Exodus 7:16

KJV

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt say {H559} unto him, The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of the Hebrews {H5680} hath sent {H7971} me unto thee, saying {H559}, Let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, that they may serve {H5647} me in the wilderness {H4057}: and, behold, hitherto {H3541} thou wouldest not hear {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and say to him, 'ADONAI, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you to say: "Let my people go, so that they can worship me in the desert." But until now you haven't listened;

Berean Standard Bible

Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But you have not listened until now.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt say unto him, Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou hast not hearkened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 7:16 presents a definitive divine ultimatum delivered by Moses to Pharaoh, demanding the immediate release of the Israelite people. This declaration not only reiterates God's sovereign command for their liberation but also explicitly states the ultimate purpose of their freedom: to serve and worship Him in the wilderness. The verse pointedly highlights Pharaoh's persistent refusal to heed God's voice, setting the stage for the escalating series of judgments that will demonstrate the LORD's unparalleled power and authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Exodus, serving as a final, direct confrontation before the commencement of the plagues. Following Moses and Aaron's initial, unsuccessful demand in [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Exodus 5:1 - Let My People Go") and Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of his heart and increased oppression (as detailed in [Exodus 5:6-19](/exodus/5-6-19 "Exodus 5:6-19 - Pharaoh Increases Burdens")), God reiterates His purpose and command. The immediate preceding verses in [Exodus 7:14-15](/exodus/7-14-15 "Exodus 7:14-15 - God Instructs Moses Before the First Plague") describe God instructing Moses to meet Pharaoh by the Nile, anticipating the first plague—the turning of the river into blood. Thus, [Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "Exodus 7:16 - God's Demand to Pharaoh") functions as a solemn, final warning, emphasizing God's patience while underscoring the gravity of Pharaoh's continued defiance, directly preceding the divine judgments.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god, and the embodiment of national power and prosperity. The Nile River, central to Egyptian life, was revered as a deity, Hapi, and its annual flooding was seen as a blessing from the gods. The concept of a foreign deity, "The LORD God of the Hebrews," asserting authority over Egypt and its divine ruler, was an unthinkable challenge to the established order. Furthermore, the idea of a large enslaved population being freed for religious service in a "wilderness" (a place often associated with chaos and danger in Egyptian thought) would have been profoundly disruptive to Egypt's economic and social structure, which relied heavily on slave labor. This cultural framework underscores the immense audacity of God's demand and the profound challenge it posed to Pharaoh's worldview and authority.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "Exodus 7:16 - God's Demand to Pharaoh") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, asserting Yahweh's supreme rule over all nations, rulers, and even the natural world, directly challenging the perceived divinity of Pharaoh and the Egyptian pantheon. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Purposeful Deliverance**, clarifying that Israel's liberation from bondage is not an end in itself but a means to a higher spiritual purpose: to serve and worship God. This theme of service (`'avad`) is foundational to the covenant relationship established at Sinai, as seen in passages like [Exodus 23:25](/exodus/23-25 "Exodus 23:25 - You Shall Serve the LORD Your God"). Thirdly, the verse starkly portrays **Human Stubbornness and Divine Judgment**, illustrating Pharaoh's persistent defiance against God's clear word, which inevitably leads to escalating divine judgments, a pattern reiterated throughout the plague narratives (e.g., [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Exodus 9:34 - Pharaoh Hardened His Heart Again")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing God's absolute being, unchanging nature, and faithfulness to His promises. By using this name, God distinguishes Himself from all other deities, asserting His unique identity and supreme authority as the one true God who is actively involved in the history of His people, Israel.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** From H5647, this primitive root means "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc." In this context, it carries a dual meaning: freedom from the physical servitude of Egypt is for the purpose of spiritual servitude or worship to God. It encompasses obedience, devotion, and religious acts, such as offering sacrifices, establishing the fundamental purpose of Israel's liberation as a call to covenant faithfulness and worship.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From H4057, this term refers to "a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert." The wilderness is not merely a geographical location but a significant theological space in the Exodus narrative. It is the place of testing, provision, divine revelation (Sinai), and covenant formation. God calls His people to serve Him in a place removed from Egyptian idolatry and influence, symbolizing a new, exclusive relationship with Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses' divine commission and the ultimate source of the message. Moses is not speaking on his own authority but as a direct emissary of "The LORD God of the Hebrews." The title "LORD God of the Hebrews" is a deliberate assertion of Yahweh's unique covenant relationship with Israel, distinguishing Him from the gods of Egypt and challenging Pharaoh's own claims to divinity. It underscores that the impending conflict is not merely between Moses and Pharaoh, but between the sovereign God of Israel and the gods of Egypt.
* **"saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:"**: This is the core demand and its explicit, non-negotiable purpose. The phrase "my people" unequivocally declares God's ownership and special relationship with Israel, despite their enslavement. Their release ("Let my people go") is not for their mere physical freedom or to escape hardship, but fundamentally "that they may serve me." This "service" (`'avad`) is a comprehensive term encompassing worship, obedience, and covenant faithfulness, to be performed in the "wilderness"—a place of separation from Egyptian idolatry and a setting for exclusive devotion to God.
* **"and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear."**: This concluding indictment highlights Pharaoh's persistent and willful defiance. The phrase "hitherto thou wouldest not hear" serves as a direct accusation, emphasizing that Pharaoh's resistance is not due to ignorance but to a deliberate hardening of his heart against God's clear and repeated commands. This stubborn refusal justifies the subsequent divine judgments, underscoring God's patience in warning before unleashing His power and demonstrating that Pharaoh's own choices are bringing about the impending calamities.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 7:16 employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Speech** is central, as the verse records the direct words of God delivered through Moses, lending immense authority and gravitas to the message. The phrase "The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me" functions as a **Divine Commission**, validating Moses' role and emphasizing the true nature of the confrontation as one between God and Pharaoh. The repeated demand "Let my people go, that they may serve me" is a form of **Repetition** (seen throughout the Exodus narrative), which serves to underscore the unchangeable nature of God's will and Pharaoh's persistent obstinacy. The concluding "hitherto thou wouldest not hear" acts as an **Indictment**, a direct accusation against Pharaoh, and also as **Foreshadowing**, signaling that his continued resistance will inevitably lead to severe consequences, setting the stage for the plagues that follow. The entire exchange is a dramatic **Confrontation**, pitting divine authority against human pride and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 7:16 encapsulates foundational theological truths concerning God's character and His relationship with humanity. It powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that His will is supreme over all earthly rulers and powers. The liberation of Israel is presented not as a political maneuver but as a redemptive act with a profound spiritual purpose: to bring His people into a relationship of exclusive worship and service. This establishes a paradigm for all subsequent acts of salvation, where deliverance from bondage is always unto a deeper relationship with the Deliverer. Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a stark warning against resisting divine truth, illustrating that persistent defiance against God's clear word inevitably leads to judgment, yet God's patience is evident in His repeated warnings before judgment falls.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases.")
* [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Deuteronomy 6:13 - You shall fear the LORD your God, and serve him, and shall swear by his name.")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 7:16 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Israel was delivered from physical bondage for the purpose of serving God, so too are we, through Christ, delivered from the bondage of sin and death not for self-autonomy, but for a life of devoted service and worship to our Creator. Our freedom is purposeful, intended to enable us to live in obedience and communion with God. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we truly serving the LORD with our freedom, or are we using it for our own ends? Furthermore, Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to "hear" God's voice serves as a potent warning against spiritual deafness and a hardened heart. When God speaks, whether through His Word, His Spirit, or His providential dealings, our response of humble submission is crucial. Persistent disobedience can lead to severe spiritual consequences, as God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and His justice will ultimately prevail. We are called to cultivate a responsive heart, eager to hear and obey, recognizing that true liberty is found in joyful submission to the King of Kings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear call, similar to Pharaoh's refusal to "hear"?**
* **How does my understanding of "freedom" align with God's purpose for my liberation—to serve Him?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "serve God in the wilderness" in my daily life, separating myself from worldly influences?**

### FAQ
**Why does God identify Himself as "The LORD God of the Hebrews" to Pharaoh?**

Answer: God identifies Himself as "The LORD God of the Hebrews" to Pharaoh to assert His unique identity and supreme authority over His chosen people, Israel, distinguishing Himself from the numerous gods of Egypt. This title, using His personal covenant name "LORD" (Yahweh), emphasizes His exclusive relationship with Israel and His ultimate sovereignty over all other deities and earthly rulers, including Pharaoh himself. It was a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divine status and the entire Egyptian pantheon, declaring that the God of a seemingly insignificant enslaved people was, in fact, the true and only God.

**What does "that they may serve me in the wilderness" truly mean?**

Answer: "That they may serve me in the wilderness" refers to Israel's fundamental purpose after liberation: to worship, obey, and dedicate themselves exclusively to God through religious service. The Hebrew word for "serve" (`'avad'`) encompasses both physical labor and spiritual devotion. It signifies that their freedom from Egyptian bondage was not merely for political or social autonomy, but for the higher purpose of covenant faithfulness and spiritual service. The "wilderness" symbolizes a place of separation from Egyptian idolatry and a setting for direct, unhindered communion with God, where He would establish His covenant and give His law, as seen in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai").

**If God knew Pharaoh would not listen, why did He continue to send Moses with demands?**

Answer: God continued to send Moses with demands, even knowing Pharaoh's heart would harden, for several profound reasons that reveal His character and purposes. First, it demonstrated God's perfect justice and patience, giving Pharaoh ample opportunity to respond and removing any excuse for his defiance, as highlighted in [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Purpose in Hardening Pharaoh"). Second, it served to magnify God's power and glory through the escalating plagues, proving His supremacy to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, so that "all the earth may know that there is no one like the LORD our God" ([Exodus 9:14](/exodus/9-14 "Exodus 9:14 - God's Power Displayed")). Third, it was part of God's plan to reveal His character and establish His covenant with Israel, showing them He was the only true God who could deliver them, thereby solidifying their faith and identity as His chosen people, as promised in [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 7:16 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God sent Moses as His messenger to deliver Israel from the bondage of Egypt, so God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate Deliverer, the [greater Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet like Moses"), to liberate humanity from the far more insidious bondage of sin and death. The divine demand "Let my people go" echoes in Christ's call to repentance and faith, offering true freedom to all who are enslaved by sin ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "John 8:34-36 - The Truth Will Set You Free")). The purpose of Israel's deliverance—"that they may serve me in the wilderness"—is perfectly fulfilled in the new covenant. Christ's redemptive work frees us not for self-indulgence, but "that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days" ([Luke 1:74-75](/luke/1-74-75 "Luke 1:74-75 - To Serve Him Without Fear")). Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides the ultimate sacrifice that enables us to truly worship and serve God in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Pharaoh's hardened heart foreshadows the persistent rebellion of humanity against God, a rebellion overcome only by the sovereign grace and redemptive power of Christ, who calls all to a life of devoted service to Him.

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 3:18

And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.

Exodus 9:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 9:13

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Exodus 5:1

¶ And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

Exodus 5:3

¶ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

Exodus 13:15

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.