King James Version
What Does Exodus 7:8 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,”
Context
6
And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
7
And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
8
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
9
When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
10
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.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**2. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord--**rather "Jehovah." Lord was a common name applied to objects of worship; but Jehovah was a name he had never heard of. Pharaoh estimated the character and power of this God by the abject and miserable condition of the worshippers and concluded that He held as low a rank among the gods as His people did in the nation. To demonstrate the supremacy of the true God over all the gods of Egypt, was the design of the plagues.
**I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go--**As his honor and interest were both involved he determined to crush this attempt, and in a tone of insolence, or perhaps profanity, rejected the request for the release of the Hebrew slaves.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Exodus 7:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.