Was Moses as God to Pharaoh?

The narrative of Moses and Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus is not just a historical account but a profound theological statement about God’s sovereignty, human obedience, and the clash between divine authority and earthly power. Central to this narrative is the phrase in Exodus 7:1 where God tells Moses, “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh” (NKJV). This statement raises important questions about the nature of Moses’ role, the significance of being “as God,” and its implications for understanding the dynamics between God, Moses, and Pharaoh.

Understanding Exodus 7:1

After Moses’ first encounter with Pharaoh asking for a permission that the Israelites may go and hold a feast for God in the wilderness (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh not just refused but he also increased his punishment on the Israelites by increasing their work load. Pharaoh commanded his task masters saying, that you no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. And you shall lay on them the quota of bricks which they made before (verses 7,8).

As a result, the Israelites got very discouraged and complained to Moses blaming him for their suffering and his “interference” on their behalf. Not knowing what to do and feeling utterly helpless, Moses took the matter before God and asked for help and deliverance (verses 22,23). God answered Moses saying, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land” (Exodus 6:1). Feeling discouraged, Moses spoke to God, saying, the children of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me (verse 7).

In Exodus 7:1, the Lord speaks to Moses:

“… ‘See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.'” (Exodus 7:1, NKJV)

This declaration marks the beginning of a series of confrontations between Moses, empowered by God, and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. To comprehend the significance of Moses being “as God” to Pharaoh, we must explore several key aspects of this relationship and its theological implications.

Moses as God’s Instrument of Judgment

The phrase “as God” does not mean that Moses becomes divine or equal to God in essence. Instead, it signifies that Moses acts as God’s representative or spokesperson with divine authority delegated to him. This concept is clarified in Exodus 4:16, where God tells Moses regarding Aaron:

“So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.” (Exodus 4:16, NKJV)

As Moses was hesitant to speak a second time to Pharaoh, who was so much his earthly superior, God assured him that as a representative of the Creator of heaven and earth, he was in reality greater than Pharaoh. The King’s power was only that of a limited human being but God’s power was infinite. Moses was to be to Pharaoh as God with authority and power to command submission.

Moses and the Israelites were about to see mighty deeds that were never done before in the history of earth. For Israel’s deliverance could not be accomplished by peaceful methods but would necessitate a display of force on God’s part. The plagues that were about to visit Egypt and the house of Pharaoh were not merely “wonders” or “signs” but also judgments inflicted on a proud and harsh nation by the divine Judge. And God would bring the Israelites into the Promised Land, and give it to them as an inheritance.

Divine Authority and Power Displayed through Signs and Wonders

God equips Moses and Aaron with miraculous signs to authenticate their authority and demonstrate His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. These signs are not mere displays of power but serve as divine confirmation of God’s presence with His servants.

The Staff Turned into a Serpent (Exodus 7:8-13)

In their first encounter with Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron demonstrate God’s authority through a sign involving Aaron’s staff turning into a serpent. This act challenges the Egyptian belief in the power of magic and sorcery, showcasing the superiority of God’s divine authority.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, “Show a miracle for yourselves,” then you shall say to Aaron, “Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.”‘” (Exodus 7:8-9, NKJV)

The Plagues of Egypt

The subsequent plagues that afflict Egypt serve as escalating judgments against Pharaoh’s defiance and the oppression of the Israelites. Each plague targets specific Egyptian deities, demonstrating God’s supremacy over all creation and the futility of relying on false gods.

• Water Turned into Blood (Exodus 7:14-25) challenges Hapi, the Egyptian god of the Nile.
• Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15) challenge Heqet, the frog-headed goddess of fertility.
• Gnats/Lice (Exodus 8:16-19) challenge Geb, the earth god.
• Flies (Exodus 8:20-32) challenge Khepri, the god of creation and rebirth.
• Livestock Diseased (Exodus 9:1-7) challenge Hathor, goddess of love and protection.
• Boils (Exodus 9:8-12) challenge Sekhmet, goddess of healing and plagues.
• Hail (Exodus 9:13-35) challenges Nut, the sky goddess.
• Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20) challenge Osiris, god of vegetation and fertility.
• Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29) challenges Ra, the sun god.
• Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:36) challenges Pharaoh himself, considered a god.

Each plague serves not only as a judgment against Egypt’s idolatry and oppression but also as a demonstration of God’s power through Moses and Aaron. The severity of these plagues escalates as Pharaoh’s heart hardens, culminating in the tragic loss of life during the final plague.

Theological Implications

Divine Mediation and Prophetic Authority

Moses’ role as “as God” to Pharaoh underscores the concept of divine mediation. Throughout biblical history, prophets served as intermediaries between God and humanity, delivering divine messages and executing God’s will. Moses, as a prophet, functions in this capacity, conveying God’s judgments and commands to Pharaoh.

“But the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel out of his land.'” (Exodus 7:1-2, NKJV)

Moses’ authority is derived from his intimate relationship with God, who commissions him to speak on His behalf. This relationship distinguishes God’s prophet from Pharaoh’s magicians and sorcerers, whose powers are limited and ultimately proven inadequate.

The Conflict between God’s Sovereignty and Human Arrogance

The confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh illustrates the clash between God’s sovereignty and human arrogance. Pharaoh, representing Egypt’s imperial power and false gods, initially dismisses Moses’ demands and refuses to acknowledge the God of Israel.

“But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” (Exodus 7:13, NKJV)

Pharaoh’s hardened heart symbolizes his stubborn resistance to God’s authority and his refusal to recognize the divine power manifested through Moses and Aaron. This resistance culminates in the devastation wrought upon Egypt and the eventual liberation of the Israelites.

Salvation and Deliverance

The narrative of Moses and Pharaoh also foreshadows themes of salvation and deliverance prominent throughout Scripture. The exodus from Egypt becomes a foundational event in Israel’s history, symbolizing liberation from slavery and bondage.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, “Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me.'”‘” (Exodus 9:1, NKJV)

God’s purpose in delivering the Israelites from Egypt is not merely to demonstrate His power but to establish a covenant relationship with His chosen people. The exodus narrative becomes a typological precursor to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, delivering humanity from sin and death.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrase “I have made you as God to Pharaoh” encapsulates the theological depth and significance of Moses’ role in confronting Egypt’s ruler. Moses acts as God’s representative, empowered with divine authority to execute God’s judgments and demand the release of the Israelites. Through miraculous signs and plagues, God demonstrates His supremacy over Egypt’s false gods and asserts His sovereignty over creation.

The narrative of Moses and Pharaoh serves as a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and delivering His people from oppression. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of resisting His divine authority. Ultimately, Moses’ role as “as God” to Pharaoh highlights the profound truth that God works through chosen instruments to accomplish His purposes in the world.

Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics. 

In His service,
BibleAsk Team