What is the context?
God answers Moses’ concern about speaking by explaining the brothers’ roles again. Moses is to speak what God commands, and Aaron will deliver that message to Pharaoh. Being made like God to Pharaoh describes the authority Moses has been given to represent Him. Aaron is called his prophet because he will speak the message entrusted to Moses.
God also repeats that Pharaoh will not listen. The signs will multiply, judgment will fall upon Egypt, and Israel will be brought out. The declared outcome reaches beyond their freedom: the Egyptians will know that He is the LORD.
Moses and Aaron now do as commanded. Their ages are given as eighty and eighty-three. After the repeated objections, the account turns toward their obedience and the public display of God’s power.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The shared reading understands Moses as God’s authorized representative and Aaron as his spokesman. Calvin, Wesley and Gill all explain the language about Moses being like God through the authority and work entrusted to him.
The difference over hardening continues here. Calvin emphasizes God actively governing the confrontation, while Wesley describes Pharaoh’s heart being allowed to harden. Their explanations agree that Pharaoh’s resistance will not prevent the deliverance God has announced.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
God says the Egyptians will know Him through His judgment and Israel’s release. Later, in Exodus 9:14–16, He explains that His power will be displayed and His name proclaimed throughout the earth. The confrontation has a purpose beyond settling the immediate dispute with Pharaoh.
Romans 9:17–18 explicitly uses that explanation of Pharaoh’s place in the story. Paul presents God’s power, His mercy and the making known of His name as part of His larger purpose. That New Testament connection places the coming judgments within the wider story of God making Himself known.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.