EXODUS 6
By Ron Crisp, Pastor
First Baptist Church
Independence, Kentucky

Introduction


What a mercy that God did not rebuke Moses for his complaining (Exodus 5:22-23). Truly God exercises great patience toward His children for He knows our weakness (Psalm 103:14). Rather, in Exodus 6 God continues to reveal Himself as the great covenant keeping "Jehovah."

1. The Promise Restated- verse 1
In answer to doubt God simply restates the promise. Pharaoh will soon demand that they go. Peace comes by encouraging ourselves with the certain outcome of God's promises (Romans 15:13). The Lord is able (Daniel 4:35).

2. Jehovah- verses 2-3
God's great name is "Jehovah." He is the self-existent and all-sufficient one. God was known to the patriarchs as:

Elohim- God (the Creator)
El Shaddai- God Almighty

Here He reveals Himself as "Jehovah" or the "I Am." Verse 3 does not mean that the patriarchs had never heard this name but that its meaning was not known. They knew God as the one who promises rather than the promise keeper (Hebrews 11:13). God waited until time to fulfill the covenant before revealing the content of this name. God has an obligation to the glory of His own Name to fulfill His promises (Joshua 7:7-9, Psalm 79:9-10, Ezekiel 20:9, 14, 22, 44).
Likewise in the new covenant God's "I wills" are the cause for rejoicing (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The glory of the gospel is God's free grace. Security is not in what we might do but in what God will do.

3. The Covenant- verses 4-5
The reason God would deliver Israel is because of His covenant. This covenant was made with them through Abraham before their birth. It was based not on their goodness but on God's love (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). What a wonderful picture of the covenant of grace made with the elect through Christ (Ephesians 1:4).

4. Promise Of Redemption- verses 6-8
Because of God's covenant He will redeem Israel and bestow upon her all the covenant blessings. The best part of the covenant here is the "I wills." Notice here God’s seven "I wills":
a. "I will bring you out from under the burdens of Egypt."
b."I will rid you out of their bondage."
c."I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgment."
d."I will take you to me for a people."
e."I will be to you a God."
f."I will bring you into the land."
g."I will give it you for an heritage."

5. Further Unbelief- verses 9-12
Each trial seemed to bring forth fresh doubt in Israel. Even Moses seemed to have no hope. Truly there is no dependence to be put in man. How slow we are to realize that God's word is never failing support. No amount of opposition matters.

6. The Charge Repeated- verse 13

7. Genealogical Information - verses 14-27
While this section may seem to be an interruption of the narrative it actually gives information critical to the history of Israel. Moses was the leader of Israel and Aaron was the father of the priestly line. This record positively identifies them as descendants of Levi. The tribe of Reuben and Simeon are mentioned because, like Levi, the fathers of these tribes were children of Leah (Genesis 29:31-35).
Interestingly Moses records something concerning his own parents that most would wish to leave unmentioned. Moses' father had married his own aunt. Under the Old Covenant law this union would be forbidden (Leviticus 18:12). The Old Covenant was not in force when this marriage occurred. Knowing however the nature of men we believe that had Moses not be writing by inspiration of God he would have deleted either the law or the details of his parent's marriage from the record.

8. The Heart of Moses- verses 28-30
The chapter ends with God asserting His greatness and Moses his unbelief. We might take a moment to notice the sources of Moses' doubt. In verse 30 he reveals that he is plagued with a sense of his own sinfulness. This is implied by the expression "uncircumcised lips" (Compare to verse 12). Seeming setbacks in God’s work often cause the Lord’s servants to blame themselves. In Exodus 5:22-23 we also see that Moses was deeply discouraged. Thankfully our weakness does not hinder God.

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