Exodus 8:20

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Rise up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and stand {H3320} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}; lo, he cometh forth {H3318} to the water {H4325}; and say {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, that they may serve {H5647} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh when he goes out to the water and say to him, 'Here is what ADONAI says: "Let my people go, so that they can worship me.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah 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 Jehovah, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:20 presents a pivotal divine directive to Moses, instructing him to confront Pharaoh at the break of day by the Nile. This command reiterates the non-negotiable demand for Israel's release from Egyptian bondage, explicitly stating the divine purpose: "Let my people go, that they may serve me." This verse sets the immediate stage for the fourth plague, underscoring God's unwavering resolve, His proprietary claim over Israel, and the ultimate spiritual aim of their liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically initiating the warning for the fourth plague—that of swarms of flies. It follows the first three plagues (blood, frogs, and lice/gnats), which Pharaoh has stubbornly resisted despite their increasing severity and the clear demonstration of Yahweh's power. The repetition of the demand "Let my people go, that they may serve me" (first introduced in [Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "God's Demand to Pharaoh")) highlights God's consistent purpose and Pharaoh's persistent defiance, building narrative tension towards the climactic judgments. The detailed instructions regarding time and place emphasize God's direct control over the confrontation, moving beyond mere warnings to a direct challenge to Pharaoh's routine and perceived divine authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Pharaoh, as the living embodiment of a god (often identified with Horus or Ra), would have a predictable daily routine, which likely included a morning ritual or walk by the Nile River. The Nile was not merely a water source but the lifeblood of Egypt, revered as a deity itself (e.g., Hapi, the god of the Nile's annual flood). By commanding Moses to meet Pharaoh at this specific time and location, God directly challenged Pharaoh's perceived divinity and the power of Egypt's gods. This public confrontation, at a place central to Egyptian life and worship, served to demonstrate Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and rulers, including the very source of Egypt's prosperity and its divine king. The demand for Israel to "serve" God also contrasts sharply with their forced servitude to Pharaoh, highlighting the theological conflict between true worship and idolatrous oppression.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 8:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over all earthly powers and deities, as Yahweh dictates the terms of engagement with the most powerful ruler of the ancient world. It further develops the theme of **Divine Purpose in Redemption**, clarifying that Israel's liberation is not an end in itself but a means to a higher calling: devoted service and worship of their deliverer. This is a foundational principle established early in God's call to Moses at the burning bush, where He promised, "When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain" ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "God's Promise of Worship at Horeb")). The verse also highlights the ongoing **Spiritual Warfare** between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt, with each plague serving as a judgment against a specific Egyptian deity or aspect of their worldview, culminating in the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh and his pantheon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Exodus 8:20, the Lord issues a precise and strategic directive to Moses, detailing the time, place, and message for his next confrontation with Pharaoh. This encounter is not a negotiation but a divine mandate, setting the stage for the escalating conflict between God's will and Pharaoh's defiance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, frequently translated as "the LORD" in English Bibles. It signifies God as "the self-Existent or Eternal," emphasizing His unchanging, sovereign nature and His active presence in the affairs of His people and the world. The repeated use of this name throughout the Exodus narrative underscores that the conflict with Pharaoh is not merely a political struggle but a demonstration of Yahweh's unique and supreme authority over all creation and other gods.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to break forth" or "dawn," this word refers to the early part of the day. The instruction to "Rise up early in the morning" (using the verb _shâkam_ and noun _bôqer_) indicates a deliberate choice of time, likely coinciding with Pharaoh's predictable routine. This timing ensures a public and direct confrontation, highlighting God's meticulous planning and His ability to orchestrate events to achieve His purposes.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root carries a broad semantic range, encompassing "to work," "to serve," "to till," and "to worship." In the context of Israel's liberation, it signifies a transition from forced servitude to Pharaoh to voluntary, devoted service and worship of God. This dual meaning is crucial: Israel's freedom from physical oppression was not an end in itself, but a means to enable their spiritual devotion and covenant faithfulness to Yahweh, which was impossible under the oppressive Egyptian system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh;":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and Moses' role as God's obedient messenger. The command to "rise up early" and "stand before Pharaoh" indicates a pre-planned, intentional confrontation. It highlights God's strategic precision, directing Moses to intercept Pharaoh at a predictable moment, ensuring a direct and unavoidable encounter. This is not a casual meeting but a divinely ordained summons.
* **"lo, he cometh forth to the water;":** This parenthetical observation reveals God's intimate knowledge of Pharaoh's habits and movements. The "water" almost certainly refers to the Nile River, which held immense religious and cultural significance for the Egyptians. Meeting Pharaoh at this location, where he might perform daily rituals or simply take a walk, transforms a mundane routine into a stage for divine confrontation, symbolically challenging the very source of Egypt's life and its deified status.
* **"and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.":** This is the core of the divine message, delivered with absolute authority. "Thus saith the LORD" is a powerful declaration, signaling that Moses is merely the mouthpiece of an unchallengeable decree from the Almighty God. The phrase "Let my people go" asserts God's proprietary claim over Israel, directly challenging Pharaoh's dominion. The ultimate purpose, "that they may serve me," clarifies that freedom from physical oppression is not an end in itself but a means to a higher spiritual calling: devoted service, worship, and obedience to the one true God, a service that was impossible under the oppressive Egyptian regime.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 8:20 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the divine command, "Let my people go, that they may serve me." This phrase serves as a **Leitmotif** throughout the early chapters of Exodus, emphasizing God's unwavering purpose and Pharaoh's persistent defiance. Its recurrence underscores the central conflict and the divine rationale for the plagues. **Symbolism** is also evident in the setting: meeting Pharaoh "by the water" (the Nile) is highly symbolic. The Nile was a deified source of life for Egypt, and God's intervention at this location directly challenges the power of Egyptian deities and Pharaoh's own perceived divine authority. This strategic meeting place also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the ultimate judgment upon Egypt's gods and the defeat of Pharaoh's power, just as the Nile itself had previously been turned to blood. The precise instructions given to Moses also demonstrate **Divine Foresight** and meticulous planning on God's part, contrasting with human shortsightedness and stubbornness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His control over human rulers and historical events. Even the most powerful earthly king is subject to His divine will, and God orchestrates confrontations to reveal His glory and achieve His purposes. The liberation of Israel is consistently presented not merely as freedom *from* bondage but as freedom *for* a purpose: to serve and worship God. This establishes a foundational theological principle that true freedom is found in devoted service to the Creator, not in autonomy from Him. God's repeated designation of Israel as "my people" unequivocally asserts His enduring covenant relationship and proprietary claim over them, a relationship that predates and supersedes any human claim or oppression. The ongoing confrontation between God and Pharaoh, culminating in the plagues, represents a cosmic struggle between divine truth and human rebellion, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the Exodus narrative as God judges the gods of Egypt.

* [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "God's Purpose for Israel's Deliverance")
* [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Serve the Lord Your God")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice, Holy and Pleasing to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:20 serves as a timeless reminder that God liberates us from various forms of spiritual and worldly bondage—whether it be the chains of sin, the grip of fear, destructive habits, or oppressive systems—not for aimless self-indulgence, but for the profound purpose of serving and worshiping Him. Our freedom in Christ is not a license for autonomy but a freedom *for* devotion and obedience, enabling us to live out the divine purpose for which we were created. Just as God commanded Pharaoh to release His people for service, He calls us today to surrender anything that hinders our full devotion to Him. This might involve letting go of idols, unhealthy attachments, or even good things that have taken God's rightful place. Only when we are truly free from these hindrances can we experience the liberating truth of [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "Understanding True Freedom in Christ"): "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Our ultimate purpose, like Israel's, is to serve the living God with our whole being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Pharaohs" or forms of bondage (sin, fear, habits, worldly systems) might be hindering my full devotion and service to God today?**
* **In what practical ways can I more fully live out my freedom *for* serving God, rather than merely enjoying freedom *from* something?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate purpose for Israel's liberation reshape my understanding of my own salvation and calling?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Moses to meet Pharaoh "early in the morning" and "by the water"?**

Answer: God's specific instructions to meet Pharaoh "early in the morning" and "by the water" (likely the Nile River) were highly strategic and symbolic. Early morning was a common time for Pharaoh to perform rituals, consult with his priests, or take a walk by the river, making it a predictable and public opportunity for confrontation. The Nile itself was not just a vital resource but was deeply intertwined with Egyptian religion, often revered as a deity (Hapi). Meeting Pharaoh there underscored God's power over their perceived gods and their very life source. It emphasized that even their most sacred elements and their divine king were subject to the Lord's command, directly challenging the foundations of Egyptian power and belief. This public setting also ensured that the confrontation was witnessed, further demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy.

**What does "that they may serve me" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "that they may serve me" uses the Hebrew word *'abad* (עָבַד), which carries a rich and dual meaning encompassing both physical labor/service and spiritual worship/devotion. In the context of Israel's liberation, it means far more than just freedom from brick-making or physical toil. It signifies their release from oppressive Egyptian servitude so they could fulfill their divinely appointed purpose: to worship, obey, and devote themselves entirely to the Lord. This spiritual devotion and covenant faithfulness were impossible while enslaved to Pharaoh and his gods. Thus, God's demand highlights that true freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints, but the ability to live in alignment with one's divine purpose—to serve and worship the Creator. This concept is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:13](/deuteronomy/6-13 "Fear the Lord Your God and Serve Him Only").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine demand in Exodus 8:20, "Let my people go, that they may serve me," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt to bring them into a covenant relationship of service, Christ delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness. His liberation is not for self-autonomy or a return to spiritual slavery, but to bring us into a new covenant where we are truly free to serve the living God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus paid the price for our freedom, rescuing us "from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption and Forgiveness in Christ")). This liberation enables us to become "servants of righteousness" ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Freed from Sin, Enslaved to Righteousness")), cleansed from "dead works to serve the living God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Cleansing from Dead Works to Serve the Living God")). Our service to God in Christ is not burdensome but a joyful response to His grace, fulfilling the divine purpose of our redemption and allowing us to offer our lives as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice, Holy and Pleasing to God")).

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 7:15

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.

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 8:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

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.