Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 7:5 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 7:5 is a powerful verse that speaks to the core of God‘s plan for the deliverance of His people from Egypt. It highlights God’s sovereignty, His ability to demonstrate His power, and His intent to reveal His glory through His actions. This verse falls within the broader narrative of Moses and Aaron‘s mission to confront Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. However, Exodus 7:5 marks a specific moment when God’s ultimate purpose is clearly stated: His glory will be revealed to Egypt and to the world. This article will examine the meaning of Exodus 7:5, its context, how it applies to life, comparisons with other biblical texts, its relevance for modern-day believers, and a detailed commentary.
The Context on Exodus 7:5 KJV
Exodus 7:5 states: “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.” (Exodus 7:5, KJV)
This verse comes after God has instructed Moses and Aaron to go to Pharaoh with a message: “Let my people go, that they may serve me” (Exodus 7:16). The previous verses have already outlined the mission Moses and Aaron are on, the signs and wonders that they will perform before Pharaoh, and the difficulty they will face in convincing Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Exodus 7:5 specifically emphasizes the purpose behind these events—the revelation of God’s power and identity to the Egyptians.
At this point in the story, Moses and Aaron have been commanded to go to Pharaoh, and God tells them that even though Pharaoh will initially resist, the eventual outcome will be the public demonstration of God’s supreme authority. This verse highlights God’s intent to not only free His people but to declare His name and glory throughout the world, beginning with Egypt.
The Exodus 7:5 Meaning
To understand the significance of Exodus 7:5, we need to break down its components and reflect on what it reveals about God’s nature and His plan.
1. “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord”
This phrase is pivotal. The name “Lord” here refers to the covenant name of God—Yahweh. This is the name by which God has revealed Himself to the Israelites. By saying that the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord, God is making a bold declaration. Through the impending judgments and miracles, Egypt will come to realize that the God of Israel is not just a tribal deity, but the one true God of all the earth.
Pharaoh, who considered himself to be a god, and the people of Egypt, who worshipped numerous gods, would see through the judgments that their gods were powerless compared to Yahweh. This realization is a key part of God’s plan—not just for Israel’s deliverance but for the recognition of His supremacy among the nations.
2. “When I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt”
The imagery of God stretching forth His hand suggests active intervention and divine power. It conveys the idea of God’s authority being exerted directly and decisively in the world. This phrase signifies that the plagues which will follow are not random or natural occurrences, but are specifically orchestrated by God. Each plague will demonstrate God’s power over Egypt’s gods and over Pharaoh himself.
In the Bible, the “hand of the Lord” is often associated with God’s action in history. For example, in Exodus 3:20, God promises Moses, “I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof.” The “hand” represents the mighty acts of God to fulfill His purpose, in this case, the deliverance of Israel and the judgment of Egypt.
3. “And bring out the children of Israel from among them”
This part of the verse reaffirms the goal of the Exodus: the liberation of the Israelites. God is not simply demonstrating His power for the sake of power; He is executing a plan to deliver His people from slavery. The statement emphasizes the separation of the Israelites from Egypt—a decisive break between God’s people and the nation of Egypt.
God’s intention is not just to bring judgment but to fulfill His covenant with Israel. This act of redemption foreshadows God’s ultimate plan of salvation for His people, culminating in the work of Christ.
Exodus 7:5 Application in Life
Exodus 7:5 holds rich applications for believers today. It speaks to the nature of God’s sovereignty, His purposes in history, and the way He works in the lives of His people.
1. God’s Sovereignty Over History
One of the most profound lessons from this verse is God’s absolute sovereignty over the affairs of nations and individuals. While Pharaoh believed he was in control of Egypt, God was working behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. Similarly, in our own lives, we often encounter situations where things seem out of control, but Exodus 7:5 reminds us that God is in charge. No matter how powerful human rulers or earthly circumstances seem, God is the one who ultimately directs history.
In our personal lives, this reminds us to trust in God’s larger plan. Though we may not understand the events that unfold, we can have confidence that God is sovereign and His will will be done.
2. The Purpose of God’s Judgments
Exodus 7:5 reveals that God’s judgments have a purpose: to bring glory to His name and to make His power known. This is particularly evident in the way the plagues are portrayed. God’s power is not arbitrary but is meant to reveal His holiness, justice, and mercy. Believers today can take comfort in knowing that even when we face trials and challenges, God’s judgment is always purposeful, and ultimately, His justice will prevail.
In times of suffering or difficulty, we can find peace in the understanding that God’s actions are not random but serve a greater purpose in our lives and in His plan for the world.
3. God’s Desire for All People to Know Him
When God says that the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord, He is making a universal statement about His desire for all people to acknowledge His sovereignty. This idea echoes throughout Scripture. In Ezekiel 36:23, God declares, “And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.” God’s desire is for His name to be made known to all nations, not just to Israel.
For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder that our lives should reflect God’s greatness. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, revealing His glory to the world through our actions, words, and faith.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 7:5 finds resonance in several other key biblical passages that highlight God’s ultimate purpose in revealing His power and glory to the nations.
1. Psalm 46:10
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Just as God declares His intent to be known in Egypt, this verse emphasizes that God’s plan is to be exalted among all people. God’s sovereignty and glory are not limited to Israel; they are meant to be recognized by the entire world.
2. Isaiah 45:6
Isaiah 45:6 echoes the message of Exodus 7:5 when it states, “That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.” This verse affirms that God alone is God, and His glory will be known across the earth. His work in Egypt through the plagues serves as an example of how He will be glorified among the nations.
3. Romans 9:17
In Romans 9:17, Paul reflects on the story of Exodus, stating, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.” This verse directly ties back to Exodus 7:5, underscoring that God raised up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and make His name known. Pharaoh’s resistance was part of God’s larger plan to glorify Himself.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 7:5 holds significant relevance for believers today, particularly in the context of global evangelism and the church’s role in the world. Just as God revealed His power to Egypt, He is revealing His glory to the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is called to be a witness to the nations, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord and demonstrating His power through acts of service, love, and compassion.
1. Evangelism and Global Mission
Exodus 7:5 is a reminder that God’s plan is for all people to come to know Him. The church is tasked with sharing the good news of salvation with those who have not yet heard. Just as Egypt came to know that the Lord is God, the nations today need to hear about the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
2. Trusting in God’s Plan in Difficult Times
For Christians today, this verse provides reassurance that, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty, God is in control. He is still working to bring glory to His name and fulfill His purposes, even if we do not see the full picture. The believer’s role is to trust in God’s sovereignty and remain faithful to His calling.
Conclusion
Exodus 7:5 is a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty, His desire for His name to be known, and His ultimate purpose in history. Through the deliverance of Israel and the judgment of Egypt, God demonstrated His power and revealed His glory to the nations. Today, as believers, we are called to trust in God’s plan, share His message of salvation, and live in a way that reflects His glory to the world. Just as God’s name was made known in Egypt, He is still at work in the world today, and His purposes will always be fulfilled.
Exodus 7:5 Commentary
Exodus 7:5 is a powerful declaration of God’s intent to demonstrate His power and declare His name to the nations. The plagues, as horrific as they are, are not arbitrary acts of cruelty but deliberate signs designed to display God’s supremacy over Egypt’s gods and over Pharaoh. The act of liberating Israel is not just a demonstration of God’s mercy towards His people but also a public declaration of His glory and power.
This verse speaks to the unchanging nature of God’s purposes. Even when it appears that evil or injustice prevails, God is at work, and His plan will be revealed in its fullness. The ultimate goal is the recognition of God’s name and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.
Related topics:
- Exodus 7:4 Meaning, Context & Commentary
- What Does Exodus 7:3 Mean?
- Exodus 7:2 Meaning, Context & Commentary