What does God mean when He says, "Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh"?

God is telling Moses that the time has come for Him to act in a clear and powerful way. Up to this point, Moses has spoken to Pharaoh and things have only seemed to get worse for Israel. God reminds Moses that it is not Moses’ skill that will free the people, but God’s own power. When God says Pharaoh will let them go “with a strong hand,” He means Pharaoh will be forced by God’s might to release them. Moses had tried and failed, but now God will show what He Himself will do.

What is the difference between God being known as Almighty and as Jehovah in this passage?

In this passage, God says He appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but now makes Himself known by the name Jehovah. The fathers trusted His promises, but they did not yet see the full carrying out of those promises in a nation being rescued and settled in the land. The name Jehovah highlights that God is the One who is, who keeps His word, and brings His plans to completion. Here He is not only making promises, He is about to fulfill them openly by bringing Israel out and giving them the land.

What does it mean when God says, "I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God"?

This is God describing a special relationship He is forming with Israel. He is not just freeing them from slavery and then leaving them on their own. He is making them His own people in a public way, and He Himself will be their God. That means He will care for them, rule them, and be present with them. They will know Him not only by His name, but by seeing His saving work and His care. This promise shows that deliverance leads into a living, ongoing relationship with God.

Why did the children of Israel not listen to Moses because of "anguish of spirit"?

The people were so worn down by suffering that they could not take in the comfort God was offering. Their slavery had become harder, and the weight of daily pain, fear, and work crushed their hearts. Because of this, even clear promises of rescue sounded empty to them. This shows how deep pain can close our ears to good news. It is not that God’s word was weak, but their spirits were so broken that they could hardly hope. The passage shows how misery can drown out even strong encouragement.

What does Moses mean when he says he has "uncircumcised lips"?

When Moses speaks of having “uncircumcised lips,” he is talking about feeling unfit and unable to speak well. He is very aware of his weakness in speaking and thinks this makes him the wrong person to face Pharaoh. He reasons that if Israel, his own people, would not listen to him, then Pharaoh certainly will not. The phrase points to a sense of being rough or unprepared in speech. God, however, does not accept this as a reason to stop. Instead, He joins Aaron with Moses and gives them a clear command, showing that His strength can work through human weakness.

What does this passage teach about God’s covenant and His faithfulness?

In this passage, God ties everything He is about to do back to His earlier promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He reminds Moses that He has established His covenant to give their descendants the land of Canaan. He says He has heard Israel’s groaning and remembered His covenant, which means He is now acting on what He pledged before. His name Jehovah in this setting highlights that He does not forget or abandon what He has spoken. Even when people are doubtful or broken, God moves forward to keep His word and finish what He began.

What was happening in Israel’s history when God spoke these words to Moses?

At this point, Israel has been living in Egypt for many years and has become a nation of slaves under a harsh king. Moses has already gone once to Pharaoh to ask for their release, which led to heavier burdens instead of relief. The people are discouraged and angry. Moses himself feels confused and defeated. Into this situation, God speaks again, reminding Moses of who He is, repeating His promises in detail, and sending Moses and Aaron back to Pharaoh. The story stands right before the signs and judgments that will force Pharaoh to let Israel go.

Why does God repeat "I am the LORD" several times in this passage?

God keeps saying “I am the LORD” to anchor all His promises in His own character. Moses and the people see only Pharaoh’s power and their own pain. God answers that by pointing them to who He is: the living God who exists by Himself, who makes covenants, and who has all power to carry them out. Each promise is wrapped with this name so they will not rest on their feelings, but on Him. The repetitions are like steady blows on a hard rock, meant to break through fear and unbelief with the truth of God’s identity.

How can this passage help someone who feels crushed by hardship today?

This passage shows that God sees and hears His people even when they are too hurt to listen well to Him. Israel could not take in comfort because of anguish of spirit, yet God did not turn away from them. He went on with His plan to bring them out, based on His covenant and His name, not their strength of faith. For someone who feels worn out, this can be a quiet help: God’s care and promises do not depend on how strong you feel. He remembers what He has said and acts at the right time, even when hope feels out of reach.

Why did God still send Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh after so much resistance?

God had already chosen Moses as His servant and had promised to bring Israel out of Egypt. Israel’s discouragement and Pharaoh’s hardness did not change God’s plan. By giving Moses and Aaron a clear charge to speak to both Israel and Pharaoh, God shows that His command stands above human fear and opposition. He also shows patience by sending a second time rather than moving straight to judgment. Through this, God makes it clear that deliverance will come by His word and His power, not by human cleverness or quick success.

Exod.6.1

Exodus 6:1

KJV GOD

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.

Cross References

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