Exodus 6

Exodus 6:1

6:1-12 The LORD graciously answered Moses’ petulant speech first by assuring him that Pharaoh would let the Israelites go because he would be compelled by God’s strong hand. Then He reminded Moses that He had revealed Himself to the patriarchs as El-Shaddai or God Almighty, not primarily as Jehovah, the personal name of the covenant-keeping God. The thought here seems to be that He would now reveal Himself as Lord in a new waythat is, in new power in delivering His people. He had made a covenant and was about to fulfill it by freeing the Israelites from Egypt and bringing them into the Promised Land. Notice the seven “I will’s” in verses 6-8. The name “Jehovah” had been used before, but now it took on new significance.

Notice 25 personal pronouns used by God in these verses, emphasizing what He had done, was doing, and would do. Moses seems to have missed the point, being still occupied with his own inadequacy. After further reassurance, he did obey the word of the Lord (chap. 7). “Uncircumcised lips” in verse 12 and 30 means faltering speech. Moses did not consider himself a great speaker. 6:13-30 The genealogies in verses 14-25 are limited to Reuben, Simeon, and Levi, the first three sons born to Jacob. The author did not want to give a complete genealogy but only to trace the line to Moses and Aaron. So he quickly passed over Reuben and Simeon to come to the priestly tribe.