Breaking Strongholds in Business: Lessons from Moses and Pharaoh

I was listening to the Word of God, and the HolySpirit revealed something profound: To displace the giants in your industry, you must first infiltrate the enemy’s camp and dislodge the power holders.

Biblical Reference:

The first sign Moses performed before Pharaoh was turning his staff into a serpent. As instructed by God, Aaron threw down his staff, and it became a serpent (Exodus 7:8-12). However, Pharaoh’s magicians replicated this miracle, turning their staffs into serpents as well. But then, Aaron’s serpent swallowed up theirs—a clear demonstration of God’s superior power. The most significant thing here is that the serpent of Moses did not vomit the serpents of the margicians. 

God asked me: Do you know why the first sign Moses performed was turning his staff into a serpent? In ancient Egypt, a staff symbolized power, rule, and divine authority. Egyptian rulers often held a was-scepter, a long staff with a forked base and an animal-headed top, symbolizing dominion over the land and divine right to rule. In Hebrew, the word for staff is matteh (מַטֶּה), which can mean a rod, branch, or even a tribe—often symbolizing authority, leadership, and divine power. Similarly, in Egypt, Pharaoh held a was-scepter, a staff representing dominion and divine right to rule. When Moses’ staff swallowed the magicians’ staffs, it was not just a miracle—it was a spiritual battle.

This act symbolized:

1. God’s supremacy over Pharaoh and Egypt’s spiritual strongholds.
2. The displacement of demonic authority.
3. A divine takeover of power structures.

If you want to dethrone giants in your industry, career, or business, you must first confront and dismantle the unseen forces upholding their power. Just as Aaron’s staff swallowed the magicians’ staffs, your authority in Christ must consume and replace existing strongholds.

Leadership in the marketplace goes beyond strategy, innovation, and execution—it is also about spiritual authority and discernment. Just as Moses confronted Pharaoh and his magicians, modern-day leaders must recognize and dismantle strongholds that hinder progress in their industries. Strongholds in the marketplace can take the form of corruption, unethical practices, monopolistic control, limiting mindsets, industry gatekeeping, and spiritual opposition that prevent people from stepping into their God-ordained success.

Leadership as a Calling: Stepping into Your Divine Assignment

Moses did not wake up one day and decide to challenge Pharaoh. He was called, trained, and commissioned by God. In the same way, marketplace leaders must understand that leadership is not just a title or position—it is a divine assignment. The staff in Moses’ hand was not just a physical object; it was a symbol of authority, influence, and God’s backing. Leaders in business must recognize that their influence is meant to serve a higher purpose beyond profit—it is about transformation, impact, and fulfilling destiny.

1. Leadership Requires Divine Backing

Moses did not step into Pharaoh’s court based on his own strength. He was backed by divine authority. The first sign he performed—turning his staff into a serpent—was not just a display of power but a strategic move to show that true authority belongs to God. In the marketplace, leadership is more than skill; it requires wisdom, insight, and divine strategy. Just as Moses had to rely on God’s instructions, leaders must seek divine direction for navigating competitive and hostile environments.

2. Infiltration Before Displacement

Before Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he first had to enter Pharaoh’s system, challenge the existing powers, and demonstrate God’s superiority. This principle applies to leadership in industries today: to displace giants, you must first understand and infiltrate the system.

1. Joseph ruled Egypt not from outside but from within. He mastered the economy and reshaped it during the famine (Genesis 41).
2. Daniel influenced Babylon from inside the king’s palace (Daniel 1-6).
3. Esther saved the Jews by first gaining influence within the Persian empire (Esther 4-7).

To create lasting change in any industry, you must first gain influence within the system, identify the strongholds, and strategically position yourself to make an impact.

3. Signs Follow Those Who Carry Kingdom Authority

When Moses’ staff turned into a serpent, Pharaoh’s magicians replicated the miracle. However, Moses’ serpent swallowed theirs—showing that God’s power overrides counterfeits. In leadership, there will always be opposition, but true leaders stand out because:

• They carry solutions that cannot be ignored (innovation, wisdom, and divine insight).
• Their influence outlasts trends because it is rooted in purpose, not just profit.
• They don’t just compete; they redefine the game (e.g., Moses didn’t play by Pharaoh’s rules—he introduced a higher power).

4. Every Marketplace Has Its Pharaoh

Every industry has gatekeepers—those who control access, resources, and influence. Just as Pharaoh resisted Moses, leaders will face resistance when trying to introduce new systems, shift narratives, or bring innovation.

• Tech giants resist disruption. New players often struggle to break in.
• Traditional institutions resist change. Banks, schools, and industries with deep-rooted cultures often reject new methods.
• Corrupt systems resist integrity. Those who stand for truth may face opposition, but just like Moses, divine authority will always triumph over man-made structures.

5. The Importance of Signs and Strategy

Pharaoh did not let the Israelites go after one miracle. It took multiple signs and strategic confrontations before he finally released them. In leadership, one breakthrough is not enough; consistent execution is required.

• If God has called you to transform an industry, you must be persistent, resilient, and strategic.
• Some doors won’t open immediately; you must apply pressure, maintain excellence, and trust in divine timing.
• Just as Moses had to keep going back to Pharaoh, leaders must not retreat at the first sign of resistance.

6. Leadership is Not Just About Personal Success—It’s About Deliverance

Moses wasn’t leading for himself—he was leading to free an entire nation. True leadership in the marketplace is about more than personal gain; it is about:

• Creating opportunities for others.
• Shifting cultures and mindsets.
• Introducing systems that align with God’s kingdom principles.

If leadership is only about self-promotion, it lacks depth. Moses’ leadership brought freedom to millions—a reminder that marketplace leadership should have a lasting impact beyond profit.

Conclusion: Becoming a Moses in Your Industry

If you are called to be a leader in business, finance, media, fashion, tech, or any industry, understand that:

1. You will face resistance from existing power structures.
2. You must gain influence before making changes.
3. Signs will follow—your work should reflect divine backing.
4. Every industry has its Pharaoh, but with strategy and divine help, you can displace strongholds.
5. True leadership is about deliverance, transformation, and legacy.

Just as Moses overcame Pharaoh, you can break strongholds in your industry and create lasting impact—but it starts with understanding times, seasons, and divine strategies.

May God give you wisdom and boldness to lead effectively!