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.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Rise up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and stand {H3320} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}, and say {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of the Hebrews {H5680}, Let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, that they may serve {H5647} me.

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

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, stand before Pharaoh, and tell him that this is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

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

Commentary

Context

Exodus 9:13 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Plagues of Egypt, marking yet another divine confrontation between the LORD and Pharaoh. By this point, six devastating plagues have already afflicted Egypt—blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, and boils. Each plague served to demonstrate God's supreme power over the Egyptian deities and Pharaoh's authority. Despite these escalating judgments, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, as noted in Exodus 9:12, setting the stage for even more severe displays of divine might. This verse initiates a new warning, preceding the destructive plague of hail (Exodus 9:18-26), reinforcing God's unwavering demand for the freedom of His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Persistence: God, through Moses, reiterates His command with undeniable authority: "Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews." This demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most powerful ruler on earth. His persistence underscores His commitment to His covenant promises.
  • The Purpose of Deliverance: The core demand, "Let my people go," is immediately followed by its profound purpose: "that they may serve me." This highlights that the liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage was not merely for political or social freedom, but for a higher spiritual purpose – to worship and obey their God. This concept of freedom for service is central to biblical understanding.
  • Confrontation of Worldviews: This verse represents a direct clash between the idolatrous, self-exalting system of Egypt, embodied by Pharaoh, and the monotheistic, covenantal relationship offered by the true God. The identity "God of the Hebrews" emphasizes God's unique relationship with Israel, setting them apart from the polytheistic Egyptians.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD God of the Hebrews" is significant. "LORD" represents the Hebrew name Yahweh (often rendered Jehovah in older English translations), God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. By identifying Himself as the "God of the Hebrews," He asserts His specific relationship and authority over Israel, contrasting sharply with the myriad of Egyptian deities. The word "serve" (Hebrew: `avad) is rich in meaning, encompassing not only ritualistic worship but also obedience, labor, and dedication. It speaks to a holistic commitment, implying that Israel's freedom was to enable a life devoted entirely to God, a concept profoundly echoed in the New Testament's call to present our bodies as a living sacrifice.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as God called Israel out of physical slavery for the purpose of serving Him, so too does He call us out of spiritual bondage to sin and worldly systems. True freedom, then, is not merely the absence of external restraint but the liberty to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God. This verse reminds us that our deliverance is always purposeful – intended to enable a life of worship, obedience, and service. It challenges us to examine what "Pharaohs" or distractions in our lives might be hindering our ability to fully "serve" the LORD, and to respond with obedience to His persistent call, just as Moses did.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 8:20 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 7:15 (3 votes)

    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 9:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.