Exodus 8:20

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning, and when Pharaoh goes out to the water, stand before him and tell him that this is what the LORD says: 'Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase introduces the divine command, emphasizing the direct communication between God and Moses. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal and self-existent nature. This underscores the personal relationship God has with His chosen leader, Moses, and His active role in the deliverance of His people. Historically, this reflects the unique position Moses held as a prophet and leader, chosen to mediate between God and the Israelites.

Get up early in the morning
The instruction to "get up early" signifies urgency and diligence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, early morning was a time for important activities, symbolizing readiness and commitment. This phrase suggests that Moses must be prompt and obedient in carrying out God's commands, reflecting the seriousness of the mission at hand.

and present yourself to Pharaoh
The phrase "present yourself" implies a bold and courageous act. Moses is to stand before Pharaoh, the most powerful ruler of the time, as God's representative. This act of confrontation is significant, as it demonstrates God's authority over earthly powers. The historical context here is crucial, as Pharaoh was considered a god-king in Egyptian culture, yet Moses, armed with God's authority, is to challenge him directly.

As he goes out to the water
This detail about Pharaoh going out to the water is significant. It likely refers to Pharaoh's morning ritual at the Nile, which was considered sacred in Egyptian religion. The Nile was a source of life and sustenance, and Pharaoh's presence there underscores his role as a divine figure in maintaining cosmic order. By confronting Pharaoh at this moment, God is challenging the very heart of Egyptian religious and cultural identity.

and tell him, 'This is what the LORD says
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" is a prophetic formula, asserting that the message comes directly from God. It carries the weight of divine authority and truth. In the Hebrew tradition, prophets were messengers of God, and their words were to be heeded as God's own. This underscores the seriousness of the message Moses is to deliver and the expectation of obedience from Pharaoh.

Let My people go, so that they may worship Me
The command "Let My people go" is a central theme in the Exodus narrative. It highlights God's desire for His people's freedom and their purpose to worship Him. The Hebrew word for "worship" can also mean "serve," indicating that true freedom is found in serving and worshiping God. This phrase encapsulates the spiritual and physical liberation God intends for the Israelites, setting the stage for their journey to the Promised Land. Historically, this demand challenges the socio-political structure of Egypt, where the Israelites were enslaved, and asserts God's sovereignty over all nations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is orchestrating the deliverance of His people from Egypt.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of bondage.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against releasing the Israelites.

4. The Nile River
A significant geographical and cultural landmark in Egypt, where Pharaoh is confronted by Moses.

5. The Israelites
God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, whom God desires to free for worship.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Moses' willingness to confront Pharaoh demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's directives, even in the face of opposition.

God's Sovereignty
The repeated command to let the Israelites go underscores God's ultimate authority over nations and rulers.

Purpose of Deliverance
The phrase "so that they may worship Me" highlights that the purpose of deliverance is not just freedom, but to enable true worship of God.

Persistence in Faith
Moses' repeated confrontations with Pharaoh teach us the value of persistence and faithfulness in carrying out God's mission.

God's Timing
The instruction to meet Pharaoh "early in the morning" suggests the importance of timing in God's plans and our need to be attentive to His timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' obedience to God's command in Exodus 8:20 challenge us in our own walk of faith?

2. In what ways does the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh illustrate the theme of spiritual warfare?

3. How can we apply the principle of persistence in faith, as demonstrated by Moses, to our own lives?

4. What does the repeated phrase "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" teach us about the purpose of our own deliverance from sin?

5. How can understanding God's sovereignty, as seen in His dealings with Pharaoh, help us trust Him in difficult circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:10-12
God’s initial call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, establishing Moses' role as a deliverer.

Exodus 7:16
A similar command given to Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, emphasizing the consistency of God's message.

Psalm 105:26-36
A recounting of the plagues and God’s deliverance, highlighting His faithfulness and power.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts for His glory.