Exodus 7:10

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent.

Study Bible

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh
This phrase marks the beginning of a pivotal confrontation between God's chosen leaders and the ruler of Egypt. The Hebrew root for "went" (יָבֹא) implies a purposeful action, indicating obedience to God's command. Moses and Aaron, representing God's authority, approach Pharaoh, who symbolizes earthly power and resistance to divine will. Historically, Pharaohs were seen as gods in their own right, making this encounter not just a political confrontation but a spiritual one. This sets the stage for a series of divine acts that will demonstrate God's supremacy over all earthly powers.

and did just as the LORD had commanded
The phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The Hebrew word for "commanded" (צִוָּה) conveys a sense of authoritative direction. Moses and Aaron's compliance is crucial, as it reflects their faith and trust in God's plan. This obedience is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God's plans are fulfilled through the faithful actions of His servants. It serves as an inspirational reminder for believers to adhere to God's will, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials
The act of throwing down the staff is rich in symbolic meaning. In ancient cultures, a staff often represented authority and power. The Hebrew word for "staff" (מַטֶּה) can also mean "tribe" or "branch," symbolizing leadership and governance. By casting it before Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron is demonstrating that God's authority supersedes that of the Egyptian rulers. This act is a precursor to the miracles that will follow, serving as a tangible sign of God's power and presence.

and it became a serpent
The transformation of the staff into a serpent is a miraculous sign intended to convey God's power over creation. The Hebrew word for "serpent" (תַּנִּין) can also mean "dragon" or "sea monster," creatures often associated with chaos and evil in ancient Near Eastern mythology. By turning the staff into a serpent, God is symbolically asserting His dominion over chaos and evil, foreshadowing the plagues that will demonstrate His control over nature and the false gods of Egypt. This miracle serves as a testament to God's ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, encouraging believers to trust in His transformative power in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He acts in obedience to God's command.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who performs the miracle by throwing down his staff as instructed by God.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing opposition to God's will and the hardening of the heart against divine commands.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and authority over Egypt through signs and wonders.

5. The Serpent
The transformation of Aaron's staff into a serpent is a sign of God's power and a challenge to the Egyptian magicians and their gods.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Moses and Aaron's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely, even when facing powerful opposition.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The transformation of the staff into a serpent illustrates God's supreme power over creation and His ability to perform miracles.

Confronting Opposition with Faith
Believers are called to stand firm in their faith and trust in God's power when facing challenges and opposition.

Symbolism of the Serpent
In the biblical context, the serpent can symbolize both danger and wisdom. Understanding its role in this passage can deepen our insight into God's message.

Role of Signs and Wonders
This event shows how God uses signs to communicate His will and demonstrate His authority, encouraging believers to recognize and respond to God's work in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in this passage challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the transformation of the staff into a serpent demonstrate God's power and authority? How can this encourage us in our faith?

3. What can we learn from the role of Pharaoh in this account about the dangers of hardening our hearts against God's commands?

4. How does the symbolism of the serpent in this passage connect to other biblical references to serpents, and what lessons can we draw from these connections?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faith and obedience from this passage to situations where we face opposition or challenges in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:2-4
This passage describes God's initial instruction to Moses about the staff turning into a serpent, establishing the sign's significance.

Numbers 20:8-12
This passage highlights another instance where Moses and Aaron are instructed to use a staff, emphasizing obedience to God's specific commands.

Matthew 10:16
Jesus instructs His disciples to be "wise as serpents," which can be seen as a call to discernment and wisdom in the face of opposition, similar to Moses and Aaron's situation.