What does "know that I am the LORD" teach about recognizing God's authority? Setting of the Phrase Exodus 7:5 — “And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” What Stands Out Right Away • God speaks before the plagues unfold, showing He is not reacting; He is directing history. • “Know” is more than intellectual awareness; it carries the weight of personal, experiential recognition. • The purpose of the coming signs is not merely Israel’s release but a global revelation of who truly rules. What ‘Know That I Am the LORD’ Teaches About God’s Authority • Authority established by deeds – God’s acts in Egypt demonstrate His supremacy over nature, nations, and false gods (cf. Exodus 12:12). • Authority verified by fulfilled promises – He foretells deliverance, then performs it exactly, proving His word is unassailable. • Authority that demands allegiance – Once the Egyptians and Israelites “know,” neutrality is no longer an option—obedience or rebellion are the only paths left. • Authority universal, not localized – The phrase is addressed to Egyptians, showing His dominion extends beyond Israel (cf. Psalm 24:1). • Authority rooted in covenant faithfulness – His power serves His promise to Abraham’s line, marrying omnipotence with steadfast love (Genesis 15:13–14). How God Makes Himself Known 1. Miraculous intervention (plagues, parting of the sea). 2. Providential timing (plagues appear and lift precisely when Moses prays). 3. Distinction between His people and His enemies (Exodus 8:22–23). 4. Ultimate judgment and salvation (Red Sea: judgment for Egypt, salvation for Israel). Expected Human Responses • Humble submission — acknowledging His rightful rule (James 4:7). • Reverent worship — giving glory where it is due (Psalm 29:2). • Trusting obedience — aligning choices with His revealed will (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). • Bold witness — telling others what He has done so they too may “know” (1 Peter 2:9). Living This Out Today • Remember His past works: rehearse Scripture’s record to keep His authority fresh in mind. • Look for His hand in current events: the same sovereign Lord still guides nations (Acts 17:26). • Measure every decision by His commands: authority recognized in theory must be honored in practice (Luke 6:46). • Stand firm in trials: if the Lord rules over pharaohs, He rules over today’s pressures (Romans 8:28–31). Echoes Across Scripture • Deuteronomy 4:35 — “You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.” • Isaiah 45:5–6 — God raises Cyrus “so that men may know from the rising to the setting that there is none but Me.” • Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.” • Ezekiel’s repeated refrain (“then you will know that I am the LORD”) during judgment and restoration. • John 17:3 — ultimate knowledge of God comes through Jesus Christ, the fullest revelation of Yahweh’s authority. Recognizing God’s authority begins with seeing His mighty acts, continues in trusting His unbreakable word, and matures in daily obedience—so that, like Israel on the far shore of the Red Sea, we may look back and “know that He is the LORD.” |
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