What is the meaning of Exodus 8:20? Then the LORD said to Moses “Then the LORD said to Moses,” (Exodus 8:20a) - Every plague begins with God’s initiative; Moses simply carries out the orders (Exodus 3:7-10; 7:1-2). - God’s spoken word is unfailing (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11), underscoring that what follows is certain. - The personal name “LORD” ties the command to the covenant promises already made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14) and reaffirmed to Moses (Exodus 6:2-8). Get up early in the morning “Get up early in the morning,” (8:20b) - Dawn highlights urgency and total obedience (Exodus 7:15; Psalm 5:3). - Rising early to meet God’s agenda, not our own, is a pattern later mirrored by Jesus (Mark 1:35). - God’s warnings arrive with the mercy of a new day (Lamentations 3:22-23; 2 Peter 3:9). When Pharaoh goes out to the water “and when Pharaoh goes out to the water,” (8:20c) - Pharaoh’s morning ritual at the Nile honored Egypt’s chief deity; meeting him there challenges that false worship (Exodus 7:15; Ezekiel 29:3). - Each plague targets an Egyptian god, exposing their impotence (Numbers 33:4). - God knows Pharaoh’s schedule; nothing is hidden from His sight (Psalm 139:1-3). Stand before him “stand before him” (8:20d) - Moses must confront power directly (Exodus 5:1; 7:16). - Similar courage is later seen in Elijah before Ahab (1 Kings 17:1) and Peter before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:13). - When God sends, His servants can stand without fear (Joshua 1:9). Tell him: This is what the LORD says “and tell him that this is what the LORD says:” (8:20e) - “Thus says the LORD” is the non-negotiable preface of divine authority (Jeremiah 1:7; Amos 1:3). - Moses acts as mouthpiece, not editor (Exodus 4:15-16). - Pharaoh’s real opponent is God Himself (1 Samuel 8:7). Let My people go “‘Let My people go,’” (8:20f) - They are “My” people—God’s treasured possession (Exodus 3:7; Deuteronomy 7:6). - Freedom is not a request but a command backed by escalating judgments (Exodus 7:17-18; 9:14-15). - This anticipates Christ freeing believers from sin’s slavery (Luke 4:18; Galatians 5:1). So that they may worship Me “so that they may worship Me.” (8:20g) - Liberation has a goal: unhindered service and adoration (Exodus 3:12; Psalm 95:6). - True worship belongs to God alone; sharing it with idols is impossible (Exodus 20:3; John 4:23-24). - The redeemed become a worshiping people, a theme culminating in heaven (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:9-10). summary Exodus 8:20 shows God initiating, directing, and confronting Egypt so His people can be released from bondage to worship Him without restraint. Each phrase underscores His sovereignty, Moses’ obedient faith, Pharaoh’s accountability, and the ultimate purpose of deliverance—wholehearted worship of the living God. |
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