstretched arm" symbolizes God's immense, supernatural power that will intervene in human history in a dramatic and unforgettable way.
If Pharaoh had willingly released the Israelites, they might have attributed their freedom to his benevolence or Moses's persuasive abilities. However, God's plan ensures that future generations will recognize that it was the Lord alone who rescued them from Egypt with His mighty power. He alone deserves the glory because only He could orchestrate the events about to unfold.
Furthermore, God's purpose extends beyond mere liberation. He is not simply freeing the Hebrews to live independently. He is setting them free for a relationship with Himself. "I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD" (Exodus 6:7-8). This emphasizes the relational aspect of the covenant: they will be His people, and He will be their God. This profound relationship, initiated through deliverance, is the foundation upon which their nation will be built.
Discouragement and Divine Command (Exodus 6:9-13)
Despite Moses's efforts to relay God's message, the Israelites were too overwhelmed by their suffering and harsh labor to listen (Exodus 6:9). Their spirits were broken, and their hope had dwindled. Moses's initial attempt to deliver them had only resulted in increased oppression, leaving them disheartened.
When God instructs Moses to speak to Pharaoh again, Moses expresses his reluctance, questioning how Pharaoh will listen when even the Israelites refuse to hear (Exodus 6:10-12). He once again highlights his perceived inadequacy in speaking, as if his eloquence were the key to God's plan. However, God's deliverance will come through His power, not Moses's skill. God commissions Moses and Aaron, emphasizing that He will accomplish His purpose through them (Exodus 6:13).
Genealogy of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:14-27)
The narrative pauses to provide a genealogy of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, focusing particularly on the lineage of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:14-25). This genealogy serves several important purposes. Firstly, it establishes Moses and Aaron's legitimate descent from Levi, Jacob's third son, highlighting their qualifications for the roles they will play in leading Israel. The Levites will be responsible for the Tabernacle, and the descendants of Aaron will perform priestly duties. Secondly, it underscores the historical connection between these key figures and the patriarchs, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises.
It is worth noting the mention of Phinehas, whose name suggests a possible connection to the African people through his mother, a daughter of Putiel (Exodus 6:25). This detail hints at the heterogeneous nature of the Israelite community, suggesting that individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds were integrated into the nation. This provides a glimpse into the inclusive nature of God's people.
The chapter concludes by reiterating that it was this very Aaron and Moses whom the Lord commanded to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:26-27). This reinforces their divinely appointed authority and underscores the legitimacy of their mission. They were chosen by God, equipped by God, and would be empowered by God to accomplish His purposes.
Exodus 6 is a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances appear bleak. It highlights the importance of remembering God's covenant, trusting in His power, and recognizing that He often works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. It is a message of hope, encouragement, and unwavering faith in the God who delivers.
Then the Lord said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord:
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.
And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord.
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
These be the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.
And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the Lord said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.
And it came to pass on the day when the Lord spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
That the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, I am the Lord: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
Exodus 6 marks a pivotal point in the narrative, transitioning from the Israelites' suffering to the dawn of their deliverance. Despite Moses's initial discouragement and the people's despair, God reaffirms His commitment to His covenant and unveils His plan to redeem them from slavery in Egypt. This chapter is not just a historical account; it's a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, His unwavering love for His people, and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
God Remembers His Covenant (Exodus 6:1-5)
The Lord acknowledges the immense pressure Moses is facing, offering reassurance rather than rebuke. Everything leading up to this point has been a prelude to the extraordinary events about to unfold. God declares, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh" (Exodus 6:1). This isn't just a promise of action, but a revelation of God's character and power.
He reminds Moses of His previous self-revelation to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though they did not know Him by His covenant name, "the LORD" (YHWH) (Exodus 6:3). More than a mere name, "the LORD" represents God's self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. He had established a covenant with them, promising to give their descendants the land of Canaan (Exodus 6:4). Now, He has heard the groaning of His people, their cries for help, and He remembers His covenant (Exodus 6:5).
It's crucial to understand that when the Bible speaks of God "remembering," it doesn't imply a lapse in His memory. Rather, it signifies that the opportune moment has arrived for Him to act on His covenant promise. In His perfect timing, the season of deliverance has come for Israel. This "remembering" is an active, intentional decision to fulfill His obligations based on His established covenant.
God's Promise of Deliverance (Exodus 6:6-8)
The Lord outlines His specific plan to rescue Israel from their bondage. He declares, "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments" (Exodus 6:6). The phrase "outstretched arm" symbolizes God's immense, supernatural power that will intervene in human history in a dramatic and unforgettable way.
If Pharaoh had willingly released the Israelites, they might have attributed their freedom to his benevolence or Moses's persuasive abilities. However, God's plan ensures that future generations will recognize that it was the Lord alone who rescued them from Egypt with His mighty power. He alone deserves the glory because only He could orchestrate the events about to unfold.
Furthermore, God's purpose extends beyond mere liberation. He is not simply freeing the Hebrews to live independently. He is setting them free for a relationship with Himself. "I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD" (Exodus 6:7-8). This emphasizes the relational aspect of the covenant: they will be His people, and He will be their God. This profound relationship, initiated through deliverance, is the foundation upon which their nation will be built.
Discouragement and Divine Command (Exodus 6:9-13)
Despite Moses's efforts to relay God's message, the Israelites were too overwhelmed by their suffering and harsh labor to listen (Exodus 6:9). Their spirits were broken, and their hope had dwindled. Moses's initial attempt to deliver them had only resulted in increased oppression, leaving them disheartened.
When God instructs Moses to speak to Pharaoh again, Moses expresses his reluctance, questioning how Pharaoh will listen when even the Israelites refuse to hear (Exodus 6:10-12). He once again highlights his perceived inadequacy in speaking, as if his eloquence were the key to God's plan. However, God's deliverance will come through His power, not Moses's skill. God commissions Moses and Aaron, emphasizing that He will accomplish His purpose through them (Exodus 6:13).
Genealogy of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:14-27)
The narrative pauses to provide a genealogy of the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, focusing particularly on the lineage of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:14-25). This genealogy serves several important purposes. Firstly, it establishes Moses and Aaron's legitimate descent from Levi, Jacob's third son, highlighting their qualifications for the roles they will play in leading Israel. The Levites will be responsible for the Tabernacle, and the descendants of Aaron will perform priestly duties. Secondly, it underscores the historical connection between these key figures and the patriarchs, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises.
It is worth noting the mention of Phinehas, whose name suggests a possible connection to the African people through his mother, a daughter of Putiel (Exodus 6:25). This detail hints at the heterogeneous nature of the Israelite community, suggesting that individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds were integrated into the nation. This provides a glimpse into the inclusive nature of God's people.
The chapter concludes by reiterating that it was this very Aaron and Moses whom the Lord commanded to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 6:26-27). This reinforces their divinely appointed authority and underscores the legitimacy of their mission. They were chosen by God, equipped by God, and would be empowered by God to accomplish His purposes.
Exodus 6 is a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances appear bleak. It highlights the importance of remembering God's covenant, trusting in His power, and recognizing that He often works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. It is a message of hope, encouragement, and unwavering faith in the God who delivers.