Exodus 7

Hook

Ever feel like you’re about to tackle something way too big for you? Like you’re standing in front of a mountain, armed with... well, not much? Maybe it’s a tough conversation, a new job, or just figuring out what to make for dinner. We all have those moments where we feel a bit unqualified, a little out of our depth, and perhaps even a tiny bit scared to speak up. Good news: you’re in excellent company! Even Moses, one of the biggest heroes in Jewish history, felt exactly that way. Today, we're going to peek into a moment where G-d gives Moses a serious pep talk and some surprising superpowers to deal with the biggest, baddest king of his time.

Context

Let's set the stage for our adventure in ancient Egypt!

• Who: Our main characters are Moses, a humble shepherd who feels like he can't speak well; his older brother Aaron, who is a good speaker; and Pharaoh, the incredibly powerful and stubborn king of Egypt. Then, of course, there's יהוה (pronounced "Adonai" or "Hashem" out of reverence), the G-d of Israel, who is guiding the whole show.
• When: This story takes place during the biblical book of Exodus, right at the very beginning of the famous "plagues" that G-d sends upon Egypt. It’s a pivotal moment, just before the Israelites are freed from slavery.
• Where: We're in ancient Egypt, specifically in Pharaoh’s palace and along the mighty Nile River. This was the most powerful empire in the world at the time, and the Israelites were enslaved there.
• Key Term: Pharaoh is simply the title for the king of ancient Egypt. He wasn't just a ruler; he was often seen as a god himself by his people. So, challenging Pharaoh was like challenging a god!

Text Snapshot

Here’s a taste of the conversation G-d has with Moses and Aaron, right before things get really wild:

יהוה replied to Moses, “See, I place you in the role of God to Pharaoh, with your brother Aaron as your prophet. You shall repeat all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh to let the Israelites depart from his land. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that I may multiply My signs and marvels in the land of Egypt.”

Later, יהוה said to Moses and Aaron, “When Pharaoh speaks to you and says, ‘Produce your marvel,’ you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it down before Pharaoh.’ It shall turn into a serpent.” So Moses and Aaron came before Pharaoh and did just as יהוה had commanded: Aaron cast down his rod in the presence of Pharaoh and his courtiers, and it turned into a serpent.

(Exodus 7:1-2, 8-10, Sefaria.org/Exodus_7)

Close Reading

This short passage is packed with incredible lessons about confidence, partnership, and persistence. Let's dig into a few key insights.

Insight 1: You're More Capable Than You Think (G-d's Got Your Back)

Moses has been telling G-d, "I'm not good at public speaking!" (Exodus 6:12). He feels totally inadequate to face Pharaoh. But what's G-d's response? "See, I place you in the role of God to Pharaoh." Wow! What does it mean to be "like G-d" to Pharaoh?

The ancient rabbis and commentators had a field day with this one:

• Rashi, a super famous French commentator from the 11th century, explains that "God to Pharaoh" means "I have made you a judge and castigator." Basically, Moses isn't just a messenger; he's the one who will bring judgment and punishment. He's got ultimate authority over Pharaoh.
• Shadal, an Italian rabbi from the 19th century, goes even further, saying it means "divinity itself." He clarifies that Moses isn't actually G-d, but that for Pharaoh, Moses will represent G-d's power so completely that it will feel like G-d is speaking directly through him.
• Tur HaAroch, a 14th-century German commentator, suggests that Moses is being elevated to "a very high rank," so high that Pharaoh would treat him with the same reverence he’d show to a divine messenger.

Think about it: Moses, who just moments ago felt he couldn't even speak properly, is suddenly being told he will stand before the most powerful man on earth as G-d's direct, untouchable representative. This isn't just a promotion; it's a complete shift in power dynamics. G-d is telling Moses: "You think you're small? I'm making you mighty. You think you're unqualified? I'm giving you all the authority you need."

This teaches us that when we feel small or inadequate for a big task, G-d often sees something much grander in us. We might not literally become "God to Pharaoh," but G-d empowers us with strength, wisdom, or opportunities beyond what we imagine. Sometimes, the "superpower" isn't our own inherent ability, but G-d's backing, which transforms our perceived weaknesses into strengths. It's about recognizing that we are agents for something bigger than ourselves.

Insight 2: You Don't Have to Do It Alone (The Power of Partnership)

Moses might be "like G-d" to Pharaoh, but he still has a problem: his speaking issues. G-d doesn't just wave a magic wand and fix Moses's "uncircumcised lips." Instead, G-d says, "with your brother Aaron as your prophet. ... your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh."

• Rashbam, a 12th-century French commentator and grandson of Rashi, simply defines "prophet" here as "your spokesman."
• Rashi adds that "wherever this term of prophecy is mentioned it refers to a man who publicly proclaims and utters to the people words of reproof." He even translates it into old French as "predicar" and English as "preacher." Aaron isn't just translating Moses's words; he's amplifying them, making them public and powerful.

This is a beautiful lesson in partnership and humility. Moses is given immense power and authority, but he doesn't have to carry the burden of direct communication all by himself. Aaron, his older brother, steps in to be his voice. This shows that true strength isn't about being a lone wolf who does everything perfectly. It's about knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and being open to working with others who complement you.

Maybe you're a brilliant thinker but shy about public speaking. Maybe you're great at organizing but not so great at the initial brainstorming. This story reminds us that G-d often provides us with the "Aarons" in our lives – partners, friends, mentors, or even just supportive family members – who help us achieve our goals by filling in where we're less strong. It’s a powerful reminder that teamwork isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom and G-d's thoughtful planning for our success.

Insight 3: Persistence Matters, Even When Signs Aren't Enough

The text immediately moves to the first "marvel": Moses's rod turning into a serpent. But then Pharaoh's sages (wise teachers) and sorcerers (magicians) do the same trick! It seems like a stalemate, until Aaron's rod swallows theirs. Even after this clear demonstration of superior power, the text says, "Pharaoh’s heart stiffened and he did not heed them, as יהוה had said." And then, despite יהוה striking the Nile and turning it to blood, and the Egyptian magician-priests (Egyptian religious practitioners with magic) doing it too, "Pharaoh’s heart stiffened and he did not heed them."

This shows us that even the most impressive signs, the clearest messages, or the most undeniable truths don't always change everyone's mind. Some people, like Pharaoh, are just incredibly stubborn. Their hearts are so set in their ways that they actively resist change, even when it's staring them in the face.

What's Moses's and Aaron's response? They don't give up! They keep going back, delivering G-d's message, and performing the next sign. This teaches us a crucial lesson about persistence. When we're trying to do good in the world, make a change, or convey an important message, we will inevitably face resistance. Some people simply won't listen, no matter how clear or compelling our message is. This doesn't mean we should stop trying, or that our message is wrong. It means we need to keep showing up, keep speaking our truth (or finding our Aaron to speak it), and keep persisting in our efforts, even when the immediate results are discouraging. The journey toward a goal, especially a big one, often involves overcoming a lot of stubbornness, both from others and sometimes even from ourselves.

Apply It

This week, let's channel a little bit of Moses’s newfound confidence and Aaron’s supportive spirit.

Think about one small task or interaction where you usually feel a little less confident, perhaps speaking up in a meeting, asking for help, or starting a new project. For less than 60 seconds a day, just before you approach that situation, take a deep breath. Remember that you are an agent of something bigger, and you have inherent worth and capability. If you need to speak, imagine G-d has given you "lips of gold" for this moment. If you need help, think of who your "Aaron" might be for this particular challenge. Even if it's just a quick silent acknowledgment, this simple mental shift can help you approach the situation with more presence and purpose. You don't have to promise yourself a grand outcome, just the option to step forward with a little more conviction.

Chevruta Mini

A chevruta is a learning partner or pair. Here are a couple of friendly questions to ponder with a friend, family member, or even just in your own thoughts:

1. When was a time you felt really unqualified for something, but you stepped up (or were nudged) to do it anyway? What surprised you about that experience?
2. Who is your "Aaron" in life? Who is someone who helps you find your voice, supports your efforts, or complements your skills when you feel a bit stuck?

Takeaway

G-d empowers us in unexpected ways, transforming our perceived weaknesses into powerful opportunities to make a difference.