Exodus 7:15

KJV

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Get {H3212} thee unto Pharaoh {H6547} in the morning {H1242}; lo, he goeth out {H3318} unto the water {H4325}; and thou shalt stand {H5324} by the river's {H2975} brink {H8193} against he come {H7125}; and the rod {H4294} which was turned {H2015} to a serpent {H5175} shalt thou take {H3947} in thine hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Go to Pharaoh in the morning when he goes out to the water. Stand on the riverbank to confront him, take in your hand the staff which was turned into a snake,

Berean Standard Bible

Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake.

American Standard Version

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river’s brink to meet him; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thy hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:15 provides God's precise instructions to Moses for a pivotal confrontation with Pharaoh. Moses is commanded to intercept Pharaoh at the Nile River in the morning, carrying the miraculous rod that had previously transformed into a serpent. This divinely orchestrated encounter marks the strategic prelude to the first plague, demonstrating God's sovereign power over Egypt's deities and His unwavering determination to liberate Israel from bondage through a series of escalating judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of God's escalating confrontation with Pharaoh, immediately following the initial, somewhat inconclusive, demonstration of the rod's power where [Aaron's rod became a serpent](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's Rod Turns into a Serpent") and Pharaoh's magicians replicated it. It precedes the first of the ten plagues, the transformation of the Nile into blood ([Exodus 7:17-21](/exodus/7-17-21 "The First Plague: Nile Turned to Blood")). The repeated instruction to Moses and Aaron, often with specific details, underscores God's meticulous planning and the unfolding drama of divine judgment against Egyptian idolatry and oppression. The narrative consistently highlights Pharaoh's hardened heart, a theme introduced earlier in [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"), setting the stage for God to display His mighty power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living manifestation of the gods, particularly Ra (the sun god) or Horus. The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, essential for agriculture, transportation, and daily existence. It was revered as a deity itself, personified by the god Hapi, and was also associated with Osiris, the god of the underworld and fertility. Pharaoh's morning visit to the Nile was likely a routine, possibly a ritualistic bathing, offering, or inspection, emphasizing his connection to the river and its deified status. By commanding Moses to confront Pharaoh at this specific, public, and sacred location, God directly challenged not only Pharaoh's authority but also the very gods of Egypt, particularly those associated with the Nile.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 7](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The First Plagues") introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God meticulously directs every step of the confrontation, demonstrating His absolute control over human rulers and natural elements. The theme of **Confrontation of Idolatry** is starkly evident, with God directly attacking the deities revered by Egypt, starting with the Nile itself. This serves to reveal the impotence of false gods in comparison to the unique power of Yahweh, as seen in the subsequent plagues which target various Egyptian gods. Furthermore, the passage highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises** to deliver Israel, even in the face of immense opposition, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His chosen people and His ultimate plan of redemption. The [hardening of Pharaoh's heart](/exodus/7-3 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart") is a recurring motif, emphasizing that God uses even human stubbornness to magnify His glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 7:15 delivers a precise divine directive, meticulously detailing the time, location, and instrument for Moses' next encounter with Pharaoh. This specificity underscores God's absolute sovereignty and strategic planning in the unfolding drama of the Exodus.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From the root meaning "to break forth" or "to dawn," this word refers to the early part of the day when light first appears. In this context, it signifies a precise time for the confrontation, likely chosen because Pharaoh's routine would bring him to the Nile at this hour, making the encounter public and unavoidable.
* **river (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** Of Egyptian origin, this term specifically denotes a channel or canal, and most notably, the Nile River. Its use here is crucial, as it identifies the direct target of God's impending judgment—the very lifeblood and deified entity of Egypt, signaling a direct assault on Egyptian religious beliefs and prosperity.
* **rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This word refers to a staff or branch, typically a shepherd's staff. In this narrative, it is the ordinary instrument imbued with extraordinary divine power, having already transformed into a serpent. Its re-introduction emphasizes its continued role as a symbol and conduit of God's active presence and authority, far superior to any human or demonic power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning;"**: This initial command establishes the urgency and the precise timing of the divine directive. God is orchestrating a direct, pre-meditated encounter, leaving nothing to chance. The "morning" suggests a time when Pharaoh would be accessible and perhaps engaged in routine activities, making the confrontation public and impactful.
* **"lo, he goeth out unto the water;"**: This clause reveals God's foreknowledge and strategic insight into Pharaoh's daily habits. Pharaoh's regular visit to the Nile, whether for ritualistic purposes, personal hygiene, or inspection, provides the perfect stage for God's demonstration of power, turning a mundane routine into a divine showdown.
* **"and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come;"**: The instruction to position Moses "by the river's brink" is highly symbolic. It places Moses at the very edge of Egypt's life source and a central object of its worship. This confrontation at the water's edge transforms a daily ritual into a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the impotence of the Egyptian gods, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile.
* **"and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand."**: This final command re-emphasizes the instrument of divine power. The rod, having already proven its supernatural origin by transforming into a serpent ([Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's Rod Turns into a Serpent")), is to be wielded again. Its presence signifies that the same divine authority that performed the previous miracle will now initiate the first plague, confirming its status as a potent symbol of Yahweh's active presence and authority, far superior to any human or demonic power.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:15 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the command to take the serpent-rod and confront Pharaoh at the Nile directly anticipates the first plague, where the Nile will turn to blood. This buildup creates narrative tension and highlights the inevitability of God's judgment. **Symbolism** is central, with the rod representing God's active power and authority, and the Nile River symbolizing Egypt's life, prosperity, and its deified pantheon. The confrontation at the "river's brink" is itself a powerful **Dramatic Irony**, as Pharaoh, in his routine, unknowingly walks into a divinely orchestrated trap that will expose his vulnerability and the impotence of his gods. The specificity of the instructions also lends itself to **Precision**, emphasizing God's meticulous planning and control over every detail of the unfolding events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:15 powerfully underscores God's meticulous sovereignty and His strategic engagement with human history. By orchestrating a precise encounter at a specific time and location with a symbolic instrument, God demonstrates that His plan for Israel's deliverance is not random but divinely choreographed. This confrontation is not merely about freeing a people but about revealing Yahweh's unique supremacy over all false gods and earthly powers, setting the stage for a series of judgments designed to expose the spiritual bankruptcy of idolatry and affirm His singular authority. It highlights that God actively intervenes in the affairs of nations to fulfill His covenant promises and to bring about His purposes, using even the most ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary feats.

* [Exodus 8:16-19](/exodus/8-16-19 "The Plague of Gnats")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalms/105-26-27 "God's Works through Moses and Aaron")
* [Isaiah 19:5-6](/isaiah/19-5-6 "Prophecy Against Egypt's Waters")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's specific leading, even when the path appears challenging or unconventional. Just as God meticulously orchestrated Moses' encounter with Pharaoh at a significant location, He often calls us to confront spiritual strongholds, systems, or ideologies that defy Him in our contemporary contexts, whether in our communities, workplaces, or personal lives. This passage reminds us that God uses ordinary individuals and means to accomplish His extraordinary will, reinforcing that the power resides in Him, not in us. It encourages us to be attentive to God's specific instructions and to step out in faith, knowing that He can meet us in our daily routines to reveal His mighty hand and call us to action for His glory. Our readiness to obey, even when the task seems daunting, becomes a conduit for God's transformative power, demonstrating His supremacy in our lives and the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to a "strategic confrontation" in my life or community, challenging a prevailing system or belief that defies Him?**
* **What "ordinary instruments" or abilities has God placed in my hand that He might want to use for extraordinary purposes?**
* **How does God's meticulous planning in this verse encourage me to trust His timing and methods, even when they seem unconventional?**

### FAQ

**Why did God instruct Moses to meet Pharaoh specifically by the Nile in the morning?**

Answer: God's command was highly strategic. Pharaoh's morning visit to the Nile was likely a daily ritual, perhaps for bathing, offering, or worship, as the Nile was revered as a god (Hapi) and the lifeblood of Egypt. Meeting him at this specific, public, and sacred location transformed a mundane routine into a direct, unavoidable confrontation, underscoring God's challenge to Pharaoh's authority and the impotence of Egypt's deities. This ensured maximum public impact for the impending divine judgment.

**What is the significance of Moses taking "the rod which was turned to a serpent" into his hand?**

Answer: The rod was not inherently magical but served as a tangible instrument and symbol of God's power and authority. It had already demonstrated its miraculous nature in the initial encounter with Pharaoh's magicians ([Exodus 7:10](/exodus/7-10 "Aaron's Rod Turns into a Serpent")). By commanding Moses to take it again, God emphasized that the same divine power that transformed the rod once would now use it to unleash the plagues, proving His supremacy over all Egyptian gods and magic. It was a visible sign of Yahweh's active presence and command.

**Does this verse imply God is limited to specific times and places for His actions?**

Answer: No, this verse highlights God's strategic and purposeful nature, not His limitation. God is omnipresent and omnipotent, capable of acting anywhere at any time. However, He often chooses specific moments and locations for His divine interventions to maximize their impact, demonstrate His sovereignty, and convey particular messages to those involved. In this case, the specific timing and location were chosen to directly challenge Pharaoh and the Egyptian pantheon at a point of their perceived strength and routine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:15, with its depiction of God's strategic confrontation with evil and His demonstration of power over creation, powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority and redemptive work. Just as God used Moses and a simple rod to confront Pharaoh and initiate the deliverance of His people from bondage, so too did God send His Son, Jesus, to confront the powers of sin and death. Christ, the true and greater Moses, demonstrates ultimate authority over creation, as seen in His ability to [still the storm](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm") and [turn water into wine](/john/2-7-9 "Jesus Turns Water into Wine"), not through a physical rod, but through His very word and divine presence. His ministry was a direct confrontation with the "prince of this world" ([John 14:30](/john/14-30 "Jesus Speaks of the Prince of This World")), culminating in His death and resurrection, which constitute the ultimate "exodus" from spiritual slavery ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Jesus' Exodus in Jerusalem")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus delivered humanity from the bondage of sin and established His eternal kingdom, fulfilling the promise of divine supremacy and salvation hinted at in God's mighty acts against Egypt. He is the ultimate demonstration of God's power to overcome all opposition and bring about liberation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 8:20

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 2:5

¶ And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash [herself] at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.

Exodus 7:10

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Exodus 4:2

And the LORD said unto him, What [is] that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Exodus 4:4

And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.