Exodus 10:3 - Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, “This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.
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What does "Exodus 10:3" mean?
This verse from Exodus 10:3 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus story. Let's break down its meaning:
"Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh...": This highlights the continued boldness and obedience of Moses and Aaron. They are repeatedly risking their lives to deliver God's message to the powerful Pharaoh.
"...and said to him, “This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says:...": The authority behind this statement isn't Moses and Aaron themselves, but Yahweh (often translated as "LORD"), the name God revealed to Moses (Exodus 3). By invoking this name, they are asserting the divine authority of their demand. They specifically identify Yahweh as "the God of the Hebrews" to emphasize that this is a God with a specific relationship to the Israelite people, not just a generic deity.
"‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?'": This is the core of God's message to Pharaoh. "Humble yourself" means to acknowledge God's authority and power, and to submit to His will. The question implies that Pharaoh's prolonged resistance is a sign of pride and defiance, which are offensive to God. The phrase "How long...?" emphasizes God's patience is wearing thin.
"Let my people go, that they may serve me.": This is the purpose of the Exodus. God isn't just demanding freedom for the Israelites; He wants them to be free in order to serve Him. This service includes worship, obedience to God's laws, and living according to His covenant. The phrase shows that the Israelite's liberation is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: to fulfill their covenant relationship with God.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Authority: Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, demands recognition and submission.
Pharaoh's Defiance: Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself is a direct challenge to God's power.
The Purpose of Freedom: The Israelites are to be freed not just from slavery, but to serve God.
This verse is important because it encapsulates the central conflict of the Exodus story: the battle between God's will and Pharaoh's pride, and the reason for the Israelites' liberation. It also highlights a key theme in the Hebrew Bible: the importance of humility before God and the call to serve Him.
Exodus 10:3 - Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, “This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.
What does "Exodus 10:3" mean?
This verse from Exodus 10:3 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus story. Let's break down its meaning:
"Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh...": This highlights the continued boldness and obedience of Moses and Aaron. They are repeatedly risking their lives to deliver God's message to the powerful Pharaoh.
"...and said to him, “This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says:...": The authority behind this statement isn't Moses and Aaron themselves, but Yahweh (often translated as "LORD"), the name God revealed to Moses (Exodus 3). By invoking this name, they are asserting the divine authority of their demand. They specifically identify Yahweh as "the God of the Hebrews" to emphasize that this is a God with a specific relationship to the Israelite people, not just a generic deity.
"‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?'": This is the core of God's message to Pharaoh. "Humble yourself" means to acknowledge God's authority and power, and to submit to His will. The question implies that Pharaoh's prolonged resistance is a sign of pride and defiance, which are offensive to God. The phrase "How long...?" emphasizes God's patience is wearing thin.
"Let my people go, that they may serve me.": This is the purpose of the Exodus. God isn't just demanding freedom for the Israelites; He wants them to be free in order to serve Him. This service includes worship, obedience to God's laws, and living according to His covenant. The phrase shows that the Israelite's liberation is not an end in itself, but a means to an end: to fulfill their covenant relationship with God.
In essence, the verse signifies:
God's Authority: Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, demands recognition and submission.
Pharaoh's Defiance: Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself is a direct challenge to God's power.
The Purpose of Freedom: The Israelites are to be freed not just from slavery, but to serve God.
This verse is important because it encapsulates the central conflict of the Exodus story: the battle between God's will and Pharaoh's pride, and the reason for the Israelites' liberation. It also highlights a key theme in the Hebrew Bible: the importance of humility before God and the call to serve Him.