Exodus 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Exodus 6

The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. Moses, as a former prince of Egypt, had a unique perspective on the events he recorded. God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt begins to unfold in this chapter.

The chapter opens with God reassuring Moses of His plan to free the Israelites. We are reminded of the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and how this current situation is part of a larger, divine purpose. The stage is set for the dramatic confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh that will unfold in the chapters to come.

Throughout the Bible, we see God’s unwavering commitment to His people, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This chapter reinforces the truth found in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. We will witness God’s power and faithfulness as He works to fulfill His promises as we continue our journey through Exodus.

Exodus 6:1-5

The passage in Exodus 6:1-5 can be broken down into several important sections that each hold significant meaning in the context of the narrative at hand. The verses begin with God’s declaration to Moses, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.’” This statement serves as a reassurance from God to Moses regarding the impending liberation of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. It is a powerful declaration of God’s authority and his intention to bring about the freedom of his people through extraordinary means.

The subsequent verses continue, “God also said to Moses, ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself fully known to them.’” Here, God reveals the significance of his name to Moses and the Israelites. The name “the LORD” denotes God’s covenant relationship with his people, and it signifies his faithfulness and steadfastness throughout history. God is establishing a deeper connection with his chosen leader and the Israelites by revealing this aspect of his identity to Moses, reinforcing his promise to deliver them from oppression and fulfill the covenant made with their forefathers. God continues to affirm his commitment to liberating the Israelites in the latter part of the passage when he says, “‘Therefore, say to the Israelites: I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’” This statement underscores God’s power and sovereignty in orchestrating the deliverance of his people. It emphasizes that their liberation will not be a mere coincidence or human achievement but a divine intervention marked by miraculous signs and wonders. God’s faithfulness to his promises and his ability to bring about redemption even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles are showcased in analyzing these verses, revealing a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus. The mention of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob highlights the continuity of God’s plan throughout generations, illustrating his unwavering commitment to his people. Additionally, the emphasis on God’s name as “the LORD” underscores the significance of his divine presence and authority in effecting salvation.

This passage in Exodus 6:1-5 aligns with the broader theme of God’s faithfulness and deliverance found throughout the Bible. It echoes similar instances of divine intervention and liberation, such as the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, the conquest of Jericho, and the ultimate redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God’s power manifests through his mighty acts in each of these narratives, illustrating his unwavering commitment to rescue and redeem his people from bondage and oppression. Thus, the truths conveyed in these verses continue to resonate in the hearts of believers today, serving as a profound reminder of God’s enduring love and his ability to bring about deliverance in the midst of adversity.

Exodus 6:6-9

God delivers a powerful message to the people of Israel through Moses in Exodus 6:6-9, emphasizing His promise to redeem them from their bondage in Egypt. Let’s break down this significant passage into sections for a detailed commentary.

1. “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.’”

Here, God establishes His absolute authority as the Lord over Israel and assures them of His plan to deliver them from the oppression of the Egyptians. This declaration not only showcases God’s power but also serves as a foundation for the Israelites’ faith and hope in Him. The imagery of being brought out from “under the yoke” emphasizes the heavy burden and suffering the Israelites endured in Egypt. Through this promise, God shows His compassion and intention to free His people from their bondage.

1. “I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.”

God not only promises deliverance but also emphasizes the manner in which He will accomplish it — with great power and through acts of judgment. The phrase “outstretched arm” symbolizes God’s strength and sovereignty in redeeming His people. This expression is also used throughout the Bible to depict God’s intervention on behalf of His chosen ones. God demonstrates His faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites and His commitment to fulfilling His promises by proclaiming His intention to free them from slavery.

1. “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. God not only promises physical deliverance but also a deep, personal relationship with His people in this section. God is establishing a covenantal bond with the Israelites by declaring His intention to take them as His own and be their God. This covenant relationship embodies the intimate connection between God and His people, highlighting His desire for a close, loving partnership with them. The ultimate goal of this deliverance is that the Israelites may know and acknowledge God as their Lord and Redeemer, solidifying the foundation of faith and obedience.

2. “And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.”

Here, God reiterates His promise to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, which He had sworn to their forefathers — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God establishes continuity and faithfulness in His promises across generations by reminding the Israelites of the covenant He made with their ancestors. This affirmation serves to strengthen the Israelites’ faith in God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His word. The repetition of “I am the Lord” underscores God’s authority and omnipotence, emphasizing that He alone has the power to bring His plans to fruition. Exodus 6:6-9 encapsulates God’s promise of deliverance, redemption, relationship, and inheritance for the Israelites. These verses reveal God’s character as faithful, powerful, compassionate, and covenant-keeping. The timeless message conveyed through this passage resonates with the overarching theme of God’s salvation plan for His people, rooted in His steadfast love and faithfulness throughout history.

Exodus 6:10-13

God and Moses have a conversation in Exodus 6:10-13. Let’s break down this verse into sections for a deeper insight:

1. “Then the Lord spoke to Moses…”
   Here, we witness the continuity of God’s direct communication with Moses. Throughout the Book of Exodus, God utilizes Moses as a vessel to deliver His messages and instructions to the Israelites. This highlights the importance of divine communication in fulfilling God’s plans and purposes.

2. “…’Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the children of Israel go out of his land.’”
   God instructs Moses to deliver a clear and straightforward message to Pharaoh. This command serves as the foundation for the subsequent events of the Exodus story, where Moses confronts Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelite people. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness in guiding His chosen leader, Moses, to fulfill his role in the liberation of the Israelites.

3. “But Moses spoke before the Lord…”
   Moses reacts to God’s command with concern and uncertainty, expressing his own inadequacies in the face of this monumental task. This moment illustrates Moses’ humanity and his struggles with doubt and fear, despite being chosen by God for this crucial mission. It serves as a reminder that even the most faithful individuals may grapple with their own insecurities when faced with daunting challenges.

4. “…and said, ‘The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?’”
   Moses raises a valid concern about the Israelites’ reluctance to listen to him, which causes him to doubt his ability to convince Pharaoh. His reference to being “of uncircumcised lips” reflects his own feelings of inadequacy in speech and communication. This reveals Moses’ humility and self-awareness, acknowledging his own weaknesses before God. We can draw timeless lessons from the interactions between God and Moses by examining this passage. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands, even in the face of uncertainty and self-doubt. The narrative of Moses’ journey from doubt to faith serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in empowering and equipping His chosen servants for their calling. It also highlights the significance of honest and open communication with God, as seen in Moses’ candid dialogue with the Lord.

Throughout the Bible, we see similar instances where God calls upon individuals to fulfill His purposes, despite their reservations and limitations. For example, in the story of Gideon (Judges 6), we witness a similar pattern of doubt and assurance as God calls Gideon to deliver the Israelites from oppression. These stories serve as encouragement for believers to trust in God’s strength and guidance, even when faced with daunting challenges and personal insecurities.

Exodus 6:14-27

A genealogy of Moses and Aaron is listed in Exodus 6:14-27, focusing on their lineage. This genealogy is significant as it traces back their ancestry and establishes their legitimacy as leaders of the Israelites. The genealogy also serves to connect Moses and Aaron to their forefathers and underscores the fulfillment of God’s promises to their ancestors.

The mention of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah in this passage is important as it highlights the role of these tribes in the history of Israel. Levi, the patriarch of the Levites, plays a crucial role in the priesthood. This lineage connects Moses and Aaron to the priestly lineage, establishing their right to lead the people in worship and intercede on their behalf before God. This genealogy solidifies the divine plan and purpose for Moses and Aaron in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

Furthermore, the mention of Moses’ hesitation due to his speech impediment in verse 30 is a moment of vulnerability that humanizes him. This vulnerability makes Moses relatable to the readers, showing that even great leaders like him have their flaws and insecurities. Despite his initial hesitation, Moses eventually overcomes his insecurities with God’s guidance and fulfills his divine calling to liberate the Israelites.

This passage also serves to emphasize the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. Despite the Israelites’ suffering and hardship in Egypt, God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The genealogy in these verses serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and will bring about deliverance for His people in His perfect timing. These verses in the broader context of Exodus 6 set the stage for the unfolding of God’s plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. They highlight the importance of lineage, faithfulness, and obedience in God’s redemptive plan for His people. Through Moses and Aaron, we see God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His ability to work through imperfect individuals to achieve His purposes. This genealogy not only connects Moses and Aaron to their heritage but also reinforces the theme of God’s faithfulness throughout the biblical narrative.

Exodus 6:28-30

The verses in Exodus 6:28-30 read, “Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, he said to him, ‘I am the Lord.’” Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.’ But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?’”. This passage unfolds a critical moment in the narrative of Moses and his interaction with God and Pharaoh.

Firstly, it is essential to understand the context in which these verses are situated. The Israelites were in bondage in Egypt, and God had chosen Moses to lead them out of slavery. The Lord was instructing Moses on how to approach Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt, to demand the release of the Israelites. Here, God is asserting His authority and instructing Moses to speak boldly and fearlessly on His behalf.

Moses’ response in verse 30 reveals his humility and self-doubt. Despite God’s assurance and command, Moses expresses his concern about his speech impediment and questions why Pharaoh would heed his words when he struggles to speak eloquently. This interaction portrays a moment of vulnerability for Moses, highlighting his human limitations in the face of the monumental task assigned to him by God.

This exchange between God and Moses conveys a timeless message about faith, obedience, and reliance on God’s strength. It shows that God often chooses the unlikely and the imperfect to accomplish His plans, demonstrating that it is His power and authority that ultimately bring about deliverance and redemption. Through Moses’ hesitations and God’s reassurances, we are reminded that God equips those He calls, even in the face of their perceived inadequacies.

This dialogue also sets the stage for the unfolding of the plagues upon Egypt and Pharaoh’s hardened heart in subsequent chapters of Exodus. It foreshadows the challenges and obstacles that Moses will face in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and underscores the importance of unwavering faith and obedience in God’s providence. Themes of reluctant prophets and leaders throughout Scripture echo in the broader context of the Bible. Moses joins a line of figures like Jonah, Gideon, and Jeremiah who initially resisted their divine callings due to their insecurities or fears. Yet, through God’s guidance and empowerment, these individuals ultimately fulfill their destinies and play crucial roles in God’s redemptive plan for His people.

The exchange between God and Moses in Exodus 6:28-30 serves as a poignant reminder that God works through imperfect vessels and calls us to trust in His strength rather than our own abilities. It challenges us to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises and accomplish His purposes through us.

After Exodus 6

The Lord had spoken to Moses, revealing His plan to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. Yet, the people’s spirits were crushed, and they could not listen to Moses due to their harsh labor and anguish.

Still, the Lord had not abandoned His people. He had made a covenant with their forefathers, and now was the time to fulfill His promise. The stage was set for a mighty confrontation between the God of Israel and the pharaoh who held His people captive. The battle lines had been drawn, and the world would soon witness the power of the Almighty as He fought for the freedom of His chosen people.