Now translates the conjunction waw, which may be omitted. Good News Translation connects it with when they spoke and so begins the verse with “At the time when they spoke.” This verse marks a turning point in the narrative, for it concludes the first major division of the book and prepares the reader for the series of encounters with the Pharaoh in the next major division. (See the “Outline of Exodus” in “Translating Exodus,” page 5.) Aaron is here shown to be the older brother by three years.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .