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Book of Exodus - Chapter 8 - Verse 1

8:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Meaning

When the LORD spoke unto Moses, instructing him to go unto Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, it was a command rooted in the divine will for freedom and worship. The words "Let my people go, that they may serve me" carry significant weight and meaning, signaling the importance of worship and service to God. This verse marks the beginning of a series of confrontations between Moses, as the messenger of the LORD, and Pharaoh, the powerful ruler of Egypt. It represents the struggle for liberation and the assertion of God's authority over worldly powers. By demanding the release of the Israelites so they may serve the LORD, this verse sets the stage for the Exodus narrative, highlighting the themes of deliverance, obedience to God, and the ultimate triumph of divine will. It serves as a reminder of the importance of serving God faithfully and following His commandments, even in the face of adversity and opposition.

Theological Overview

In this verse, God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he release the Israelite people. The phrase "Let my people go, that they may serve me" carries theological significance as it highlights the core theme of servitude to God. Through this command, God is emphasizing the importance of His people worshipping and serving Him, rather than being enslaved by Pharaoh. The word "serve" in this context has deep theological implications, emphasizing the idea of obedience, worship, and devotion to God. By requesting the Israelites' release so that they may serve Him, God is asserting His sovereignty and reminding Pharaoh of the divine authority he must recognize. This verse sets the stage for the ultimate display of God's power and deliverance as He leads His people out of Egypt, illustrating His role as the ultimate liberator and the one true object of worship.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Let my people go, that they may serve me.
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