Exodus 7 marks the beginning of the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, a defining moment in the history of the Israelites’ journey to freedom. This chapter speaks to us on many levels—about obedience, the power of God, and the persistence required when faced with overwhelming opposition. As we walk through these events, we are reminded of how God’s purpose often unfolds through moments of difficulty and how His power can turn even the most daunting obstacles into opportunities for His glory to shine.
The chapter begins with God reassuring Moses and Aaron about the mission ahead. Moses is told that he will be like God to Pharaoh, and Aaron will be his prophet. God’s words offer Moses a sense of purpose, but they also carry the weight of the responsibility placed on him. In these early verses, we see that Moses is not only being asked to speak on behalf of God but also to stand firm against the might of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. For us, this reminds us that when we are called to a task, especially one that seems overwhelming or intimidating, we do not do it alone. God equips us with the authority and support we need, even if we feel inadequate or uncertain.
God makes it clear that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and Pharaoh will not listen to Moses and Aaron. This is a challenging concept, as it suggests that God is using Pharaoh’s stubbornness as a way to demonstrate His power and to perform mighty acts that will eventually compel the Israelites' release. This passage challenges us to grapple with the mystery of divine will—how God can use the choices of others, even their resistance, to fulfill His greater purposes. For us, it invites reflection on how our own difficult circumstances can sometimes be part of a larger plan, even when it feels like we are facing opposition from all sides.
Despite the certainty that Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened, God tells Moses and Aaron that they will perform signs and wonders that will eventually show Pharaoh His power. The first of these miracles comes soon after. God instructs Aaron to throw his staff on the ground in front of Pharaoh, and it becomes a serpent. This miraculous sign is meant to show Pharaoh that Moses and Aaron are acting with divine authority. However, Pharaoh’s magicians, who also perform their own trick by casting their staffs down to become serpents, dismiss the event as a mere spectacle. Pharaoh’s heart remains unmoved, and his refusal to acknowledge the power of God sets the stage for the next series of events. For us, this scene is a sobering reminder that even when we witness God's power at work, there are times when people, like Pharaoh, choose to remain blind to it. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and whether we, too, might harden ourselves to God’s call when it doesn’t fit within our understanding or expectations.
As we move through Exodus 7, we see God’s power displayed in a series of escalating signs. The next act of divine authority is the turning of the Nile River into blood. God tells Moses to go to the river with his staff and strike the water, which results in the entire river turning to blood. The fish in the river die, the water becomes undrinkable, and the land is filled with the stench of decay. This devastating miracle affects all of Egypt, including Pharaoh’s people, yet Pharaoh’s heart remains unchanged. Even though the magicians replicate the miracle, it is clear that what is happening is beyond human ability. The repeated signs and the refusal to acknowledge God’s power speak to us about the stubbornness of the human heart. How often do we ignore the signs that God places in our lives, even when they are clear and undeniable?
Pharaoh’s response to these signs is one of indifference and defiance. God’s message to Pharaoh is clear: the more he resists, the more God will demonstrate His power through signs and wonders, increasing the pressure until Pharaoh can no longer ignore the truth. In this, we see the nature of divine justice and mercy intertwined. God’s judgment is not immediate but comes after repeated rejection, offering Pharaoh every opportunity to repent and yield. For us, this teaches the importance of responding to God’s promptings with an open heart and willingness to obey. We are reminded that God’s patience is not without limit, and that when we resist His call, we may face consequences that are difficult to undo.
Despite Pharaoh’s continued hardening of his heart, the chapter leaves us with a sense that God is in control. His plans are moving forward, even when human resistance seems strong. This chapter encourages us to reflect on how we respond to God’s will in our own lives. Like Pharaoh, we may find ourselves reluctant to let go of our comfort or our own control. However, Exodus 7 reminds us that God’s will cannot be thwarted, and when we align ourselves with His purposes, we become part of a greater story of redemption and grace.
Exodus 7 ultimately points to the power of God, the persistence of His plan, and the refusal of Pharaoh to submit to the will of the Almighty. This narrative challenges us to consider our own responses to God’s calls and to recognize that even when resistance seems insurmountable, God’s power is at work, leading us toward the fulfillment of His promises. As Moses and Aaron continue their mission, they are tasked with bringing deliverance to their people, and though the road ahead will be fraught with difficulty, they are never abandoned. In the same way, we are invited to step into the unknown with faith, trusting that God is not only with us but also working through every trial to bring about His perfect will.