Exodus 6:7

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.

Study Bible

I will take you as My own people
This phrase is a profound declaration of God's covenant relationship with the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which implies a deliberate and purposeful action. It signifies God's sovereign choice and His commitment to the Israelites as His chosen people. Historically, this reflects the unique relationship between God and Israel, setting them apart from other nations. This covenant is not just a legal agreement but a personal and relational bond, emphasizing God's love and faithfulness.

and I will be your God
The phrase underscores the mutual relationship established by the covenant. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "Elohim," which denotes power and authority. This promise assures the Israelites of God's protection, guidance, and provision. In the broader scriptural context, this relationship is foundational to the identity of Israel as a nation. It also foreshadows the New Covenant through Christ, where believers are invited into a personal relationship with God.

Then you will know that I am the LORD your God
The word "know" in Hebrew is "yada," which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. This knowledge comes through witnessing God's mighty acts and faithfulness. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant, as it is God's personal name revealed to Moses, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. This revelation is meant to deepen the Israelites' trust and reliance on God.

who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians
This phrase serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and power. The "yoke" symbolizes oppression and slavery, and God's action in bringing the Israelites out is a demonstration of His redemptive power. Historically, the Exodus is a pivotal event in Israel's history, showcasing God's ability to save and His commitment to His promises. It also serves as a typology of spiritual deliverance from sin through Christ in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to deliver His people and establish a relationship with them.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet through whom God communicates His promises and plans to the Israelites.

3. Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are enslaved in Egypt and are the recipients of God's promise of deliverance.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing oppression and bondage.

5. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who refuses to let the Israelites go, symbolizing resistance to God's will.

Teaching Points

God's Covenant Faithfulness
God is faithful to His promises, as seen in His commitment to take the Israelites as His own people. This assures us of His unchanging nature and reliability.

Identity in God
Being God's people is central to the identity of the Israelites. For Christians, our identity is also rooted in being God's chosen people through Christ.

Deliverance from Bondage
Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, He delivers us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ.

Knowing God Personally
The promise "Then you will know that I am the LORD your God" highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God, which is available to us today through faith.

God's Sovereignty and Power
God's ability to bring the Israelites out from under the yoke of the Egyptians demonstrates His sovereignty and power over all earthly authorities and situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's promise in Exodus 6:7 reflect His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and our deliverance from sin through Christ?

3. How does understanding our identity as God's people influence our daily lives and decisions?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate a deeper personal relationship with God, as suggested by the phrase "Then you will know that I am the LORD your God"?

5. How can we rely on God's sovereignty and power in our current life situations, drawing from His deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 17
God's covenant with Abraham, where He promises to be God to Abraham and his descendants, establishing a foundational relationship that is echoed in Exodus 6:7.

Leviticus 26
God reiterates His promise to be the God of Israel, emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

Jeremiah 31
The promise of a new covenant where God will write His law on the hearts of His people, further developing the relational aspect of God being their God.

1 Peter 2
The New Testament application of being God's people, where believers are described as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, echoing the identity given to Israel.