The commission of Moses and Aaron is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This divine mandate is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, where God appoints Moses and Aaron as His chosen instruments to lead His people out of slavery and into the Promised Land.

Background and Context

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially as honored guests due to Joseph's high position in Pharaoh's court. However, over time, they became enslaved by a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph (Exodus 1:8). The Israelites' cries for deliverance reached God, who remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24).

The Call of Moses

Moses, a Hebrew by birth, was raised in Pharaoh's palace but fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. While tending sheep on Mount Horeb, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God assured Moses of His presence, saying, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). Despite Moses' hesitations and objections, God provided signs and promised to teach him what to say (Exodus 4:12).

The Role of Aaron

Recognizing Moses' reluctance and difficulty with speech, God appointed Aaron, Moses' brother, as his spokesperson. God said to Moses, "He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him" (Exodus 4:16). Aaron's role was crucial in communicating God's messages to both the Israelites and Pharaoh.

The Commission

God's commission to Moses and Aaron was clear: they were to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. God instructed them to perform signs and wonders to demonstrate His power and to affirm His authority over the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7:1-5). Despite Pharaoh's hardened heart, God assured Moses and Aaron that He would bring His people out of Egypt with great acts of judgment.

The Execution of the Commission

Moses and Aaron faithfully executed God's commands, confronting Pharaoh multiple times and performing miraculous signs, including turning the Nile into blood and calling down plagues upon Egypt. Each act was a demonstration of God's supremacy and a step towards the liberation of the Israelites.

Significance

The commission of Moses and Aaron is significant for several reasons. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His power over earthly rulers, and His ability to use imperfect individuals to accomplish His divine purposes. This event also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who leads His people out of the bondage of sin.

Biblical References

· Exodus 3:1-22: The call of Moses at the burning bush.
· Exodus 4:1-17: God's provision of signs and the appointment of Aaron.
· Exodus 6:28-7:7: The reaffirmation of the commission to Moses and Aaron.
· Exodus 7:8-12:42: The execution of the commission through the plagues and the Exodus.

The commission of Moses and Aaron remains a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, His commitment to His people, and His ability to fulfill His promises through chosen vessels.