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 indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the role of Moses as a prophet and leader chosen by God. It reflects the ongoing relationship between God and Moses, where God provides specific instructions. This divine guidance is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative, highlighting God's sovereignty and involvement in the deliverance of the Israelites.

Get up early in the morning
The instruction to rise early suggests urgency and importance. In ancient Near Eastern culture, early morning was a time for significant activities, often associated with new beginnings or important announcements. This timing also ensures that Moses intercepts Pharaoh at a strategic moment, possibly during his morning rituals.

and when Pharaoh goes out to the water
Pharaoh's morning routine likely included religious or ceremonial activities by the Nile, which was considered sacred in Egyptian culture. The Nile was central to Egyptian life, symbolizing fertility and sustenance. Confronting Pharaoh here challenges the Egyptian gods and underscores the power of the God of Israel over nature and other deities.

stand before him and tell him
Moses is instructed to take a bold stance, indicating confrontation and authority. This act of standing before Pharaoh signifies a direct challenge to his authority and the Egyptian gods. It also reflects the courage and obedience required of Moses as God's messenger.

that this is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, underscoring the authority and seriousness of the message. It is a common prophetic formula used throughout the Bible, affirming that the words spoken are not of human origin but from God Himself.

‘Let My people go
This command is central to the Exodus narrative, representing God's demand for the liberation of the Israelites. It highlights the theme of freedom and deliverance, which is foundational to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people. This demand also sets the stage for the conflict between God's will and Pharaoh's resistance.

so that they may worship Me
The purpose of the Israelites' release is not merely freedom from oppression but freedom to serve and worship God. This underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where worship and obedience are central. It also foreshadows the establishment of Israel's religious practices and the importance of worship in the life of God's people.

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.