“And thou shalt go 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 7:15 (KJV)
“Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the water. Stand on the bank of the Nile and meet him there. Be sure to take along the staff that turned into a snake.”– Exodus 7:15 (NLT)
“Go to the king in the morning when he goes down to the waters; stand at the bank of the Nile and greet him. Use the staff that was turned into a snake.”– Exodus 7:15 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 7:15 Mean?
Exodus 7:15 gives us a vivid picture of a moment in biblical history when God commanded Moses to engage with Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who had enslaved the Israelites. The verse captures the scene as Moses is instructed to approach Pharaoh as he goes to the river. This encounter is significant as it sets the stage for the eventual liberation of the Israelites from their harsh bondage. Moses is given a clear command on what to do and what to take with him, highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s instructions.
The act of standing by the river signifies a deliberate positioning for confrontation. There, Moses is to take his staff, which had transformed into a snake — a sign of God’s power. This transformation serves as an important message that the God of Israel is mightier than the false gods of Egypt. In a broader sense, this interaction represents the battle not just between Moses and Pharaoh but between God and the gods of Egypt. The actions taken by Moses and the remarkable signs to follow will serve to demonstrate God’s supremacy and the necessity for Pharaoh to heed His command.
Exodus 7:15 Explanation and Commentary
The narrative surrounding Exodus 7:15 unfolds within the larger context of God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery. In previous chapters, we see God preparing Moses and Aaron for their mission. God assures them that He will perform wonders to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This specific verse encapsulates the moment of action — going to Pharaoh indeed marks the beginning of a series of dramatic encounters aimed at achieving freedom for God’s people.
The instructions to stand by the river underscore the importance of location. The Nile was not just a source of water but held deep significance in Egyptian culture and religion. It was revered and personified by deities. By confronting Pharaoh at the Nile, Moses is engaging in a direct challenge to Pharaoh’s authority and to the Egyptian pantheon. Moses is not merely advocating for the Israelites; he is proclaiming that the God of the Hebrews is the sovereign power overriding Egyptian gods.
Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the power of the rod — a symbol of authority and God’s miraculous capability. Earlier, this rod had been transformed into a serpent to demonstrate God’s power and authority (Exodus 4:3). The act of taking the rod is a proclamation of faith and reliance on God. Moses is being equipped with a sign that will substantiate his claim, leading Pharaoh to understand that the God of Israel is real and mighty. This functional component points to the broader theme of faith and action in God’s mission.
As we consider this verse, we should think about the significance of obedience in our own lives. God calls each of us to various roles and responsibilities. How often do we, like Moses, hesitate when tasked with a challenge? The call may seem daunting, yet as we see in this narrative, God provides clear instructions. He equips us with the necessary tools — whether it’s faith, skill, or courage — to fulfill our calling. This teaches us to be prepared and aware when God opens opportunities to serve and lead.
Context of Exodus 7:15
Understanding the context of Exodus 7:15 enables a deeper appreciation of the passage. The book of Exodus recounts the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, their struggles, and the eventual emergence into freedom. Early in the book, we meet Moses, who is chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage. Following a dramatic upbringing, and after fleeing to Midian, Moses encounters God at the burning bush and receives his mission (Exodus 3).
After much hesitance, Moses heeds God’s call, accompanied by his brother Aaron. They confront Pharaoh with God’s commands, yet Pharaoh’s hardened heart leads to escalating tensions. The verses leading up to Exodus 7:15 illustrate the preparation God provides Moses and Aaron, reinforcing that what follows is not merely a human endeavor but the unfolding of divine will.
Pharaoh’s refusal to listen to Moses reveals the cultural and spiritual stronghold of the Egyptian empire. The confrontation at the Nile underscores this struggle. Pharaoh’s morning ritual involved worship and reverence towards the river, amplifying the stakes of the moment. Hebrew narratives often convey the theme of God’s power triumphing over human authority, a truth we are reminded of throughout Scripture. This background is essential to grasp the weight of Moses’s instructions as they prepare to bear witness to God’s mighty acts.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 7:15
Let’s break down the key components of Exodus 7:15 and consider their significance. The verb ‘go’ indicates movement and decisiveness. God calls us to action. It is important for us to realize that faith often requires movement; we need to step out and follow God’s instructions, just as Moses was directed. Next, the specific mention of ‘in the morning’ illustrates the timing; there’s purpose in timing within God’s plans. Morning symbolically represents new beginnings and hope, a fitting time for such an important encounter.
Pharaoh going out to the water indicates his daily routine, a moment when he would be more approachable as he prepares to meet with the gods. There’s a contrast drawn between Pharaoh’s earthly power and God’s divine authority. Moses standing by the bank conveys a positioning not only physically but spiritually; confidence in God’s assurance is key to spiritual standpoints in our own lives. Moses was there to declare God’s command to Pharaoh, making clear that the God of Israel demanded his obedience. This is a powerful reminder of our own positions when standing up for what is right.
Then, we see the mention of the staff. It validates its importance — the same staff that had previously turned into a serpent becomes a symbol of God’s authority. The act of taking that rod signifies bringing God’s power into the equation. Let us remember that we too have tools and gifts we can bring into our roles in serving God. Just as Moses relied on his staff, we must depend on God for strength and capability in our endeavors. Each time God instructs us to take action, he encourages us to use the very things we have at our disposal for His glory.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 7:15
Exodus 7:15 presents numerous lessons for us. A primary lesson is that God often calls upon us to respond in faith, even in uncomfortable circumstances. Much like Moses, we may feel unprepared or apprehensive. However, it is crucial that we trust God’s guidance and act on His instructions. This passage emphasizes that while the mission may appear daunting, God equips us with the necessary tools, guidance, and support needed to carry out His will.
Another vital lesson is the significance of standing firm in our beliefs. In a world that often challenges our faith, we must remember our identity as followers of Christ. Standing by the river while confronting Pharaoh represents a stance of conviction. If we want to be effective witnesses of God’s goodness, we need to exhibit unwavering faith even when it seems counter to prevailing opinions or pressures. Acts of faithfulness in our everyday interactions can lead others to see God in our lives, just as Moses’ encounter did with Pharaoh.
Finally, let us reflect on the importance of recognizing God’s power in our lives. The staff, transformed into a serpent, symbolizes that God’s power is unrivaled. In every situation we face, may we lean upon the strength of God, knowing He fights on our behalf. Whether in our own lives or in moments of ministry, it is pivotal to remember we are not alone—God is with us, empowering us. This reminder gives us courage to face giants and encourages us to reach out in faith, knowing that we carry the authority of God with us.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 7:15 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s call and the importance of responding to it with courage and faithfulness. Through Moses’s encounter with Pharaoh, we gain insight into the broader narrative of liberation and divine authority. This verse not only speaks to the events that occurred but also resonates with our lives today—highlighting themes of obedience, faith, and the need for trust in God.
As we reflect on this encounter, let us remember the lessons learned from Moses. God may call us to confront challenging situations in our lives, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. May we stand firm like Moses by the riverbank, fully relying on God’s guidance. Our testimony and actions have the potential to draw others towards God’s kingdom. As we go forth, let us share this message of hope and trust, encouraging each other to take up our own staff and walk boldly in the paths He leads us.
If you are interested in exploring more about God’s deliverance and His promises, check out the Genesis passages for incredible stories of faith and obedience by other biblical figures. Keep seeking and reading God’s Word, and let it transform your heart and life!