Exodus 6
BSB1 But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for because of My mighty hand he will let the people go; because of My strong hand he will drive them out of his land." 2 God also told Moses, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them. 4 I also established My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land where they lived as foreigners. 5 Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD!’" 9 Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him. 10 So the LORD said to Moses, 11 “Go and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his land." 12 But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech? “ 13 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge concerning both the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt. 14 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon. 16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. 17 The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. 18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. 19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records. 20 And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years. 21 The sons of Izhar were Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel were Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. 23 And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These were the clans of the Korahites. 25 Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans. 26 It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, “Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions." 27 Moses and Aaron were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt in order to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. 28 Now on the day that the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt, 29 He said to him, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I say to you." 30 But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?"
Study Notes — Exodus 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 6
- Themes from Exodus 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 6 begins with God's response to Moses' concerns about the Israelites' suffering in Egypt. God reassures Moses that He will deliver the Israelites and fulfill His covenant with them (Exodus 6:1-9). The chapter then lists the genealogy of Moses and Aaron, highlighting their family background and God's choice of them as leaders (Exodus 6:13-27). The chapter concludes with God's instruction to Moses to speak to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, despite Moses' objections about his inability to speak (Exodus 6:28-30). Key verses include Exodus 6:6-7, where God promises to take the Israelites as His own people and be their God, and Exodus 6:13, where God commands Moses and Aaron to speak to the Israelites and Pharaoh.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. The chapter follows God's instructions to Moses to demand the release of the Israelites, which is met with resistance from Pharaoh (Exodus 5:1-6:1). The chapter sets the stage for the plagues that God will send upon Egypt, which will ultimately lead to the Israelites' deliverance. In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter points to God's faithfulness and power in redeeming His people, which is fulfilled in Christ's redemption of believers from sin and death.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and power to deliver them from the bondage of sin and death. Just as God redeemed the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, Christ redeems believers from the power of sin and death. Believers can apply this truth by trusting in God's promises and covenant faithfulness, and by looking to Christ as their ultimate redeemer and deliverer.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 6 is about God's promise to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and redeem them as His own people. God reassures Moses that He will keep His covenant with the Israelites and deliver them from slavery (Exodus 6:1-9). The chapter also highlights Moses' inadequacy and God's empowerment of him to speak to Pharaoh (Exodus 6:28-30).
Voices from the Church
“The covenant is the foundation of all true religion, and it is the bond that unites God and His people together.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The redemption of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is a type of the redemption that Christ accomplishes for believers, delivering them from the bondage of sin and death.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- God's Promise to Deliver the Israelites (Exodus 6:1-9) — God reassures Moses that He will keep His covenant with the Israelites and deliver them from slavery.
- Genealogy of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:13-27) — The chapter includes a genealogy of Moses and Aaron, highlighting their family background and God's choice of them as leaders.
- God's Instruction to Moses (Exodus 6:28-30) — God instructs Moses to speak to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, despite Moses' objections about his inability to speak.
- Moses' Objection (Exodus 6:30) — Moses expresses his inadequacy and inability to speak to Pharaoh, highlighting the need for God's empowerment and enablement.
- Conclusion (Exodus 6:1-30) — The chapter concludes with God's reaffirmation of His covenant with the Israelites and His promise to deliver them from Egyptian bondage.
Core Doctrines
- Covenant Theology
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of covenant theology, highlighting God's faithfulness and commitment to His people. The covenant is the foundation of all true religion, and it is the bond that unites God and His people together.
- Redemption
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of redemption, highlighting God's act of delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This is a type of Christ's redemption of believers from sin and death.
- Providence
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of providence, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over all things. God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is an example of His providential care for His people.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of the faithfulness of God, highlighting His commitment to keeping His covenant with the Israelites. God's faithfulness is a fundamental attribute of His character, and it is the basis of all true religion.
Lessons from Exodus 6
- God's Faithfulness — The chapter teaches the lesson of God's faithfulness and commitment to His people. This is a fundamental attribute of His character, and it is the basis of all true religion.
- Redemption — The chapter teaches the lesson of redemption, highlighting God's act of delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This is a type of Christ's redemption of believers from sin and death.
- Providence — The chapter teaches the lesson of providence, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over all things. God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is an example of His providential care for His people.
- Trust in God — The chapter teaches the lesson of trusting in God's faithfulness and power. This is essential for living a life of faith and obedience to God.
- Leadership — The chapter teaches the lesson of leadership, highlighting Moses' role as a leader and God's empowerment of him to speak to Pharaoh.
Themes from Exodus 6
- Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the theme of covenant, highlighting God's faithfulness and commitment to His people.
- Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the theme of redemption, highlighting God's act of delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
- Providence — The chapter emphasizes the theme of providence, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over all things.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes the theme of the faithfulness of God, highlighting His commitment to keeping His covenant with the Israelites.
- Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the theme of trusting in God's faithfulness and power, which is essential for living a life of faith and obedience to God.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the covenant mean to you, and how does it relate to your relationship with God?
- How does the story of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage relate to your own experience of redemption in Christ?
- What does the chapter teach about God's character, and how can you apply this to your own life and relationships?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and power, and what are some ways you can cultivate this trust in your own life?
- What are some ways you can apply the doctrine of redemption to your own life, and how can you share this truth with others?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Promise to Deliver the Israelites (Exodus 6:1-9)
| Exodus 6:1 | God reassures Moses that He will keep His covenant with the Israelites and deliver them from slavery. |
| Exodus 6:2 | God reminds Moses of His covenant with the patriarchs and His promise to give them the land of Canaan. |
| Exodus 6:3 | God explains that He did not reveal His name 'Lord' to the patriarchs, but He will make Himself known to the Israelites through His deliverance of them. |
| Exodus 6:4 | God reaffirms His covenant with the Israelites and promises to give them the land of Canaan. |
| Exodus 6:5 | God hears the groaning of the Israelites and remembers His covenant with them. |
| Exodus 6:6 | God promises to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and redeem them as His own people. |
| Exodus 6:7 | God promises to take the Israelites as His own people and be their God. |
| Exodus 6:8 | God promises to give the Israelites the land of Canaan as an inheritance. |
| Exodus 6:9 | Moses speaks to the Israelites, but they do not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor. |
2. Genealogy of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:13-27)
| Exodus 6:13 | God commands Moses and Aaron to speak to the Israelites and Pharaoh, despite Moses' objections about his inability to speak. |
| Exodus 6:14 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel. |
| Exodus 6:15 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Simeon. |
| Exodus 6:16 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Levi. |
| Exodus 6:17 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Levi, including Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. |
| Exodus 6:18 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Kohath, including Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. |
| Exodus 6:19 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Merari, including Mahli and Mushi. |
| Exodus 6:20 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the family of Amram, including Aaron and Moses. |
| Exodus 6:21 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Izhar, including Korah, Nepheg, and Zichri. |
| Exodus 6:22 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Uzziel, including Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. |
| Exodus 6:23 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the family of Aaron, including Eleazar and Ithamar. |
| Exodus 6:24 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the sons of Korah, including Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. |
| Exodus 6:25 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the family of Elkanah, including Ebiasaph and Assir. |
| Exodus 6:26 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the family of Amram, including Aaron and Moses. |
| Exodus 6:27 | The chapter lists the genealogy of the family of Aaron, including Eleazar and Ithamar. |
3. God's Instruction to Moses (Exodus 6:28-30)
| Exodus 6:28 | God instructs Moses to speak to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. |
| Exodus 6:29 | Moses objects to God's instruction, citing his inability to speak. |
| Exodus 6:30 | Moses expresses his inadequacy and inability to speak to Pharaoh, highlighting the need for God's empowerment and enablement. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the covenant that God makes with the Israelites?
The covenant is God's promise to the Israelites, which includes His commitment to deliver them from Egyptian bondage and give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance (Exodus 6:1-9).
Why does Moses object to God's instruction to speak to Pharaoh?
Moses objects to God's instruction because of his inability to speak, citing his lack of eloquence and his previous experience of being rejected by the Israelites (Exodus 6:28-30).
What is the significance of the genealogy of Moses and Aaron in Exodus 6:13-27?
The genealogy of Moses and Aaron highlights their family background and God's choice of them as leaders. It also emphasizes the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 6:6 → John 1:1 | The promise of redemption in Exodus 6:6 is fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate Redeemer of God's people. |
| 2 | Exodus 6:13 → Hebrews 8:6 | The covenant made with Moses and Aaron is a type of the new covenant made with Christ, who is the mediator of the new covenant. |
| 3 | Exodus 6:1 → Genesis 17:1-14 | The covenant made with Abraham is reaffirmed in Exodus 6:1-9, highlighting God's faithfulness and commitment to His people. |
| 4 | Exodus 6:28 → Deuteronomy 18:15 | Moses' role as a leader and prophet is a type of Christ's role as the ultimate leader and prophet of God's people. |
| 5 | Exodus 6:30 → Isaiah 6:1-13 | Moses' objection to God's instruction is similar to Isaiah's objection to God's call to prophetic ministry, highlighting the need for God's empowerment and enablement. |
| 6 | Exodus 6:6 → Romans 6:1-14 | The promise of redemption in Exodus 6:6 is fulfilled in Christ, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death. |
| 7 | Exodus 6:13 → 1 Peter 2:9 | The covenant made with Moses and Aaron is a type of the covenant made with believers, who are called to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. |
| 8 | Exodus 6:1 → Psalm 105:1-15 | The covenant made with Abraham is reaffirmed in Exodus 6:1-9, highlighting God's faithfulness and commitment to His people. |
| 9 | Exodus 6:28 → Matthew 10:1-4 | Moses' role as a leader and prophet is a type of Christ's role as the ultimate leader and prophet of God's people. |
| 10 | Exodus 6:30 → Jeremiah 1:1-10 | Moses' objection to God's instruction is similar to Jeremiah's objection to God's call to prophetic ministry, highlighting the need for God's empowerment and enablement. |
Sermons on Exodus 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Regeneration & Self-Denial by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches abandoning biblical terminology and relying on church growth methodologies. He emphasizes the need for truth that goes b |
|
A Call for Prophetic Evangelistic Preaching by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a controversy between God and his people. He highlights how God had shown immense love and care for his people, providing for their needs and |
|
A Day and a Night in the Deep by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fully believing and trusting in the word of God. He uses the example of the Israelites who, despite knowing what God had p |
|
Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy |
|
Learning Through Affliction by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to the children of Israel as examples of how God delivers His people from afflictions. The preacher highlights tha |
|
The Man Who Recognized Greatness by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leadership in the work of God. He highlights examples from the Bible where God used leaders to accomplish His plans, such a |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 5:1-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the increasing difficulty faced by the Israelites in their servitude to Pharaoh. The officers of the Israelites cry out to Pharaoh, complainin |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 6:6-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven "I wills" of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-8. He emphasizes the importance of crossing over into a new life through the death and |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 6:14-30 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and his call to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt. Moses initially hesitates and makes excuses, questioning his o |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 6:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Exodus 6:2-4, where God reveals himself to Moses as Jehovah, the self-existing one. The preacher emphasizes that God is who he says he is an |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 6
In this chapter, we see the faithfulness and power of God in delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The covenant made with Moses and Aaron is a type of the new covenant made with Christ, who is the mediator of the new covenant. The genealogy of Moses and Aaron highlights their family background and God's choice of them as leaders. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and power, and the need for God's empowerment and enablement in all aspects of life. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The covenant is the foundation of all true religion, and it is the bond that unites God and His people together.' The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate Redeemer of God's people, who delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death. Through this chapter, we see God's character as a God who keeps His promises and delivers His people, and we are encouraged to trust in His faithfulness and power. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Faithfulness
Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His faithfulness to the Israelites and His commitment to keeping His covenant with them. This is seen in His promise to deliver them from Egyptian bondage and redeem them as His own people (Exodus 6:1-9).
Moses' Inadequacy
Moses expresses his inadequacy and inability to speak to Pharaoh, highlighting the need for God's empowerment and enablement (Exodus 6:28-30).
Genealogy
The chapter includes a genealogy of Moses and Aaron, highlighting their family background and God's choice of them as leaders (Exodus 6:13-27).






