Exodus 7:15

Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake.

Study Bible

Go to Pharaoh in the morning
This phrase indicates a specific time for Moses to approach Pharaoh, suggesting a strategic encounter. Morning was a time when Pharaoh might perform daily rituals or inspections, reflecting the Egyptian practice of early morning activities. This timing also underscores the urgency and divine timing of God's message. The morning is often associated with new beginnings, symbolizing the start of God's direct confrontation with Pharaoh.

as you see him walking out to the water
Pharaoh's walk to the water likely refers to his daily visit to the Nile, which was central to Egyptian life and religion. The Nile was considered sacred, a source of life and sustenance, and Pharaoh's presence there could be linked to religious duties or personal hygiene. This setting emphasizes the confrontation between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, as the Nile was often deified. The act of meeting Pharaoh at the Nile highlights the challenge to Egyptian deities and the assertion of God's sovereignty.

Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him
The Nile's bank serves as the stage for this divine encounter, symbolizing the boundary between God's people and Egypt. The river was a lifeline for Egypt, and this meeting place underscores the impending plagues that would strike at the heart of Egyptian prosperity. The act of waiting signifies patience and obedience to God's command, as Moses positions himself for a pivotal moment in the unfolding narrative of liberation.

and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake
The staff, previously transformed into a snake, represents God's power and authority given to Moses. This miraculous sign was first demonstrated in Exodus 4:3-4, serving as a testament to God's presence with Moses. The staff symbolizes divine intervention and the authority to challenge Pharaoh. It prefigures Christ's authority over creation and His power to bring about God's kingdom. The staff's transformation into a snake also foreshadows the plagues, as it embodies the confrontation between God's will and Pharaoh's resistance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The chosen leader of the Israelites, tasked by God to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go, representing opposition to God's will.

3. The Nile River
A significant geographical and cultural landmark in Egypt, symbolizing life and sustenance for the Egyptians. It is also the setting for the first plague.

4. The Staff
A symbol of God's power and authority, previously turned into a snake as a sign to Pharaoh.

5. The Morning
The time when Pharaoh goes to the Nile, indicating a strategic moment chosen by God for Moses to confront him.

Teaching Points

God's Timing and Strategy
God instructs Moses to meet Pharaoh in the morning, showing that God has a specific timing and strategy for His plans. We should seek God's guidance for the right timing in our own lives.

Symbol of Authority
The staff represents God's authority and power. As believers, we are called to carry God's authority in our lives, standing firm in faith and truth.

Confronting Opposition
Moses is called to confront Pharaoh, a powerful adversary. We are reminded that God equips us to face challenges and opposition with His strength.

Faith in Action
Moses' obedience to God's command demonstrates faith in action. We are encouraged to act on God's instructions, trusting in His power and purpose.

God's Sovereignty
The account highlights God's control over events and leaders. We can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of the Nile River enhance the significance of God's message to Pharaoh through Moses?

2. In what ways can we identify and respond to God's timing and strategy in our personal lives?

3. How does the transformation of the staff into a snake serve as a reminder of God's power and authority in our daily walk with Him?

4. What are some modern-day "Pharaohs" or challenges that we face, and how can we confront them with faith and obedience?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty, as demonstrated in this passage, impact our trust in Him during difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:2-4
This passage describes the initial transformation of Moses' staff into a snake, establishing it as a sign of God's power.

Exodus 8:20
Similar instructions are given to Moses to confront Pharaoh by the Nile, showing a pattern in God's approach to Pharaoh.

Psalm 78:44
Reflects on the plagues, including the turning of the Nile into blood, as a demonstration of God's power over creation.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts to display His power and proclaim His name.