He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalm 105:26-28
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The verse highlights that both Moses and Aaron were sent by God, not self-appointed. This emphasizes that their authority and power to perform God's signs came directly from Him, underscoring God's sovereignty even in raising up human leaders.
He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His powerful intervention in their exodus from Egypt. Following the description of how Egypt became hostile and dealt craftily with God's people, this verse introduces the divine agents God appointed to orchestrate their liberation. It sets the stage for the recounting of the signs and plagues that God performed through Moses and Aaron to force Pharaoh's hand.
Have you ever felt called to do something, but weren't sure if it was truly from God? This verse highlights two distinct, yet vital, aspects of divine calling.
Psalm 105:26 presents us with two key terms describing the roles of Moses and Aaron: 'servant' and 'chosen.'
The Servant's Obedience
'He sent Moses, his servant.' This title emphasizes Moses's role as an obedient messenger and executor of God's will. He wasn't acting on his own initiative but was commissioned by God to carry out a specific mission – the deliverance of Israel.
The Chosen's Selection
'and Aaron whom he had chosen.' This highlights Aaron's specific selection by God for his role, working alongside Moses. It underscores that God's leaders are not self-appointed but are deliberately set apart for their tasks.
Together, these titles show that God's work is accomplished through individuals who are both divinely selected and faithfully obedient.
When major historical events unfolded, was it by chance, or was there a divine hand guiding the process? This passage points to God's active role.
Psalm 105:26 isn't just about Moses and Aaron; it's a profound declaration of God's sovereignty.
Divine Initiative
The text makes it clear that God 'sent' Moses and 'had chosen' Aaron. This wasn't a spontaneous human endeavor. God initiated the process, identifying the need for deliverance and appointing the very individuals who would bring it about.
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Preparation and Purpose
These leaders were not chosen for their inherent greatness but because God willed it. Their selection was a deliberate act to fulfill His redemptive purposes. The commentary notes that Moses was a man of 'heroic virtue,' but ultimately, all credit for his actions and effectiveness in serving the Church is to be ascribed to God alone.
This principle extends beyond Moses and Aaron. God remains sovereign, raising up and appointing individuals throughout history to accomplish His plans, often in ways that defy human expectation.
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.
oth · Hebrew Noun
Biblical signs are miraculous events or portents intended to authenticate a messenger or a message, serving as evidence of God’s authority and power to those who witness them.
mopheth · Hebrew Noun
Miracles are extraordinary interventions of God into the natural order of the world, demonstrating His sovereign control over creation and His power to deliver His people.
Cham · Hebrew Noun
A poetic and historical designation for Egypt, tracing its lineage back to Ham, the son of Noah; it emphasizes the context of the exodus narrative.
marah · Hebrew Verb
In the Bible, rebellion refers to an act of willful defiance against the revealed will or authority of God. To 'not rebel' signifies total obedience and adherence to divine commands.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the plagues, this refers to the divine decree or instruction given by God to His messengers, which serves as the active force behind the events that follow.
This verse highlights God's sovereign choice and direct intervention in history, sending Moses and Aaron at the precise moment when Egyptian oppression reached its peak and Israel's cries ascended to heaven. It underscores that their leadership wasn't accidental but divinely appointed for a miraculous deliverance.
c. 1500-1300 BC
Israelites Settle and Multiply in Egypt
Following Joseph's rise to power, the Israelites settled in the fertile region of Goshen in Egypt. Over generations, their population grew significantly, eventually causing concern for the Egyptians.
c. 1350-1300 BC
New Dynasty Rises, Israelites Oppressed
A new dynasty, possibly the 18th or 19th Dynasty, came to power in Egypt. This new regime, unfamiliar with Joseph's contributions, viewed the rapidly growing Israelite population as a threat and began to oppress them with forced labor.
c. 1300 BC
Moses Born and Raised
Moses was born during this period of intense oppression. He was miraculously saved from Pharaoh's decree to kill male Israelite infants and was subsequently raised in Pharaoh's own household, unbeknownst to them as an Israelite.
c. 1270 BC
Moses Flees to Midian
After killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating an Israelite, Moses was forced to flee Egypt for the land of Midian. He lived as a shepherd there for forty years, seemingly removed from his people's plight.
c. 1230 BC— this verse
God Appears to Moses at the Burning Bush
While tending his flock at Mount Horeb, Moses encountered a burning bush. Here, God called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage, appointing Aaron to assist him as his spokesperson.
c. 1230 BC
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. When Pharaoh refused, God unleashed ten devastating plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating His power and judgment.
c. 1230 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Following the final plague, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. This monumental event, the Exodus, marked the culmination of God's deliverance and the beginning of Israel's journey to the Promised Land.
This passage directly records God's commissioning of Moses, mirroring the assertion in Psalm 105 that Moses was 'sent' by God for a divine purpose.
Hebrews 3:2The New Testament echoes the Old by calling Moses God's faithful servant, reinforcing the title given to him in this Psalm and highlighting his role in God's plan.
Numbers 12:5This verse shows God descending in a pillar of cloud and calling both Moses and Aaron, emphasizing their chosen status and joint ministry, much like the Psalm states Aaron was 'chosen'.
Isaiah 40:1This prophetic passage speaks of a messenger being prepared to comfort God's people, resonating with the idea of God sending His chosen servants like Moses and Aaron to bring about a powerful deliverance.
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.)
The verse highlights that both Moses and Aaron were sent by God, not self-appointed. This emphasizes that their authority and power to perform God's signs came directly from Him, underscoring God's sovereignty even in raising up human leaders.
This psalm is a recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His powerful intervention in their exodus from Egypt. Following the description of how Egypt became hostile and dealt craftily with God's people, this verse introduces the divine agents God appointed to orchestrate their liberation. It sets the stage for the recounting of the signs and plagues that God performed through Moses and Aaron to force Pharaoh's hand.
This psalm is a recounting of God's faithfulness to Israel, specifically highlighting His powerful intervention in their exodus from Egypt. Following the description of how Egypt became hostile and dealt craftily with God's people, this verse introduces the divine agents God appointed to orchestrate their liberation. It sets the stage for the recounting of the signs and plagues that God performed through Moses and Aaron to force Pharaoh's hand.
"He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham. He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words." — The verse highlights that both Moses and Aaron were sent by God, not self-appointed. This emphasizes that their authority and power to perform God's signs came directly from Him, underscoring God's…
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Last reviewed October 2026