Exodus 9:1

Then the Lord said vnto Moses, Goe in vnto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrewes, Let my people goe, that they may serue me. Exodus 9:1 (KJV)

The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This verse is part of the narrative of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

In this verse, the LORD spoke to Moses, instructing him to go to Pharaoh and deliver a message on His behalf. Moses was to convey God’s demand to Pharaoh, proclaiming that the LORD, God of the Hebrews, required the liberation of His people so that they could serve Him. In this verse, the Lord speaks to Moses, directing him to approach Pharaoh with a clear demand: the Israelites must be allowed to leave so that they can offer a sacrifice to the LORD in the wilderness.

The phrase “Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews” emphasizes the divine authority behind the message. By identifying Himself as the God of the Hebrews, God asserts His sovereignty over the Israelites and Egypt. While the verse does not contain the phrase “Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews,” the command still carries divine authority, as it comes directly from the LORD.

God’s primary purpose for the liberation of the Israelites was for them to serve Him. The Hebrew word for “serve” used here is “avad,” which can also mean “worship” or “obey.” The primary purpose expressed in Exodus 9:1 is to enable the Israelites to perform a sacrificial worship to the LORD. The Israelites were not merely to be freed from slavery but to be able to worship and obey God fully as His chosen people.

The repeated encounters between Moses, as the representative of God, and Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, demonstrate God’s persistence and Pharaoh’s stubborn resistance. Despite the escalating plagues, Pharaoh repeatedly refused to release the Israelites, resulting in further judgments upon Egypt.

While this verse specifically refers to the deliverance of the Israelites from physical slavery, it carries spiritual significance for believers today. God desires to liberate people from the bondage of sin and grant them freedom to worship and serve Him. As Christians, we are called to accept God’s invitation to be set free, to serve Him wholeheartedly, and to fulfill our purpose in His kingdom.

Overall, Exodus 9:1 highlights the authority of God, His persistent call for liberation, and the purpose of offering worship to Him. It serves as a reminder of God’s power, faithfulness, and desire for a genuine relationship with His people.