Exodus 3:19

"They will listen to your voice. You shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD, our God.’"

Key Reflection

In Exodus 3:19, Moses is instructed by God to approach Pharaoh with a specific request. The verse highlights both the divine authority and the diplomatic nature of this mission. The phrase "The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us" emphasizes that the Hebrews are not merely rebelling slaves but have encountered the true God, giving them legitimacy in their request. Their plea to be allowed to sacrifice in the wilderness is a pivotal step towards freedom, as it indicates a desire for both physical and spiritual liberation from Egyptian bondage. This mission, though seemingly straightforward, carries significant weight, foreshadowing the complex negotiations that will follow and the eventual deliverance of the Israelites.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

No, not -See the marginal rendering. Others explain it to mean, Pharaoh will not let the people go even when severely smitten.

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