Exodus 5 - 7 Summary

Exodus chapters 5-7 detail the initial, unsuccessful confrontations between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh, and the beginning of God's display of power. Here's a summary:

Exodus 5: Increased Oppression:

Moses and Aaron, following God's command, request Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the wilderness to worship.

Pharaoh refuses, accusing them of idleness, and increases the Israelites' workload, making their lives even harder.

The Israelite foremen blame Moses and Aaron for their worsened situation.

Exodus 6: God's Reassurance and Commission:

God reassures Moses, reminding him of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God reaffirms his promise to deliver the Israelites and reveals his name, Yahweh, emphasizing his power and faithfulness.

A genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi is given.

Exodus 7: Signs and the Beginning of Plagues:

God instructs Moses and Aaron to return to Pharaoh, telling them that Pharaoh's heart will be hardened.

Aaron's staff is turned into a serpent before Pharaoh as a sign of God's power.

Pharaoh's magicians replicate the sign, but Aaron's staff swallows theirs.

God starts the plagues by having Aaron strike the nile river with his staff, and turning the water into blood.