“And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.”
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, Moses and his brother Aaron are introduced as the key figures who will confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.
Age and Experience:Moses and Aaron were both advanced in years when they confronted Pharaoh. Moses was eighty years old, while Aaron was eighty-three. This highlights the fact that God chose and prepared them for this significant task despite their age. It reminds us that God can use individuals of any age to accomplish His purposes.
Divine Preparation:Moses and Aaron had undergone extensive preparation for their role. Moses, who was initially reluctant, spent forty years in the wilderness after fleeing Egypt. During this time, he received a profound encounter with God at the burning bush, where he was commissioned to lead the Israelites. Aaron, his brother, also played a crucial role as the spokesperson and assistant to Moses.
God’s Timing:God’s timing is evident in the ages of Moses and Aaron. He allowed them to reach an age where they had gained wisdom, life experiences, and the necessary skills to confront Pharaoh. Their age demonstrated God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through imperfect and ordinary individuals.
God’s Sovereignty:Through this verse, we see that Moses and Aaron were not acting on their own accord but were carrying out God’s command. Their conversation with Pharaoh was not merely a negotiation but a divine encounter between God and the ruler of Egypt. The age of Moses and Aaron shows that it was God’s power and authority, not their own, that would bring about the deliverance of the Israelites.
Application:Exodus 7:7 teaches us several valuable lessons. It reminds us that God can use us regardless of our age or limitations. It emphasises the importance of waiting for God’s timing and being prepared for the tasks He assigns to us. It also encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to rely on His power rather than our own abilities when facing challenges.
In conclusion, Exodus 7:7 highlights the ages of Moses and Aaron when they confronted Pharaoh, emphasising God’s choice and preparation of these individuals. It teaches us about God’s timing, sovereignty, and the importance of being willing vessels for His work, regardless of our age.
