Chapter 2: I Am the LORD

GOD“Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. I am the LORD. I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. I will bring you out, I will rescue you, I will redeem you with an outstretched arm. I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.”— Exodus 6:1-7

Moses brought this message to the Israelites. But they could not hear it. They were too broken, too exhausted from the work.

MOSES“The children of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”— Exodus 6:12

God did not reassure him. He redefined him.

GOD“See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. I will harden Pharaoh's heart and multiply My signs in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not heed you, so that I may lay My hand on Egypt. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.”— Exodus 7:1-5

Moses and Aaron went back to Pharaoh. Aaron cast his rod on the ground, and it became a serpent. Pharaoh called his wise men and sorcerers, and they did the same thing. But Aaron's rod swallowed theirs.

Pharaoh's heart grew hard. His magicians had matched the sign.