Laying a Foundation

Exodus 6:28-7:13

Moses had originally set out to straighten things between Israel and Egypt in his own power. When that didn’t work and the Israelites didn’t appreciate his efforts, he had fled to Midian for safety and stayed forty years, returning only at God’s direction. Upon his return he had approached the people with God’s direction to gain their support. When he went to Pharaoh to request permission to just worship God it was refused and the oppression increased, turning the people against him.

“And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.

And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?” (Exodus 6:28-30)

Most of us have a sense of familiarity when we hear names like Barak Obama, or George Bush, or Bill Clinton. We have heard their names and are familiar with their position abn at least some of their beliefs. How many of us have been disappointed after they were elected to find that we didn’t really know them at all? All we really knew was the person portrayed by media reporting, and not the person at all. All too often our knowledge of God is equally superficial, based solely on some pastor or other persons statements about him. No matter how good or bad that portrayal may be it is based on some one else’s understanding, not our own.

Though Moses had been commissioned by God, he still had a superficial picture of what God was like and how he would work. Our picture of God is often based on what we know about ourselves and others, rather than on God himself. Like Moses we have to learn that as God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “…my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Moses still thought that an eloquent and persuasive speech, or recognition of his religious authority would be what convinced Pharaoh to listen to him. He did not yet understand that “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing,” as Jesus said in John 6:63.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.” (Exodus 7:1-2)

Pharaoh did not know God. He was viewed and treated as a god by his people. In his own mind, he was the ultimate power, able to manipulate other forces. God would establish Moses as having similar power in Pharaoh’s mind. To promote that illusion, Moses would direct but Aaron would take the actions and do the speaking. In this manner, Pharaoh would begin to understand the concept of a true God, rather than just a superior man.

“And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But 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. 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 7:3)

In order for the Egyptians to understand that Pharaoh was not truly a god, it would be necessary for him to be decisively defeated. Most people will yield after a while concluding that it is not worth the effort required to win. By doing so they preserve the idea that they could have won if they wanted to. To prevent that, God would strengthen Pharaoh’s determination, making him too stubborn to quit. Before it was done, the Egyptians would know that Pharaoh was not in the same league with God.

“And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.” (Exodus 7:6-7)

Pharaoh had contacts who were responsible for communication with the Jews. Moses and Aaron were not among them. Two relatively unknown old men in their eighties approach him again on behalf of the entire nation, saying God sent them. It is not hard to understand why he didn’t consider them of much importance. He’d never even seen Moses in the meetings before.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Show a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.” (Exodus 7:8-10)

As a sign to Pharaoh that this was from God. Aaron would use his walking stick to repeat the miracle that had happened when Moses cast his staff on the ground at Mt Sinai. When he threw it on the ground, it became a snake.

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 7:11-13)

The snake was an important religious figure in Egypt. To demonstrate their power and awe the people, the priests had developed methods of handling them. We are told that one trick they used was to hypnotize the snake so it became rigid and could easily be carried. It appears that this is what the wise men did in this case. When thrown on the ground the trance was broken and the snakes began to move around.

Aaron had used and actual walking stick, whereas the magicians used a hypnotized snake, but the appearance was very similar, and Pharaoh chose to believe it was the same, even when Aarons snake ate all the others, then turned back into a stick without having to be hypnotized again. Though Pharaoh discounted the miracle, it clearly established Aaron as being as powerful as his priests and Magicians. It was a first step in reaching the Egyptians. That the snake was one of their religious symbols further enhanced his standing.

People pay little attention to those they think have nothing to offer. This miracle had established that he might have something to offer. The Christian’s life serves a similar purpose before the world. If his testimony does not imply anything of value, there is no reason to listen to what he says. The seemingly pointless meetings lay the foundation for hearing the gospel. Christians have no right to expect people to listen until they have assurance there is something to hear. Only a few first time contacts provide a valid opportunity to witness verbally.