Exodus 7: 1-5 - Stand by the River's Brink | Speak His Word Only

Get thee 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

Exodus 7:15 occurs just before the first plague upon Egypt—the turning of the waters into blood. God instructs Moses to meet Pharaoh at the river in the morning. This confrontation demonstrates that Pharaoh, Egypt, and even the Nile upon which Egyptian life depended were all subject to the authority of the LORD.

“Get Thee Unto Pharaoh”

Moses had been called to confront one of the most powerful rulers of the ancient world. Yet Moses did not go on his own authority. God sent him.

This distinction is important. Biblical courage is not recklessness. Moses could stand before Pharaoh because he carried the Word of the LORD.

God had already told Moses what to say:

“Let my people go, that they may serve me.” — Exodus 7:16 KJV

Moses' responsibility was obedience. The outcome belonged to God.

“In the Morning”

God gave Moses specific instructions concerning where and when to meet Pharaoh.

Moses was not told merely to confront Pharaoh whenever he thought appropriate. God directed his steps.

This teaches an important principle: obedience is not simply doing something for God; it is doing what God has instructed.

“He Goeth Out Unto the Water”

The Nile was essential to Egyptian agriculture, transportation, food, and national prosperity. It also held significant religious importance within ancient Egyptian culture.

God was therefore about to demonstrate His sovereignty in an area central to Egyptian life.

The river upon which Egypt depended could not protect Egypt from the judgment of the Creator.

“Stand by the River’s Brink”

Moses was commanded to stand and wait for Pharaoh.

The man who earlier questioned his own ability before God was now standing before a king.

What changed?

Pharaoh had not become less powerful.

Moses had learned that he was not standing there alone or in his own authority.

God had sent him.

There are times when obedience requires us to stand where God has placed us even when the person, circumstance, or opposition before us appears intimidating.

“Take the Rod…in Thine Hand”

Moses was also commanded to carry the rod:

“the rod which was turned to a serpent.”

The rod had become a visible reminder that the power behind Moses' ministry did not originate with Moses.

A common shepherd's staff had become an instrument through which God demonstrated His authority.

The power was never in Moses himself.

The power belonged to God.

Personal Application

Exodus 7:15 teaches us about obedience, courage, divine authority, and standing firm.

Sometimes God calls His servants to stand in uncomfortable places and speak truth when opposition is present. Our confidence should not come from our personality, position, education, or human strength.

Moses could stand before Pharaoh because God had sent him and given him His Word.

When God gives us something to do, our responsibility is to obey faithfully.

Go when God says go.
Stand where God says stand.
Speak what God says speak.
Trust God with the results.

Exodus 7:15 reminds us that no earthly power is greater than the God who sends His servants.