“That the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, I am the Lord: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus that describes the interactions between Moses, the appointed leader of the Israelites, and Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and Moses was chosen by God to deliver them from their bondage and lead them to the Promised Land.
The Divine Speaker:In the beginning of the verse, it says, “That the Lord spake unto Moses.” Here, “the Lord” refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel. It emphasises the divine origin and authority of the message that is about to be conveyed to Moses. The fact that God spoke directly to Moses reveals the intimate relationship Moses had with God and the importance of his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites.
The Command:The verse continues, “I am the Lord: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.” God instructs Moses to convey His message to Pharaoh. Moses is to serve as God’s representative and mouthpiece, relaying to Pharaoh the words that God commands. This command highlights the role of Moses as a prophet and messenger of God.
The Authority of God:God prefaces His command by stating, “I am the Lord.” This declaration of His divine identity is significant. It signifies His sovereignty, power, and authority over all creation. By identifying Himself as the Lord, God establishes His supremacy over Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and underscores the fact that Pharaoh’s authority is subservient to God’s.
God’s Faithfulness:The message God gives to Moses is not specified in this particular verse, but the preceding verses in Exodus 6 reveal that God promises to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, redeem them, and give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites and His commitment to fulfill His promises.
In summary, Exodus 6:29 captures a crucial moment in the narrative of Moses’ interaction with God and Pharaoh. It emphasises the divine authority of God, the role of Moses as a mediator, and God’s faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt.
