Exodus 7:15 – “Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. Confront him on the bank of the Nile, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 7:15 is a direct instruction from God to Moses as part of His plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh in the morning when he is going out to the Nile River. The Nile was central to Egyptian life, both practically and religiously. Moses is commanded to confront Pharaoh on the bank of this significant river, and to take with him the staff that God had previously turned into a snake. This staff had already been used to demonstrate God’s power, and now it would be a symbol of the judgment that was about to come upon Egypt.
God’s instruction to Moses is strategic. By meeting Pharaoh at the Nile, Moses would be confronting the king at a place of great importance, not just physically but also spiritually. The Nile was considered sacred, and Pharaoh’s presence there likely involved religious rituals. By challenging Pharaoh in this context, God was directly confronting the gods of Egypt, demonstrating His superiority over them.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is set during the period of Israel’s slavery in Egypt, a time when the Egyptians were the most powerful nation in the world. The Nile River was the lifeblood of Egypt, providing water, transportation, and fertile land for agriculture. It was also central to the Egyptian religion, with many gods associated with its waters.
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, was seen not just as a political leader but as a divine figure, a god in human form. The confrontation at the Nile was more than just a meeting between Moses and Pharaoh; it was a symbolic battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. By instructing Moses to take the staff that had already been used in a miraculous sign, God was making it clear that He was in control, not Pharaoh or the Egyptian gods.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 7:15 highlights God’s sovereignty over all creation, including the natural elements and the spiritual powers worshiped by the Egyptians. By confronting Pharaoh at the Nile with the staff in hand, God is demonstrating that His power extends over everything that the Egyptians held sacred. The staff, which had already turned into a snake, was a reminder of God’s authority and a warning of the judgment that was to come.
This verse also speaks to the importance of obedience in fulfilling God’s purposes. Moses is commanded to go to Pharaoh and confront him, despite the danger and the power Pharaoh holds. This act of obedience is a key part of God’s plan to free the Israelites, showing that God’s will is accomplished through the faithful actions of His servants.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 7:15 serves as a transition point in the narrative. It marks the beginning of a series of confrontations between Moses and Pharaoh, each one escalating in intensity as God demonstrates His power. The specific details—going to the Nile in the morning, the presence of the staff—create a vivid scene that emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.
The verse also sets up a pattern that will be repeated throughout the Exodus narrative: God gives Moses specific instructions, Moses obeys, and then God demonstrates His power. This pattern reinforces the themes of obedience and divine authority that run throughout the story.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible connect with the themes found in Exodus 7:15:
- Exodus 4:3 – “The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.” This earlier verse introduces the miraculous transformation of the staff, establishing it as a symbol of God’s power.
- Exodus 14:16 – “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” Later in the story, the same staff will be used to part the Red Sea, demonstrating once again God’s control over the natural world.
- Numbers 20:11 – “Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.” The staff is also used to provide water from a rock, showing God’s provision for His people in the wilderness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 7:15 serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including the natural world and the spiritual realm. The confrontation at the Nile is a powerful example of how God can challenge the systems and powers that oppose Him. It encourages believers to trust in God’s authority, even when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
This verse also teaches the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. Just as Moses was called to confront Pharaoh, believers are called to stand firm in their faith and follow God’s leading, even in challenging circumstances. Obedience to God is often the means by which He accomplishes His purposes in the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 7:15 reveals God’s love in His commitment to freeing His people from oppression. By sending Moses to confront Pharaoh, God is taking direct action to fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This confrontation is not just about judgment; it is also about redemption and liberation.
God’s love is also seen in His patient and deliberate approach. He could have struck Egypt with a single, devastating blow, but instead, He gives Pharaoh multiple opportunities to repent and release the Israelites. This shows that God’s love includes giving people the chance to turn from their ways and align themselves with His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 7:15 connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of confrontation with evil and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Just as Moses was sent to confront Pharaoh, Jesus was sent to confront the powers of sin and death. In His ministry, Jesus often challenged the religious and political authorities of His day, revealing the true nature of God’s kingdom.
In Matthew 4:10, during His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” This moment parallels Moses’ confrontation with Pharaoh, as both involve a direct challenge to the powers that oppose God.
Jesus’ ultimate act of obedience was going to the cross, where He defeated the powers of darkness and established the way of salvation for all who believe. His obedience, like Moses’, was the means by which God’s redemptive plan was fulfilled.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh challenge you to trust in God’s authority in your own life?
- Are there situations where God is calling you to step out in faith and confront difficult circumstances with His truth?
- How can you be more obedient to God’s leading, even when it requires courage and trust in His power?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s love and His commitment to freeing His people from oppression?
- How does Jesus’ confrontation with the powers of darkness during His ministry deepen your understanding of God’s redemptive plan?