Why Moses Was a God Only to Pharaoh and Not Above

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vaera 9:1

Another interpretation of "See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh" (Exodus 7:1): What is the meaning of "to Pharaoh"? Just because I have called you a god, your spirit should not become haughty within you. You are a god only over Pharaoh. And likewise it says, "And God spoke to Moses and said to him: I am the LORD" (Exodus 6:2). What is the meaning of "I am the LORD"? Rather, He said to him: Even though I have made you a god, I am the LORD. You are a god only over Pharaoh, as it is said, "See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh" (Exodus 7:1).

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