Exodus 7:9

"When Pharaoh tells you, 'Perform a miracle,' you are to say to Aaron, 'Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,' and it will become a serpent."

Study Bible

When Pharaoh says to you
This phrase sets the stage for a confrontation between divine authority and earthly power. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a symbol of human pride and resistance against God's will. Historically, Pharaohs were considered gods themselves, which adds to the significance of this encounter. The Hebrew word for "says" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a command or challenge, indicating Pharaoh's expectation of a demonstration of power.

‘Perform a miracle,’
The request for a miracle (מוֹפֵת, mopheth) is significant in the context of ancient Egypt, where magic and signs were part of the religious and cultural fabric. Pharaoh's demand reflects a test of legitimacy, as miracles were seen as evidence of divine backing. This sets the stage for God to demonstrate His supremacy over Egyptian gods and magicians.

then you are to say to Aaron
Moses is instructed to direct Aaron, his brother, highlighting the collaborative nature of their mission. Aaron serves as Moses' spokesperson, a role established earlier due to Moses' reluctance and perceived inadequacy in speech. This partnership underscores the theme of God using human relationships to accomplish His purposes.

‘Take your staff
The staff (מַטֶּה, matteh) is a symbol of authority and power. In ancient cultures, a staff was often associated with leadership and guidance. For Moses and Aaron, the staff becomes a tool through which God manifests His power, transforming an ordinary object into an instrument of divine intervention.

and throw it down before Pharaoh
The act of throwing down the staff is a deliberate demonstration of God's power over Pharaoh. This action is not just a display but a challenge to the authority of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. It signifies the beginning of a series of confrontations where God's power will be revealed.

and it will become a serpent
The transformation of the staff into a serpent (נָחָשׁ, nachash) is rich with symbolism. In Egyptian culture, serpents were associated with both protection and danger, often linked to the divine. By turning the staff into a serpent, God is directly challenging the symbols of Egyptian power, asserting His dominion over creation. This miracle prefigures the plagues to come, each a demonstration of God's sovereignty over the natural and spiritual realms.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing opposition to God's will and a hardened heart against the Israelites.

2. Moses
God's chosen leader to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, acting as God's spokesperson.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother, who serves as his spokesperson and performs miracles with the staff.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of oppression and idolatry.

5. The Staff
A symbol of God's power and authority, used to perform miracles and demonstrate God's supremacy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
The transformation of the staff into a serpent is a demonstration of God's control over creation and His ability to perform miracles.

Faith in Action
Moses and Aaron's obedience in performing the miracle reflects their trust in God's instructions, encouraging believers to act in faith even when facing opposition.

Confronting Hard Hearts
Pharaoh's demand for a miracle highlights the challenge of dealing with hardened hearts, reminding us to pray for softened hearts and open minds to God's truth.

Symbolism of the Staff
The staff represents God's authority and presence, teaching us to rely on God's power rather than our own strength in spiritual battles.

Miracles as a Testimony
Miracles serve as a testimony to God's power and purpose, encouraging believers to share their experiences of God's work in their lives as a witness to others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the transformation of the staff into a serpent demonstrate God's power and authority in your life today?

2. In what ways can you act in faith like Moses and Aaron when facing challenges or opposition?

3. How can you pray for and engage with those who have hardened hearts towards the Gospel, similar to Pharaoh?

4. What are some "staffs" or ordinary things in your life that God might use for His extraordinary purposes?

5. How can you share your personal experiences of God's power as a testimony to others, similar to the miracles performed before Pharaoh?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:2-4
This passage describes the initial sign given to Moses, where his staff becomes a serpent, establishing a pattern of God using ordinary objects for extraordinary purposes.

Numbers 17:8
Aaron's staff buds, further demonstrating God's choice and power through miraculous signs.

Matthew 12:38-39
Jesus addresses the demand for signs, emphasizing faith over the need for miracles, which connects to Pharaoh's demand for a miracle as a test of God's power.