Exodus 6:26-27
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While the verse names Moses and Aaron, its true power lies in the phrase "according to their armies." This wasn't just a casual mention; it was God's early instruction to organize Israel not as a ragged, fleeing mob, but as a divinely ordered people, foreshadowing their future as a nation under His command. It reveals God's intention to reveal His strength through them, even before they left Egypt.
These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: “Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt by their hosts.” It was they who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing out the people of Israel from Egypt, this Moses and this Aaron.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a detailed genealogy tracing the lineage of Reuben, Simeon, and especially Levi, down to Moses and Aaron, this verse reintroduces the two brothers. It highlights them as the specific individuals God commissioned to lead the vast Israelite people out of Egypt in an organized, powerful manner, like military hosts. This charge sets the stage for the intense confrontation with Pharaoh that follows.
Ever felt overwhelmed by a big task? God didn't just tell Moses and Aaron to 'get the people out.' He gave them a specific, powerful directive.
The verse emphasizes God's command to Moses and Aaron: 'Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.' This wasn't a casual suggestion; it was a strategic order. The phrase 'according to their armies' (or 'hosts,' 'battalions') suggests they were to depart not as a disorganized mob fleeing for their lives, but in an orderly, structured way. This points to God's intention for His people to be a people of order and purpose, even in their liberation. It foreshadows their later organization as they journeyed through the wilderness and eventually entered the Promised Land.
Why does this verse pause to identify Aaron and Moses specifically? It's a powerful reminder about who God uses and how He sets them apart.
This verse, coming after a genealogy, explicitly names Aaron and Moses. The phrasing 'These are that Aaron and Moses' emphasizes their specific identity and divine appointment for this monumental task. God didn't choose just anyone; He chose these two brothers. The text highlights that it was to them that the Lord gave this specific command. This underscores that God commissions individuals for His purposes and that their authority and mission come directly from Him. Their role wasn't self-appointed but divinely ordained, giving them the credibility and power to lead.
Understand the original words
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YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises.
Yisrael · Hebrew Proper Noun
A collective term referring to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), whom God chose as His covenant people to be a light to the nations and the vehicle through which the Messiah would come.
tsaba' · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting a large group, army, or company; in this context, it emphasizes the organized and divinely ordained nature of Israel’s departure as God's redeemed people.
Par'oh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title used for the monarch of Egypt; in Scripture, it often represents the power of the world system in opposition to God and His kingdom.
This verse highlights the authoritative commission given to Moses and Aaron to lead Israel out of Egypt. The phrase 'according to their armies' points to the organized, divinely-led nature of their departure, not a chaotic flight, emphasizing God's power to deliver His people in a formidable way.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
Following a period of prosperity, the Israelites are enslaved by a new dynasty in Egypt, forced into brutal labor for the Pharaoh. This sets the stage for their eventual liberation.
c. 1446 BC
Moses and Aaron Commissioned
God calls Moses and Aaron, commissioning them to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This is the direct divine mandate referenced in the verse.
c. 1446 BC
The Ten Plagues
A series of devastating plagues afflict Egypt, demonstrating God's power and judgment, and progressively weakening Pharaoh's resolve.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, and after Pharaoh's final capitulation, the Israelites depart Egypt in massive numbers, organized 'by their hosts' or 'in military array'. This event fulfills God's promise of deliverance.
c. 1446 BC
The Crossing of the Red Sea
Pharaoh pursues the Israelites, but God intervenes, parting the Red Sea for them to cross. The Egyptians are then drowned when the waters return.
c. 1446 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
After their miraculous escape, the Israelites begin a 40-year journey through the wilderness, receiving God's laws and provisions.
This passage details the command given to Joshua to lead the people into the promised land, mirroring the monumental task given to Moses and Aaron of leading Israel out of Egypt. It emphasizes the need for courage and obedience in the face of a great undertaking, just as Moses and Aaron would need.
Psalm 77:20This verse directly alludes to the leadership of Moses and Aaron, describing them as shepherds guiding the people 'by the hand of Moses and Aaron.' It highlights the divine orchestration behind their leadership in the Exodus.
Hebrews 3:1-6This New Testament passage draws a parallel between Moses' faithfulness as a leader over God's 'house' (Israel) and Christ's greater faithfulness as the Son over His house. It underscores the significance of Moses' role in bringing God's people out of bondage.
Exodus 13:18This verse describes how the Israelites actually left Egypt, not as a disorganized crowd, but 'harnessed' or 'in military array.' This directly relates to the 'according to their armies' phrasing in Exodus 6:26, showing the organized manner of their departure.
bensonExodus 6:26: "These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies."
Exodus 6:26 . According to their armies — Like numerous armies, in military order, and with great power. In the close of the chapter he returns to his narrative, from which he had broken off some-what abruptly, ( Exodus 6:13 ,) and repeats the charge God had given him to deliver his message to Pharaoh, Exodus 6:29 .
ellicottExodus 6:26: "These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies."
(26) Their armies. —This expression is here used of the Israelites for the first time. It seems to refer to that organisation, of a quasi-military character, which was given to the people by the order of Moses during the long struggle with Pharaoh, and which enabled them at last to quit Egypt, not a disorderly mob, but “harnessed,” or “in milit…
While the verse names Moses and Aaron, its true power lies in the phrase "according to their armies." This wasn't just a casual mention; it was God's early instruction to organize Israel not as a ragged, fleeing mob, but as a divinely ordered people, foreshadowing their future as a nation under His command. It reveals God's intention to reveal His strength through them, even before they left Egypt.
After a detailed genealogy tracing the lineage of Reuben, Simeon, and especially Levi, down to Moses and Aaron, this verse reintroduces the two brothers. It highlights them as the specific individuals God commissioned to lead the vast Israelite people out of Egypt in an organized, powerful manner, like military hosts. This charge sets the stage for the intense confrontation with Pharaoh that follows.
After a detailed genealogy tracing the lineage of Reuben, Simeon, and especially Levi, down to Moses and Aaron, this verse reintroduces the two brothers. It highlights them as the specific individuals God commissioned to lead the vast Israelite people out of Egypt in an organized, powerful manner, like military hosts. This charge sets the stage for the intense confrontation with Pharaoh that follows.
"These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said: “Bring out the people of Israel from the land of Egypt by their hosts.” It was they who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing out the people of Israel from Egypt, this Moses and…" — While the verse names Moses and Aaron, its true power lies in the phrase "according to their armies." This wasn't just a casual mention; it was God's early instruction to organize Israel not as a rag…
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Last reviewed October 2026
