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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 4:22 Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: 'Israel is My firstborn son,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/4-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/02_Exo_04_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 4:22 - Moses Leaves for Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: 'Israel is My firstborn son," /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm" title="Exodus 4:21">◄</a> Exodus 4:22 <a href="/exodus/4-23.htm" title="Exodus 4:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then say to Pharaoh, &#8216This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel <i>is</i> my son, <i>even</i> my firstborn:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Israel <i>is</i> My son, My firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the LORD says: “Israel is My son, My firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Then you shall say to Pharaoh, &#8216Thus says the LORD, &#8220Israel is My son, My firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Israel is My son, My first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And you will say to Pharaoh: This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then you will say to Pharaoh: This is what Yahweh says: Israel is My firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then tell him that I have said, "Israel is my first-born son, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, my firstborn:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then tell Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then you must tell him that I, the LORD, say, 'Israel is my first-born son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are to say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: "Israel is my firstborn son. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ?Israel is My firstborn son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the LORD, "Israel is my son, my firstborn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall tell Pharaoh, 'Thus says the LORD, Israel is my son, my firstborn,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt say to Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘Yahweh says, Israel is my son, my firstborn, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you have said to Pharaoh, Thus said YHWH: My son, My firstborn [is] Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and thou hast said unto Pharaoh, Thus said Jehovah, My son, My first-born is Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And say thou to Pharaoh, So said Jehovah, my first-born son is Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt say to him: Thus saith the Lord: Israel is my son, my firstborn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you shall say to him: ‘Thus says the Lord: Israel is my firstborn son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So you will say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD: Israel is my son, my firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD: Israel is my firstborn son.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the LORD, Israel is my first-born son;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And speak to Pharaoh in this way: LORD JEHOVAH says: “My son, my firstborn, is Israel:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh: Thus saith the LORD: Israel is My son, My first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt say to Pharao, These things saith the Lord, Israel <i>is</i> my first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/4-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=858" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/4.htm">Moses Leaves for Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Then tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6547.htm" title="6547: par·‘ōh (N-proper-ms) -- A title of Eg. kings. Of Egyptian derivation; Paroh, a general title of Egyptian kings.">Pharaoh that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">this is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">‘Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: ḇə·ḵō·rî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">is My firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son,</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>and I told you to let My son go so that he may worship Me. But since you have refused to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son!’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a></span><br />When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-15.htm">Matthew 2:15</a></span><br />where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Romans 9:4</a></span><br />the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1</a></span><br />You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a></span><br />They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a></span><br />Yet You are our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O LORD, are our Father; our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a></span><br />But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4-5</a></span><br />But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a></span><br />As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-18.htm">2 Corinthians 6:18</a></span><br />And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6</a></span><br />“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">1 John 3:1</a></span><br />Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2</a></span><br />Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14-17</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. / For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” / The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-6.htm">Deuteronomy 32:6</a></span><br />Is this how you repay the LORD, O foolish and senseless people? Is He not your Father and Creator? Has He not made you and established you?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus said the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:</p><p class="hdg">Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-5.htm">Exodus 19:5,6</a></b></br> Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth <i>is</i> mine: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1</a></b></br> Ye <i>are</i> the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a></b></br> They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim <i>is</i> my firstborn.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/4-8.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/3-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Pharaoh</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/4-23.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/4-23.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/4-23.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/5-1.htm">Pharaoh</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Moses's rod is turned into a serpent.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-6.htm">His hand is leprous.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">He loathes his calling.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-13.htm">Aaron is appointed to assist him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Moses departs from Jethro.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">God's message to Pharaoh.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Zipporah circumcises her son.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Aaron is sent to meet Moses.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/4-29.htm">The people believe them.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says:</b><br>This phrase introduces a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the authority and divine origin of the message. In the context of the Exodus narrative, God is preparing to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. The phrase underscores the prophetic role of Moses as God's spokesperson. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) highlights the covenantal name of God, which is significant in the context of His relationship with Israel. This divine communication is a common motif in the Old Testament, where prophets often begin their messages with "Thus says the LORD," establishing the divine authority behind their words.<p><b>‘Israel is My firstborn son,</b><br>This phrase is rich with theological and covenantal significance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the firstborn son held a place of privilege and responsibility, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance and acting as the family leader. By calling Israel His "firstborn son," God is asserting a special relationship with the nation, one of favor and chosen status among the nations. This designation also implies a familial bond, suggesting that God views Israel with paternal care and affection. The concept of Israel as God's firstborn is foundational to understanding the nation's identity and mission. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate "firstborn" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>), who fulfills the role of the true Israel and the Son of God. This typology connects the deliverance of Israel from Egypt with the greater deliverance accomplished through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The chosen leader of the Israelites, tasked by God to deliver His message to Pharaoh and lead His people out of Egypt.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>The ruler of Egypt, representing opposition to God's will and the enslavement of the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>Referred to as God's "firstborn son," symbolizing a special relationship and covenant with God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The God of Israel, who reveals His authority and plans to Moses, emphasizing His covenantal relationship with Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land of bondage for the Israelites, representing a place of oppression and a backdrop for God's deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_authority.htm">God's Sovereignty and Authority</a></b><br>Recognize that God has the ultimate authority over nations and rulers, as demonstrated by His command to Pharaoh through Moses.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenantal_relationship.htm">Covenantal Relationship</a></b><br>Understand the significance of Israel being called God's "firstborn son," which implies a special status and responsibility in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/deliverance_and_redemption.htm">Deliverance and Redemption</a></b><br>Reflect on how God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt foreshadows the greater deliverance through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_purpose.htm">Identity and Purpose</a></b><br>As believers, consider how our identity as God's children shapes our purpose and mission in the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_call.htm">Obedience to God's Call</a></b><br>Learn from Moses' example of obedience, despite his initial reluctance, and apply it to our own lives when God calls us to act.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_threat_to_egypt_just.htm">(Exodus 4:22–23) In what way does God’s threat to kill Egypt’s firstborn reconcile with a just and merciful deity, furthermore aligning with the broader biblical narrative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'firstborn'_mean_biblically.htm">What does "firstborn" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_personal_relationship_with_jesus.htm">What does 'firstborn' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_levites_replace_firstborns.htm">If the Levites replaced all Israel’s firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16–18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">Israel is my son.</span>--Compare <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm" title="When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.">Hosea 11:1</a>. This tender relation, now first revealed, is not a mere metaphor, meaning "as dear to me as a son," but a reality. The Israel of God enjoys the sonship of adoption by being taken into the True Son, and made one with Him (<a href="/context/romans/8-14.htm" title="For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.">Romans 8:14-17</a>).<p><span class= "bld">My first ? born.</span>--Admitted to sonship in the Messiah before the other nations of the earth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Israel is my son</span>. This would be addressing Pharaoh in language familiar to him. Each Egyptian monarch of this period was accustomed to style himself, "son of the Sun," and to claim and expect the constant favour and protection of his divine parent. It was also quite within the range of Egyptian ideas that God should declare himself by word of mouth to his special favourites, and give directions as to their actions. (See 'Records of the Past,' vol. 4. p. 43.) <span class="cmt_word">My firstborn</span>. Not only "as dear to me as to a father his firstborn" (Kalisch), but the only nation that I have adopted, and taken into covenant, so as to be unto me "a peculiar people above all the nations that are upon the earth" (<a href="/deuteronomy/14-2.htm">Deuteronomy 14:2</a>). Israel's sonship is here mentioned for the first time. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/4-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then tell</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמַרְתָּ֖</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pharaoh [that]</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּרְעֹ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(par·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6547.htm">Strong's 6547: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pharaoh -- a title of Egypt kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this is what</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֚ה</span> <span class="translit">(kōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is My firstborn</span><br /><span class="heb">בְכֹרִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḵō·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">OT Law: Exodus 4:22 You shall tell Pharaoh 'Thus says Yahweh (Exo. 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