Exodus 7: The First Signs and Wonders

Key Verse: Exodus 7:5"The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them."

The time for action has come. Moses and Aaron stand before Pharaoh again, declaring God’s message: “Let my people go.” But Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. He refuses to listen, and the battle between God’s power and human rebellion begins.

God instructs Moses and Aaron to perform a sign—Aaron’s staff turns into a serpent before Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s magicians imitate the miracle, using their secret arts. Yet, something significant happens: Aaron’s staff swallows up theirs.

This is a reminder that no power, no trick, no human effort can stand against the true power of God. Though evil may try to imitate God’s work, it will always be defeated in the end.

But Pharaoh’s heart remains stubborn, and so begins the first of ten plagues: the Nile River turns to blood. The very source of Egypt’s life and prosperity becomes undrinkable, and fish die in the waters.

Still, Pharaoh refuses to yield. His magicians are able to copy the sign to some extent, but they cannot reverse the damage. Instead of repenting, Pharaoh turns away, unmoved by the suffering of his own people.

This chapter marks the beginning of God’s judgment against Egypt, but it also reveals something deeper—God is not just rescuing Israel; He is revealing Himself to the world.

"The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." This is about more than just freeing slaves; it’s about displaying the power and sovereignty of the one true God. Egypt trusted in false gods, their own strength, and their own wisdom, but now, they will see who truly reigns.

Pharaoh’s resistance mirrors the human heart—how often do we refuse to let go, even when God is clearly at work? How often do we try to control our own lives instead of surrendering to Him?

God is patient, but He is also powerful. He will accomplish His purpose, and nothing can stand in His way. The question is: will we surrender to Him willingly, or will we harden our hearts like Pharaoh?

God is calling us to trust Him. To let go. To recognize that He alone is Lord. Will we listen?