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 8:20KJV
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Exodus 8:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 8:20 mean?

Exodus 8:20 shows God telling Moses to get up early and confront Pharaoh by the river, delivering a direct message from God: Pharaoh must let the Israelites go so they can serve God. The verse highlights a clear command and the ongoing confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh.

In this scene, God (the LORD) speaks to Moses and instructs him to meet Pharaoh as he comes to the water, likely the Nile. Moses is to deliver God’s demand: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.” This continues the pattern of God using Moses as a messenger and sets up the next stage in the conflict between God and Pharaoh over the freedom of the Israelites.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 8:20

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God used in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s authority and covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here underlines that the command comes from the highest authority.
  • serve (עָבַד, avad): This word means “to serve” or “to work,” and in this context, it refers to the Israelites being freed not just for their own sake, but specifically so they can serve and worship God. This highlights the purpose behind their release.
  • early (שָׁכַם, shakam): The instruction for Moses to rise early shows urgency and determination. Meeting Pharaoh at the river may also suggest a strategic moment, possibly when Pharaoh is performing a ritual or daily routine.

Why Exodus 8:20 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the Israelites’ freedom is not just about escape from slavery, but about being able to serve God, which is a central theme in Exodus.
  • The direct confrontation by the river shows God’s control over the situation and Pharaoh’s routines, emphasizing that Pharaoh cannot avoid God’s demands.
  • This verse sets up the next plague and continues the escalating tension between God’s will and Pharaoh’s stubbornness, helping readers see the structure and purpose in these repeated encounters.

Where else these words appear

“stand” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 24:1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: