Even though Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh as messengers of the Lord in 5:1-5, and we already know the outcome, they do so again here as if it were the first time. This shows a clear example of a double narrative. The first relates to an older tradition associated with the Yahwist literary and theological source (J), while the second originates from the narrative of the Priestly tradition (P).
The final authors of the Pentateuch did not eliminate different narratives, even if some seemed repetitive and others contradictory. Their goal in gathering these stories was likely to highlight that the Lord revealed Himself as a God who cares for those anonymous enslaved people in Egypt. He will always be interested in helping the oppressed, wherever and whenever they may be, throughout human history. This encounter between Moses, Aaron, and the Egyptian king ultimately represents a clash between the defender of the oppressed and the arrogant Pharaoh, who shows no hesitation in defying divine power. This episode serves as a preview of future displays of power between these two forces. Aaron’s swallowing of the various rods foreshadows that, despite the Pharaoh’s great power, the Lord’s power far surpasses that of the Pharaoh.