Exodus 8:20
And the Lord saide vnto Moses, Rise vp early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh: loe, he commeth foorth to the water, and say vnto him; Thus saith the Lord, Let my people goe, that they may serue me. Exodus 8:20 (KJV)
The book of Exodus records the dramatic liberation of Israel from Egyptian bondage. In this scene God commands Moses to approach Pharaoh directly, emphasizing both the urgency of the message and Moses’ obedience. The instruction to “rise up early in the morning” shows that the task is of great importance; Moses must be ready at daybreak to meet Pharaoh as he comes to the water. By standing before Pharaoh, Moses acts as God’s representative, delivering a divine command with the solemn preface “Thus saith the LORD.”
The detail that Pharaoh will “cometh forth to the water” is significant in the larger narrative. While the verse itself does not explain the reason, the surrounding context of the plagues—particularly the plague of blood that turns the Nile into blood (Exodus 7:14‑24)—suggests that Pharaoh’s presence at the river will become a focal point for God’s judgment.
The core demand, “Let my people go, that they may serve me,” echoes the recurring theme of Israel’s need for freedom to worship the Lord. A related utterance appears earlier in Exodus 5:1, where God says, “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast in the wilderness.” Both statements underline God’s purpose: the Israelites are to be released so they can devote themselves fully to Him, whether in service or in worshipful celebration.
This verse marks another confrontation between God’s power and Pharaoh’s stubbornness. Each encounter heightens the tension that will culminate in the ten plagues and the eventual exodus of the Israelites. The passage therefore invites believers to reflect on the necessity of obedience to God’s call, the courage required to confront entrenched opposition, and the ultimate promise that God will deliver His people for the purpose of serving Him in freedom.
