*Beloved child, hear the gentle whisper of our Lord as He reassures Moses. In this chapter, God reminds us that His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive in the present. He sees our groaning under oppression and promises a mighty deliverance. Trust that His covenant is steadfast, and He will bring you into the promised land of peace.*
Exodus — Chapter 6 — KJV
1
Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
Simply PutGod tells Moses He will show what He can do for Pharaoh. The phrase "strong hand" (Hebrew H3329) signals a powerful, decisive act of God that will compel Pharaoh to release His people. Even in deep oppression, we can trust that God's power is far beyond any human ruler.
2
And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
Simply PutGod declares to Moses, "I am the LORD." The Hebrew name YHWH (Strong's H3068) is not just a title; it’s God's personal, covenant-keeping identity. When someone feels abandoned or forgotten, remembering that the same LORD who promised Abraham is speaking to us today gives comfort and assurance.
3
And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
Simply PutGod says He revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob as "God Almighty" (H430), but not by the name YHWH. This reminds us that God's full revelation has been a progressive unfolding. For those seeking to know Him, we can be grateful that He chose now to reveal His name YHWH in a way that meets their deepest need.
4
And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
Simply PutGod speaks of the covenant (H1668) He made with the patriarchs, promising them Canaan. This is a promise of belonging and home for those who wander as strangers. It reminds us that God remembers His promises to us, even when we feel lost.
5
And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
Simply PutGod says He has heard the groaning (H1667) of Israel in Egyptian bondage. Those who feel their cries echo into the void can find hope here: God does not forget our suffering. He has also remembered His covenant, showing that love and promise are inseparable.
6
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Simply PutGod promises to bring Israel out from the burdens of Egypt, to redeem them with a stretched-out arm (H3025) and great judgments. The word "redeem" is like a rescue payment, an act of love that pays the price. When you're weighed down by life's hardships, God's promise is a reminder of His rescuing power.
7
And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
Simply PutGod says He will take Israel as His people and Himself be their God. "People" (H1660) means a chosen family, bound together by love. Knowing that the LORD your God will be with you brings assurance that He is not distant, but present and caring.
8
And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
Simply PutGod vows to give the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (H3066). This "swearing" is more about a solemn promise than just words. For those who long for a future, it assures that God has an enduring plan to fulfill His promises.
9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
Simply PutMoses told Israel about God's plans, but they did not listen because they were in the anguish (H7524) of their spirit and cruel bondage. Even when God speaks, we can be deafened by our own despair. This reminds us to open our hearts even amidst suffering.
10
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Simply PutThe LORD speaks again to Moses. This is the beginning of a new chapter where God reaffirms His plan and presence.
11
Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
Simply PutThe LORD commands Moses to go into Egypt and ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites out. "Go in" (H922) means entering into a new arena of confrontation, trusting that God is with us.
12
And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
Simply PutMoses worries his "uncircumcised lips" (H4115) will make Pharaoh ignore him. This reflects personal insecurity, but God can still use us even with our perceived shortcomings.
13
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
Simply PutThe LORD gives Moses and Aaron a charge to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. This is God's strategic plan: He equips His people for specific tasks.
14
These be the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.
Simply PutThe text lists the heads of Reuben's families. Knowing our ancestors helps us recognize that we are part of a larger story.
15
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
Simply PutThe text lists the heads of Simeon's families. These names remind us that each person has a unique place in God's family.
16
And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years.
Simply PutThe text lists Levi's families and notes that Levi lived 137 years. This tells us about the longevity of the patriarchs.
17
The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families.
Simply PutThe text lists Gershon's families. These genealogies highlight God's careful organization of His people.
18
And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
Simply PutThe text lists Kohath's families and notes his lifespan. This provides a historical picture of the tribe.
19
And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.
Simply PutThe text lists Merari's families, further detailing Levi's lineage. This shows how God forms a structured community.
20
And Amram took him Jochebed his father’s sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years.
Simply PutAmram married Jochebed and fathered Aaron and Moses, living 137 years. This reminds us that God's leaders often come from humble beginnings.
21
And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.
Simply PutThe sons of Izhar are listed. These names become important later in the priestly duties.
22
And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.
Simply PutThe sons of Uzziel are listed. The Levites would later serve in the temple.
23
And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Simply PutAaron's marriage and children are recorded. This sets up the priestly line that would serve Israel.
24
And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.
Simply PutThe sons of Korah are listed, establishing the family group within Levi. These families played roles in Israel's worship.
25
And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.
Simply PutEleazar married a daughter of Putiel and fathered Phinehas. This reveals the continuation of priestly lineage.
26
These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.
Simply PutGod says to Moses and Aaron, "Bring out the Israelites from Egypt according to their armies." This shows God's strategic plan for a mass migration.
27
These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.
Simply PutThe text confirms that Moses and Aaron were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh. Their leadership was a critical point in Israel's history.
28
And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,
Simply PutThe LORD speaks to Moses in Egypt. This marks a pivotal moment where God reasserts His authority.
29
That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
Simply PutThe LORD says to Moses, "I am the LORD; speak to Pharaoh." This reinforces God's identity and authority.
30
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?
Simply PutMoses feels insecure because of his uncircumcised lips. Even leaders can feel inadequate, but God works through their willingness to obey.
Genesis 15:6Demonstrates the foundational covenant with Abraham that Exodus 6:4 reiterates as a basis for Israel's inheritance of Canaan.
Genesis 17:1Shows God’s self-identification as "the Almighty," echoing Exodus 6:3's distinction between the name of God Almighty and JEHOVAH.
Psalm 105:8Highlights God's perpetual remembrance of His covenant and promise to deliver Israel, reinforcing the themes in Exodus 6:5‑7.
Isaiah 43:1Echoes the promise to liberate Israel from Egypt's burdens, paralleling Exodus 6:5‑6’s assurance of divine rescue.
Reflect
Levi's 137-year life was defined by his service to the tribe; what legacy or responsibility from your own family do you feel drawn to continue, and how does it influence the choices you make today?
