What should we do when our obedience seems to make our circumstances worse? This was the question Moses asks God at the end of chapter 5. God answers by anchoring His people in His covenant name, promises that never change, and a compassion that is moved to action.
I. Cries of Confusion (Ex 5:22-23)
Moses, confused and discouraged makes the right move by seeking the Lord with his lament. Lamenting as an honest prayer is not faithlessness, but often the beginning of a deeper trust and faith. (Ps 62:8) Moses uses the name Adonai as a posture of submission even in his lamenting. God uses situations of delay and testing to drive us back to His promises. This is when we obediently trust just as Christ modeled for us. (Heb 5:7-8) Delay does not equal divine failure. God’s plan may seem delayed to us, but it is always perfect.
“The Exodus storyline normalizes the pattern “word – conflict – deliverance” not “word – ease.” Expect a cross shaped path.” – Albert Mohler, Jr.
II. The Covenant Keeper Answers (Ex 6:1-2)
Notice how God responds in these two verses. He begins by giving certainty “you shall see” and sovereignty “I will do.” We may not always be given the answers to our why’s of a situation on this side of Glory, but God’s covenantal promises answer who He is, and what He will do. God also gives us the answer to confusion and being disoriented – His name. Yahweh is the ultimate anchor of assurance when things seem to go from bad to worse. Remember, God Himself always acts according to who He is. (Isa 40:9-11) God’s use of “strong hand” tells us that He will cause Pharaoh to be the agent of release. He alone governs both the means and the outcome.
III. Covenantal Continuity (Ex 6:3-4)
El Shaddai “God Almighty” is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yahweh was not known (in the experiencing knowledge and revelation) to them as He progressively gave Moses this deeper disclosure. This name has exodus-level meaning and God’s name will be known in the mighty saving acts He will do. This is all part of God’s redemptive plan carried out through history, with the revelation to us in the person of Jesus. (John 1:18) This mighty God has established His promises, and they are what determine the future.
IV. Compassion Moved to Action (Ex 6:5)
God’s compassion is moved into action. His remembrance is covenantal, and He reassures His people that He will act. This action from God is a “meeting of Mercy and Oath” – Ryken. This is a powerful reminder for us to live, stand and pray in light of God’s covenantal promises. For at the cross, God remembers His holy covenant and delivers us from slavery to sin (Col 1:13-14)
Final Application: May we be moved from confusion in our circumstances to confidence in knowing Christ. God hears, remembers, and redeems us through His Son. Jesus is the one who reveals the name of God fully (John 17:6, 8:58), secures the covenant promises (2 Cor 1:20), and acts in compassionate power to deliver His people. (Heb 2:14-18; Luke 9:31)