“Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.”
Context:Exodus 7:4 is part of the narrative of the book of Exodus, which describes the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God called Moses to be the instrument through which He would accomplish His plan of liberation. In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, preparing him for the encounter with Pharaoh and foretelling that Pharaoh will not listen to him.
Pharaoh’s Resistance:Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, initially refused to let the Israelites go. Despite witnessing the miraculous signs performed by Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh hardened his heart and resisted God’s command. Exodus 7:4 highlights this anticipated resistance, indicating that Pharaoh’s refusal would be the catalyst for God’s subsequent judgments upon Egypt.
God’s Purpose:God states that Pharaoh’s rejection is a means for Him to “lay [His] hand upon Egypt.” This phrase signifies God’s intention to display His power and execute His judgments against the nation that had enslaved His people for generations. Through these “great judgments,” God would not only secure the release of the Israelites but also demonstrate His sovereignty over the gods of Egypt.
Divine Intervention:By mentioning that He will “bring forth [His] armies,” God emphasizes that He will personally intervene in the affairs of Egypt. His armies refer to the various plagues that God would send upon the land, each targeting a specific Egyptian deity or aspect of their society. These judgments would serve to weaken Egypt’s defenses and break Pharaoh’s resolve.
The Liberation of Israel:Exodus 7:4 also reaffirms God’s purpose to bring His people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. Through the judgments and the subsequent miraculous events that unfold in the book of Exodus, God demonstrates His power to deliver His chosen people from bondage and fulfill His covenant promises to them.
Lessons for us:Exodus 7:4 reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes even in the face of human resistance. It shows us that God’s plan will ultimately prevail, regardless of the opposition we may encounter. It also teaches us the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of hardening our hearts against His word.
In conclusion, Exodus 7:4 sets the stage for the dramatic events that unfold in the book of Exodus, highlighting Pharaoh’s resistance, God’s purpose to execute judgments, and His determination to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the fulfilment of His promises to His people.
