Exodus 9:13 - Divine demand: Free My people.

Command to Moshe

The verse (Shemot 9:13) describes Hashem instructing Moshe to approach Pharaoh early in the morning. Rashi explains that "השכם בבוקר" (rise up early in the morning) indicates that Pharaoh would go out to the Nile at dawn to worship it, as the Egyptians deified the Nile. By confronting Pharaoh at this time, Moshe would catch him in the act of idol worship, thereby demonstrating the futility of his beliefs in contrast to the sovereignty of Hashem.

The Divine Title: "אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים"

Hashem identifies Himself as "the God of the Hebrews" when instructing Moshe to address Pharaoh. The Ramban notes that this title emphasizes the covenant relationship between Hashem and the descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. By using this designation, Hashem reinforces that the demand to free Bnei Yisrael is rooted in their unique status as His chosen people, bound to serve Him alone.

"שַׁלַּח אֶת־עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי"

The demand to Pharaoh is twofold: "Let My people go, that they may serve Me." The Sforno explains that the primary purpose of the Exodus was not merely physical freedom but spiritual service—specifically, receiving the Torah and fulfilling mitzvot at Har Sinai. The Abarbanel adds that Pharaoh's refusal to acknowledge this demand demonstrated his denial of Hashem's authority, leading to the escalation of the makkot (plagues).

• Early Morning Significance: As per the Midrash Tanchuma, confronting Pharaoh in the morning symbolizes the dawn of redemption, paralleling the eventual geulah (redemption) of Bnei Yisrael.
• Standing Before Pharaoh: The Malbim highlights that Moshe's stance ("התיצב") was one of fearless conviction, showing that he spoke with divine authority rather than human timidity.
• Service to Hashem: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that true freedom is defined by avodat Hashem (service to God), contrasting with the physical bondage of Mitzrayim.