Exodus 7:5
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
Exodus 7:5 (KJV)
Context
The book of Exodus tells how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, God speaks to Moses, sending him to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of His people. God promises that through the plagues and the final deliverance, the Egyptians will know that He is the Lord.
Meaning
God’s words reveal His purpose: the Egyptians themselves must recognize His identity. The phrase “stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt” points to God’s mighty acts, especially the final plague that destroys the firstborn. This judgment is not random; it is a deliberate display of God’s power and authority over Egypt and its gods. The plagues serve a twofold purpose: to reveal God’s supremacy and to bring about the redemption of Israel.
Biblical connections
The plagues were not only to free Israel but also to challenge the false gods of Egypt. Each plague showed that these deities were powerless before the one true God. The deliverance of Israel from among the Egyptians proves that God is mightier than Pharaoh and all the forces of Egypt. This event also foreshadows the greater deliverance from sin through Christ, who brings believers out of bondage and reveals God’s glory.
Application
This verse teaches that God’s acts in history are purposeful. He works through both judgment and mercy to reveal His character and His plan of salvation. Believers can trust God’s power to deliver and His timing and methods, even when circumstances seem difficult. God’s desire is that all peoples, not just Israel, would know Him and worship Him as the one true God. Recognizing God’s hand in both judgment and mercy helps us live as faithful witnesses.
Reflection
God’s ultimate goal in judgment and redemption is that people may know Him. As believers, we are called to be witnesses to His power and salvation, making Him known to others just as He made Himself known to the Egyptians. This verse encourages us to recognize God’s hand in our own lives and to live in a way that points others to Him.
