Exodus 6:26 identifies the two men at the center of the exodus story: Moses and Aaron. It says that these are the same men to whom the LORD gave the command to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, organized by their groups or “armies.” The verse functions as a summary and confirmation, reminding the reader exactly who was chosen and commissioned for that task. It is spoken by the narrator of the book, who is tying together a family genealogy with the larger story of God’s deliverance.
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 (WEB)
What Exodus 6:26 Means
The phrase “These are that Aaron and Moses” points back to the genealogy just listed in verses 14 through 25. The writer pauses the family records to make a clear identification: these are the brothers whose names matter for what follows. Ancient readers often used genealogies to establish who held authority, so this sentence tells you that the figures standing before Pharaoh come from a specific family line.
The words “to whom the LORD said” show that the commission did not originate with Moses or Aaron. God speaks first, and the men are the ones who receive and carry out the word. The command itself, to bring out the Israelites “according to their armies,” means to lead them out in their organized companies, a picture of a people being gathered and ordered for a journey rather than fleeing in chaos.
The verse does not promise that Moses and Aaron would be easy or successful in their work. It simply records their identity and their assignment. What it does offer is assurance that the deliverance was planned and spoken by God himself, and that the human leaders were appointed rather than self-chosen.
The Context of Exodus 6:26
The book of Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, though many scholars today see it as shaped by editors drawing on earlier sources. It tells how the descendants of Jacob, having grown numerous in Egypt, were enslaved, and how God rescued them through Moses. Its first audience was most likely the people of Israel, who needed to understand where they came from and who God is.
Just before verse 26, the text lists the families of Levi, including Aaron’s sons and descendants, which is why the verse begins by naming Aaron and Moses together. Right after it, verse 27 repeats the point that these two spoke to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out. Read in that setting, verse 26 is less a standalone statement and more a hinge that connects the family records to the confrontation with Egypt that follows.
Key Phrases in Exodus 6:26
Exodus 3:10
Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
(WEB)
This verse records God’s first command to Moses at the burning bush, telling him he will be sent to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. It shows the calling that Exodus 6:26 later confirms, and helps you see that the mission was announced long before the verse’s summary.
Exodus 4:14
The LORD’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
(WEB)
Here God responds to Moses’ reluctance by naming Aaron as a partner who will speak for him. This passage explains how Aaron came to be linked with Moses in the work described in Exodus 6:26, and shows God’s provision for the leaders he calls.
A Short Prayer From Exodus 6:26
Lord, thank you that you speak clearly and give people their place in your work. When I feel unsure of my part, remind me that you know who you have called and what you have asked them to do. Help me to trust that the assignments you give are yours to direct, not mine to invent. Give me steady courage to step into what you have placed before me today, and let my life be ordered in a way that serves those around me. Amen.
