Exodus 7

“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.” Naming Egypt and Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD , when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.” The number three makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,” Naming Aaron and Moses keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with…” Naming Egypt and Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” Naming Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.” Naming Moses and Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink…” Naming Get and Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they…” Naming Hebrews keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Thus saith the LORD , In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD : behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon…” Naming Egypt and Aaron keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the…” Naming Egypt and Egyptians keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken…” Naming Egypt and Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.” Naming Pharaoh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the…” Naming Egyptians keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.” The number seven makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.