Exodus 6:26
New International Version
It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.”

New Living Translation
The Aaron and Moses named in this list are the same ones to whom the LORD said, “Lead the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army.”

English Standard Version
These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: “Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt by their hosts.”

Berean Standard Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”

Berean Literal Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses to whom YHWH said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, according to their hosts.”

King James Bible
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.

New King James Version
These are the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.”

New American Standard Bible
It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their multitudes.”

NASB 1995
It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.”

NASB 1977
It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.”

Legacy Standard Bible
It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom Yahweh said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.”

Amplified Bible
These are [the same] Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.”

Berean Annotated Bible
It was this Aaron (light bringer) and Moses (drawn out) to whom the LORD {YHWH} said, “Bring the Israelites (God prevails) out of the land of Egypt (land of bondage) by their divisions.

Christian Standard Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses whom the LORD told, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt according to their military divisions.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses whom the LORD told, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt according to their divisions.”

American Standard Version
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom Jehovah said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD had commanded Aaron and Moses to lead every family and tribe of Israel out of Egypt,

English Revised Version
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, "Bring the Israelites out of Egypt in organized family groups."

Good News Translation
Aaron and Moses were the ones to whom the LORD said, "Lead the tribes of Israel out of Egypt."

International Standard Version
This is the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, "Bring the Israelis out of the land of Egypt by their tribal divisions."

NET Bible
It was the same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, "Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their regiments."

New Heart English Bible
These are the Aaron and Moses to whom God said, "Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their regiments."

Webster's Bible Translation
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.”

World English Bible
These are that Aaron and Moses to whom Yahweh said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
This [is] Aaron—and Moses—to whom YHWH said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, by their hosts”;

Berean Literal Bible
It was this Aaron and Moses to whom YHWH said, “Bring out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, according to their hosts.”

Young's Literal Translation
This is Aaron -- and Moses -- to whom Jehovah said, 'Bring ye out the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt, by their hosts;'

Smith's Literal Translation
This Aaron and Moses, whom Jehovah said to them, Bring forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt with their army.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These are Aaron and Moses, whom the Lord commanded to bring forth the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their companies.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These are Aaron and Moses, whom the Lord instructed to lead the sons of Israel away from the land of Egypt by their companies.

New American Bible
These are the Aaron and the Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out from the land of Egypt, company by company.”

New Revised Standard Version
It was this same Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt, company by company.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These are Moses and Aaron, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt with all of their armies.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This is the Moshe and Aaron to whom LORD JEHOVAH said, “Bring the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, all their hosts.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said: 'Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their hosts.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This is Aaron and Moses, whom God told to bring out the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with their forces.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Genealogies of Moses and Aaron
25Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans. 26It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.” 27Moses and Aaron were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt in order to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.…

Cross References
It was this Aaron and Moses

Numbers 33:1
These are the journeys of the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt by their divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 4:27-28
Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him. / And Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and all the signs He had commanded him to perform.

Exodus 7:6
So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them.
to whom the LORD said,

Exodus 7:1-2
The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. / You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

Exodus 4:14-16
Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. / You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do. / He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him.

Numbers 12:6-8
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. / But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. / I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
“Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt

Exodus 3:10
Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 26:8
Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

Deuteronomy 6:23
But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.
by their divisions.”

Exodus 12:51
And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.

Numbers 1:52-54
The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. / But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.” / Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Numbers 2:1-2
Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: / “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family.
Exodus 7:2
You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land.

Exodus 32:7
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.

Deuteronomy 6:21-23
then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. / But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers.

Psalm 77:20
You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.


Treasury of Scripture

These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.

That Aaron

Exodus 6:13,20
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt…

Joshua 24:5
I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.

1 Samuel 12:6,8
And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt…

bring

Exodus 6:7
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

Exodus 3:10,11
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt…

Exodus 20:2
I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

armies

Exodus 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.

Exodus 12:17,51
And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever…

Exodus 13:18
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

Jump to Previous
Aaron Armies Children Divisions Egypt Hosts Israel Israelites Moses
Jump to Next
Aaron Armies Children Divisions Egypt Hosts Israel Israelites Moses
Exodus 6
1. God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH
9. Moses vainly attempts to encourage the Israelites
10. He and Aaron are again sent to Pharaoh
14. Genealogies of Reuben, Simeon and Levi, of whom came Moses and Aaron
26. The history resumed












It was this Aaron and Moses
Aaron and Moses are central figures in the narrative of the Exodus. Aaron, the older brother, serves as Moses' spokesperson due to Moses' claimed lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10-16). This partnership highlights the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God's mission. Moses, raised in Pharaoh's household, is uniquely positioned to confront Egyptian authority. Their leadership is a type of Christ, as both serve as deliverers of God's people, prefiguring Jesus' role as the ultimate deliverer from sin.

to whom the LORD said
The direct communication from the LORD underscores the divine authority and mandate behind their mission. This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship and covenantal faithfulness of God to His chosen leaders. It reflects the pattern of God speaking to His prophets and leaders throughout the Old Testament, such as with Abraham (Genesis 12:1) and later with the prophets.

“Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt
This command is the central theme of the Exodus narrative, representing God's deliverance of His people from bondage. Egypt, a symbol of oppression and idolatry, contrasts with the Promised Land, a symbol of freedom and divine blessing. The deliverance from Egypt is a foundational event in Israel's history, often referenced throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 5:6, Psalm 81:10). It prefigures the spiritual deliverance through Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin.

by their divisions.”
The term "divisions" suggests an organized, structured departure, possibly indicating military-like formations. This organization reflects God's orderliness and the preparation for the journey to the Promised Land. It also foreshadows the establishment of Israel as a nation with tribal divisions, as seen in the later census and organization in the Book of Numbers. This structured departure contrasts with the chaos of their enslavement, symbolizing a new beginning under God's guidance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
A central figure in the Exodus account, Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His life is marked by divine encounters and leadership challenges.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother, who serves as his spokesperson and later becomes the first high priest of Israel. Aaron plays a crucial role in supporting Moses and facilitating communication with Pharaoh.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him to deliver His people from slavery.

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

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It represents both a place of oppression and the stage for God's mighty acts of deliverance.
Teaching Points
Divine Commissioning
God chooses specific individuals for His purposes. Just as Moses and Aaron were called to lead, believers today are called to fulfill God's purposes in their lives.

Obedience to God's Command
Moses and Aaron's obedience to God's command to lead the Israelites out of Egypt serves as a model for believers to follow God's directives, even when faced with daunting tasks.

God's Faithfulness
The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives.

Leadership and Support
The partnership between Moses and Aaron highlights the importance of collaboration and support in leadership roles within the church and community.

Deliverance and Redemption
The Exodus account is a powerful illustration of God's redemptive work, pointing to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 6:26?

2. How does Exodus 6:26 emphasize God's authority in appointing leaders for Israel?

3. What can we learn about obedience from Moses and Aaron's roles in Exodus 6:26?

4. How does Exodus 6:26 connect to God's covenant promises to Abraham?

5. How can we apply the leadership example of Moses and Aaron today?

6. What does Exodus 6:26 teach about God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

7. How does Exodus 6:26 affirm the historical leadership of Moses and Aaron in Israel's exodus?

8. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Exodus 6:26?

9. How does Exodus 6:26 reflect God's covenantal promise to the Israelites?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 6?

11. What were the key events in Aaron's life?

12. Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence?

13. Exodus 5:1: Where is the historical or archaeological evidence of Moses confronting an Egyptian Pharaoh as described?

14. Who were Nadab and Abihu in the Bible?
What Does Exodus 6:26 Mean
It was this Aaron and Moses

The verse circles back to the genealogy just laid out to make sure we are picturing the very same brothers God has been using all along. Scripture keeps stressing their identity because:

• Aaron and Moses belong to the Levitical line just traced (Exodus 6:20–25); this underlines God’s faithfulness to His covenant promise that the priestly tribe would serve His purposes.

• Earlier scenes confirm their partnership—“Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? … He will speak for you to the people” (Exodus 4:14–16); “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet” (Exodus 7:1).

• Their names are again paired at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:31) and in the wilderness (Numbers 26:59), marking them as God’s chosen, historical figures—not legends but literal people whose lives anchor the Exodus story.


to whom the LORD said

God is the One initiating every step. That simple clause reminds us that the plan is not humanly conceived:

• “God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD’ ” (Exodus 6:2); the divine voice carries ultimate authority.

• The same Lord who earlier declared, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people” (Exodus 3:7) now gives specific marching orders.

Hebrews 11:24–29 later celebrates Moses’ obedience, underscoring that faith always responds to what the Lord says, not to personal ambition.


“Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt

The command captures the central act of redemption in the Old Testament:

• God promised Abraham, “I will bring judgment on the nation they serve, and afterward they will come out with great possessions” (Genesis 15:14). Moses and Aaron become the instruments of that promise.

• “I have come down to rescue them … and to bring them up out of that land” (Exodus 3:8). The phrase “bring … out” echoes throughout Exodus 12:40–42 and Deuteronomy 7:8, highlighting that deliverance is God-accomplished.

• The physical exodus previews the greater spiritual deliverance later accomplished through Christ (Luke 9:31 uses the word “exodus” of His death and resurrection).


by their divisions”

God’s people are not a disorderly mob; they depart Egypt as an organized, covenant community.

• “And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions” (Exodus 12:51); the repetition shows intentional structure.

• The term points to military or tribal groupings—an early sign that Israel will become “the LORD’s army” (Exodus 7:4) and later encamp “each man by his own banner” (Numbers 1:52).

• Order reflects God’s character. When He saves, He also organizes, prepares, and directs His people for worship and for future battles (Joshua 6:13).


summary

Exodus 6:26 spotlights the real, historical Aaron and Moses, hand-picked by the Lord, commanded to lead Israel out of literal bondage, and instructed to do so in ordered ranks. The verse reassures us that Scripture’s deliverance story is precise, purposeful, and anchored in God’s unbreakable word.

(26) Their armies.--This expression is here used of the Israelites for the first time. It seems to refer to that organisation, of a quasi-military character, which was given to the people by the order of Moses during the long struggle with Pharaoh, and which enabled them at last to quit Egypt, not a disorderly mob, but "harnessed," or "in military array" (Exodus 13:18). The expression is repeated in Exodus 7:4; Exodus 12:17; Exodus 12:51.

Verses 26, 27. - The genealogy being concluded as a separate document, its author appends a notice that the Aaron and Moses mentioned in it (ver. 20) are the very Aaron and Moses who received the Divine command to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, and who appeared before Pharaoh, and "spoke to him" on their behalf. As the heading of the document was kept upon its insertion into the narrative of the Exodus (see the comment on ver. 13), so its concluding sentences were kept, though (according to modern ideas) superfluous. Verse 26. - According to their armies. The term "armies" had not been previously used of the Israelitish people; but it occurs in Exodus 7:4, which was probably in the mind of the writer who drew up the genealogy

CHAPTER 6:28-30

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
It was this
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֖ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and Moses
וּמֹשֶׁ֑ה (ū·mō·šeh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

to whom
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
אָמַ֤ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Bring the Israelites
בְּנֵ֧י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

out
הוֹצִ֜יאוּ (hō·w·ṣî·’ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of the land
מֵאֶ֥רֶץ (mê·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt
מִצְרַ֖יִם (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

by
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their divisions.”
צִבְאֹתָֽם׃ (ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯām)
Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Law: Exodus 6:26 These are that Aaron and Moses (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 6:25
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