Exodus 7:5

And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them."

Study Bible

And the Egyptians will know
This phrase emphasizes the divine intention behind the plagues and wonders that God is about to perform. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," which implies an intimate understanding or recognition. In this context, it signifies that the Egyptians will come to recognize the sovereignty and power of the God of Israel, not just as a foreign deity but as the LORD, the one true God. Historically, Egypt was a land of many gods, and this acknowledgment would be a profound shift in their understanding of divinity.

that I am the LORD
The phrase "I am the LORD" is a declaration of God's identity and authority. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," which is the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. In the context of Exodus, it is a reminder that the God of Israel is not like the gods of Egypt, who were limited and created. Instead, He is the self-existent, all-powerful Creator.

when I stretch out My hand
The imagery of God stretching out His hand is a powerful metaphor for divine intervention and judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king or deity stretching out their hand symbolized the exertion of power and authority. Here, it indicates that the forthcoming plagues are not random natural disasters but deliberate acts of God to demonstrate His power and execute His will.

against Egypt
Egypt, at the time of the Exodus, was a dominant empire known for its wealth, military might, and advanced civilization. The phrase "against Egypt" highlights that God's actions are directed specifically at this powerful nation, which had enslaved His people. This confrontation is not just a liberation of the Israelites but a direct challenge to the political, religious, and social systems of Egypt, demonstrating that no earthly power can stand against the will of God.

and bring the Israelites out from among them
This phrase encapsulates the purpose of God's actions: the deliverance of His chosen people. The Hebrew word for "bring out" is "yatsa," which conveys the idea of leading forth or delivering. This is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual and covenantal act, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The deliverance from Egypt is a foundational event in Israel's history, symbolizing salvation and redemption, themes that resonate throughout the Bible and find their ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals His power and sovereignty over all nations, including Egypt.

2. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt, representing a powerful nation that opposes God's people and His purposes.

3. Moses and Aaron
God's chosen leaders to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

4. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against God, serving as an antagonist in the account.

5. The Israelites
God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, whom He plans to deliver and bring into the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all nations and events. His purposes will prevail, even when human powers resist.

Divine Revelation
Understand that God's actions in history reveal His character and authority. The Egyptians came to know the LORD through His mighty acts.

Deliverance and Judgment
God's deliverance of His people often involves judgment on those who oppose Him. This dual theme is evident in the Exodus account.

Faith and Obedience
Like Moses and Aaron, believers are called to trust and obey God's commands, even when facing opposition or uncertainty.

Witness to the Nations
God's works among His people serve as a testimony to the world, calling others to acknowledge Him as LORD.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the demonstration of God's power in Egypt challenge our understanding of His sovereignty in today's world?

2. In what ways can we, like Moses and Aaron, act as instruments of God's deliverance in our communities?

3. How does the theme of deliverance and judgment in Exodus 7:5 relate to the message of the Gospel?

4. What are some modern "Pharaohs" or systems that resist God's purposes, and how can we respond as believers?

5. How can we ensure that our lives serve as a witness to God's power and sovereignty, similar to how the events in Egypt revealed God to the Egyptians?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:19-20
God foretells that Pharaoh will not let the Israelites go unless compelled by a mighty hand, connecting to the demonstration of God's power in Exodus 7:5.

Psalm 105:27-38
This passage recounts the plagues and wonders God performed in Egypt, emphasizing His power and faithfulness.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in displaying His power and proclaiming His name throughout the earth.

Ezekiel 30:19
God declares His judgment on Egypt, reinforcing the theme of His sovereignty over nations.

Revelation 15:3-4
The song of Moses and the Lamb praises God's righteous acts, echoing the deliverance and judgment themes found in Exodus.