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 9:13KJV
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Exodus 9:13 (KJV)

What does Exodus 9:13 mean?

Exodus 9:13 describes God instructing Moses to confront Pharaoh early in the morning with a direct message: the LORD, identified as the God of the Hebrews, commands Pharaoh to let the Israelites go so they can serve Him. The verse shows God’s continued demand for His people’s release and sets the stage for further consequences if Pharaoh refuses.

In this verse, the LORD (God) speaks to Moses, telling him to approach Pharaoh at the start of the day. Moses is to deliver a message not just from himself, but from the LORD God of the Hebrews, making clear who is making the demand. The command to "let my people go, that they may serve me" highlights both the relationship between God and the Israelites and the purpose for their freedom.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 9:13

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that the command comes from the God who has a covenant relationship with Israel, not just a generic deity.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word often emphasizes God's power and authority, underlining that the demand carries divine weight.
  • "Hebrews" (עִבְרִי, Ivri): This term identifies the Israelites specifically as a distinct people group, which would remind Pharaoh of their unique identity and God’s claim over them.
  • "Serve" (עָבַד, avad): This word can mean both "serve" and "worship," suggesting that the Israelites' freedom is not just for escape, but so they can fulfill their purpose in relationship with God.

Why Exodus 9:13 matters

  • Exodus 9:13 clarifies that the demand for Israel’s release is not just about ending their suffering, but about enabling them to serve and worship God as a free people.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s authority over Pharaoh by repeating the command and specifying that it is the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, who is speaking.
  • This verse connects to the larger pattern in Exodus where God repeatedly gives Pharaoh opportunities to obey, showing both God’s patience and the seriousness of Pharaoh’s continued refusal.

Where else these words appear

“Hebrews” Hebrew H5680 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Exodus 2:7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?
  • 1 Samuel 4:6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.

“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: