FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
Exodus 7:5
KJVAnd 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.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
- 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 5:1–11:10): Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh and his officials on behalf of Israel. The plagues affect Egypt, while the narrative distinguishes the Israelites and the instructions given to them. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? God Commands Moses and Aaron. Read Exodus 7:1 through Exodus 7:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Events follow Israel's growth in Egypt and continue through the exodus, arrival at Sinai, and erection of the tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 dates the erection within that journey. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The book moves from Egypt, through the sea and wilderness, to Sinai. Do not confuse the place of a narrated event with the place where the final book was written. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in God Commands Moses and Aaron (Exodus 7:1 to Exodus 7:7). Start reading at Exodus 7:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explicitly calls Christ our Passover. Hebrews compares sanctuary worship with Christ's work. These later connections should be cited rather than treating every tabernacle detail as a self-explanatory symbol. See 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to deliverance with worship and obedience. When applying a covenant command, identify whom it addresses and its purpose before deciding how it relates to life under the new covenant. interpretation
Cited: Exodus 7:1, Exodus 7:7, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Egyptians Exod 7:17 Exod 8:10,22 Exod 14:4,18 Ps 9:16 Ezek 25:17 Ezek 28:22 Ezek 36:23 Ezek 39:7,22
- I stretch Exod 3:20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 7
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Aaron’s Staff
Exodus 7:8–13FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
The First Plague: Blood
Exodus 7:14–25FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Oppression and the call of Moses
Exodus 1:1–6:30FocusDeliverance announced
FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
The journey to Sinai
Exodus 15:22–18:27FocusProvision and ordering the people
Covenant at Sinai
Exodus 19:1–24:18FocusGod's words and Israel's response
Instructions for the tabernacle
Exodus 25:1–31:18FocusDwelling among the people
The golden calf and covenant renewal
Exodus 32:1–34:35FocusRebellion, intercession, and mercy
The tabernacle completed
Exodus 35:1–40:38FocusObedient work and God's glory
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.