Moses, although chosen by God, expresses his doubts about his capability to persuade the Israelites and confront Pharaoh. In response, God provides Moses with three miraculous signs to demonstrate His power: Moses' staff turns into a serpent and back, his hand becomes leprous and is then healed, and water from the Nile transforms into blood when poured onto dry ground. Despite these affirmations, Moses remains apprehensive, particularly about his speaking abilities. God reassures Moses and decides that Aaron, Moses' brother, will speak on his behalf. As Moses makes his way back to Egypt, he encounters a mysterious and life-threatening incident at a lodging place, which is resolved when his wife, Zipporah, circumcises their son. Upon arrival in Egypt, Aaron joins Moses, and together they relay God's message to the Israelite elders, who believe them after witnessing the signs.

With the support of the Israelite elders, Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh, requesting him to allow the Israelites a three-day journey into the wilderness to worship God. Pharaoh dismisses their request, questioning the authority of the Lord, and accuses the Israelites of being idle. In retaliation, he increases their workload, demanding they produce the same quantity of bricks without being supplied straw. This forces the Israelites to scatter throughout Egypt to gather straw, all while facing the same production expectations. The Israelite foremen are beaten for not meeting the quotas and, in despair, confront Moses and Aaron for making their situation worse. They accuse the duo of bringing misfortune upon them.

Following the rebuke from the Israelite foremen, a disheartened Moses turns to God, questioning the purpose of his mission, given that it has only brought suffering to his people. In response, God reiterates His covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, assuring Moses that He will indeed free the Israelites from their burdens in Egypt and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. God instructs Moses to convey this message to the Israelites. However, they're too dispirited from their harsh labor to listen. God then commands Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh directly to demand the release of the Israelites. The chapter concludes with a brief genealogical record, emphasizing the Levite lineage of Moses and Aaron.