0

Why did God have Aaron use his staff to perform the miracles of the plagues, not Moses?



      

Exodus 7:17

ESV - 17 Thus says the Lord, "By this you shall know that I am the Lord : behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood.

Clarify Share Report Asked November 29 2016 Data Thea Gehly Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

1
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
Although Moses was the man whom God had called in Exodus 3 to lead the people of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt, Moses had raised multiple objections to God in Exodus 4 as to why he was unsuited for this role, the last of which was that he was "slow of speech and of tongue." Although God assured Moses that He would be with Moses' mouth, and teach him what he was to speak, Moses still asked God to choose someone else for the job other than him. At that point, God became angry with Moses, and told Moses that He would make Aaron (Moses' brother) to be Moses' "mouthpiece" to the people and to Pharaoh, since God knew that Aaron could speak well (Exodus 4:10-16; Exodus 7:1-2).

Aaron fulfilled this role in the subsequent plagues that God brought upon Egypt, not only speaking for Moses, but also being the one who used his staff to put some of the plagues into effect (as in Exodus 7:19, Exodus 8:5-6; and Exodus 8:16-17).

Also, to me, this was a foreshadowing of the role and authority that Aaron himself would subsequently have as the man whom God appointed to be the high priest of Israel, whose descendants from the tribe of Levi would continue to function as priests throughout Biblical times (Exodus 28:1).

November 30 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining