He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this as simply stating God sent Moses and Aaron. But notice, Moses is called "his servant," while Aaron is described as "whom he had chosen." This subtle difference highlights that Moses was already serving God, whereas Aaron’s selection for this specific task is emphasized, showing God’s deliberate, personal choice for each.
He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting His powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Following the mention of Egyptians growing fearful and hateful of God's people, the text pivots to the divine intervention that would bring about liberation. God, remembering His promises, commissions Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage, initiating the series of plagues that would demonstrate His might.
Ever feel like you have to force your way into opportunities? This verse highlights a different path.
The Bible emphasizes that God's chosen leaders aren't self-appointed. Both Moses and Aaron were specifically sent and chosen by God for their mission.
Sent, Not Self-Made
This is crucial because it means their authority and power came directly from God. Their success wasn't dependent on their own charisma or strength, but on God's anointing and purpose.
Why the different descriptions for Moses and Aaron? It reveals a beautiful partnership in God's plan.
While both Moses and Aaron were divinely appointed, the wording highlights their unique contributions within God's plan.
Moses: The Faithful Servant
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Calling Moses 'his servant' emphasizes his role as a messenger and executor of God's will. He was the primary intercessor and the one who directly communicated God's commands and judgments.
Aaron: The Chosen Vessel
Describing Aaron as 'whom he had chosen' points to his selection for a specific, vital role, often as a co-leader or spokesperson, working alongside Moses. His being 'chosen' underscores God's direct selection for that particular function.
Together, they represent how God uses different gifts and callings, all under His authority, to bring about His purposes. Their ministry wasn't about their individual status but about their obedience as God's chosen instruments.
Understand the original words
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A servant of God is one who is entirely devoted to the service, mission, and will of the Lord. In this context, it emphasizes Moses' role as a faithful agent of God's redemptive work.
bachar · Hebrew Verb
To be 'chosen' by God signifies being set apart by divine sovereign election for a specific purpose or ministry. It highlights that Aaron's role was not self-appointed but divinely ordained.
This Psalm recalls the pivotal moment God chose and sent Moses and Aaron to rescue His people from slavery in Egypt, highlighting divine appointment in the face of overwhelming oppression.
c. 1500s-1300s BC
Israelites Settle and Multiply in Egypt
Following Joseph's rise to power, the Israelites settle in the land of Goshen in Egypt. Over generations, their population grows significantly.
c. 1300s BC
Israelites Face Oppression in Egypt
A new dynasty arises in Egypt that fears the growing Israelite population. They enslave the Israelites, forcing them into hard labor.
c. 1300s BC
Moses is Born and Raised in Egypt
Moses is born during this period of oppression and is miraculously saved from Pharaoh's decree to kill newborn Israelite boys. He is raised in Pharaoh's household.
c. 1300s BC
Moses Flees to Midian
After killing an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite, Moses flees Egypt and lives as a shepherd in Midian for many years.
c. 1300s BC— this verse
God Appoints Moses and Aaron
God appears to Moses in the burning bush and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Aaron is appointed to assist Moses as his spokesman.
c. 1300s BC
Plagues of Egypt
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh refuses, leading to ten devastating plagues upon Egypt.
c. 1300s BC
Exodus from Egypt
After the tenth plague (the death of the firstborn), Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave Egypt, marking their liberation.
This passage directly records God's commission to Moses, highlighting the divine initiative and selection of Moses for the monumental task of leading Israel out of Egypt, mirroring the statement in Psalms that God 'sent Moses, his servant.'
Deuteronomy 18:18God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, emphasizing the servant role and God's direct appointment. This echoes the description of Moses in the Psalm as 'his servant,' chosen and sent by God.
Hebrews 3:2This New Testament passage explicitly calls Moses 'faithful in all his house' as a servant of God. It reinforces the identity of Moses as God's chosen emissary, aligning perfectly with the wording in Psalms 105:26.
Numbers 12:6-8This passage distinguishes God's communication with prophets, especially highlighting Moses' unique role as God's servant with whom He speaks directly, further illuminating why Moses is so described in the Psalm.
Acts 7:35Stephen's speech refers to God sending Moses and Aaron to deliver Israel, directly linking the historical account with the Psalmist's declaration and underscoring their divinely appointed roles.
bensonPsalms 105:26: "He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen."
Psalm 105:26-27 . He sent Moses, &c. — “When the tyranny and oppression of Pharaoh were at the highest, and Israel cried unto Jehovah because of the bondage, he remembered his promise to Abraham, and sent Moses, with Aaron, to effect that mighty deliverance, which was to be the grand pledge and figure of our redemption by Jesus Christ.” They showed his signs among them — Hebrew, דברי אתותיו , dibree othothaiv, the words o…
pulpitPsalms 105:26: "He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen."
Verse 26. - He sent Moses his servant. The mission of Moses is related in Exodus 3:10-18; Exodus 4:1-9. And Aaron whom he had chosen. (For Aaron's mission, see Exodus 4:14-17.)
It’s easy to read this as simply stating God sent Moses and Aaron. But notice, Moses is called "his servant," while Aaron is described as "whom he had chosen." This subtle difference highlights that Moses was already serving God, whereas Aaron’s selection for this specific task is emphasized, showing God’s deliberate, personal choice for each.
This psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting His powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Following the mention of Egyptians growing fearful and hateful of God's people, the text pivots to the divine intervention that would bring about liberation. God, remembering His promises, commissions Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage, initiating the series of plagues that would demonstrate His might.
This psalm is recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting His powerful deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Following the mention of Egyptians growing fearful and hateful of God's people, the text pivots to the divine intervention that would bring about liberation. God, remembering His promises, commissions Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of bondage, initiating the series of plagues that would demonstrate His might.
"He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen." — It’s easy to read this as simply stating God sent Moses and Aaron. But notice, Moses is called "his servant," while Aaron is described as "whom he had chosen." This subtle difference highlights that…
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Last reviewed October 2026