The narrative of God commanding Moses and Aaron is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Exodus, where God appoints these two brothers as leaders to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This event is foundational in understanding the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant and law.

Biblical Context

The account unfolds in the Book of Exodus, primarily in chapters 3 through 12. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have been enslaved in Egypt for several generations. Their cries for deliverance reach God, who remembers His covenant with the patriarchs (Exodus 2:24-25).

The Call of Moses

God first appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb (Sinai). In Exodus 3:10, God commands Moses, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God reassures him of His presence and power, providing signs and wonders to validate his mission (Exodus 3:12, 4:1-9).

Aaron as Spokesman

Recognizing Moses' hesitance due to his speech impediment, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, as his spokesman. In Exodus 4:14-16, God says, "Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well... You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do." Aaron's role is crucial in communicating God's commands to both the Israelites and Pharaoh.

The Confrontation with Pharaoh

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with God's demand: "Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's hardened heart leads to a series of plagues, each demonstrating God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself. Moses and Aaron faithfully execute God's instructions, performing signs and wonders as evidence of divine authority (Exodus 7-11).

The Institution of the Passover

In preparation for the final plague, the death of the firstborn, God commands Moses and Aaron to institute the Passover. This event marks the beginning of the Israelites' liberation and serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance. Exodus 12:1-3 records, "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, 'This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it shall be the first month of your year. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household.'"

Leadership and Obedience

Throughout the Exodus narrative, Moses and Aaron exemplify leadership and obedience to God's commands. Their roles are not without challenges, as they face opposition from Pharaoh, the Egyptian people, and even the Israelites themselves. Nevertheless, their faithfulness to God's instructions is instrumental in the eventual liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of the covenant at Sinai.

Significance in Salvation History

The commands given to Moses and Aaron are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Their leadership not only facilitates the physical deliverance of the Israelites but also sets the stage for the giving of the Law and the establishment of Israel as a covenant community. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, the greater Moses, who leads His people out of the bondage of sin and into the promise of eternal life.