This verse, Exodus 10:9, is a powerful statement by Moses to Pharaoh during the plagues of Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Moses said, “We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters..." This emphasizes the totality of the Exodus. Moses is not just negotiating for a small segment of the Israelite population to leave. He insists that everyone - regardless of age or gender - must be allowed to participate in the worship of Yahweh. This is not a temporary release for the able-bodied workers; it's a full family and community exodus. It showcases their communal commitment to God.
"...with our flocks and with our herds will we go..." This highlights the economic and material dimension. The Israelites are not simply going for a spiritual retreat, leaving everything behind. They intend to take their livelihood, their means of survival, with them. This shows they intend to leave permanently. Their livestock is crucial to their future and independence.
"...for we must hold a feast to Yahweh.” This is the central reason for their demand. The Exodus isn't just about freedom from slavery, but about freedom to worship their God, Yahweh. The "feast" is a religious observance, a commanded act of worship that they are obligated to perform. They can't fulfill this obligation under Pharaoh's oppression. This highlights the primacy of their relationship with God.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Complete freedom: Moses is demanding the release of all Israelites, not just a select few.
Permanent departure: They intend to leave Egypt for good, taking their possessions with them.
Religious obligation: The primary reason for their departure is to worship Yahweh freely and fulfill their religious duties.
Defiance of Pharaoh: Moses' unwavering stance in the face of Pharaoh's power demonstrates his faith in Yahweh and his refusal to compromise on God's commands.
Commitment to community: everyone is to participate in the Exodus and the worship of Yahweh.
The verse is a cornerstone in the narrative of the Exodus, demonstrating the Israelites' unwavering commitment to Yahweh and their determination to be free from Egyptian bondage to worship Him. It illustrates that the purpose of the Exodus was not simply physical freedom, but spiritual freedom as well.
This verse, Exodus 10:9, is a powerful statement by Moses to Pharaoh during the plagues of Egypt. Let's break down its meaning:
"Moses said, “We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters..." This emphasizes the totality of the Exodus. Moses is not just negotiating for a small segment of the Israelite population to leave. He insists that everyone - regardless of age or gender - must be allowed to participate in the worship of Yahweh. This is not a temporary release for the able-bodied workers; it's a full family and community exodus. It showcases their communal commitment to God.
"...with our flocks and with our herds will we go..." This highlights the economic and material dimension. The Israelites are not simply going for a spiritual retreat, leaving everything behind. They intend to take their livelihood, their means of survival, with them. This shows they intend to leave permanently. Their livestock is crucial to their future and independence.
"...for we must hold a feast to Yahweh.” This is the central reason for their demand. The Exodus isn't just about freedom from slavery, but about freedom to worship their God, Yahweh. The "feast" is a religious observance, a commanded act of worship that they are obligated to perform. They can't fulfill this obligation under Pharaoh's oppression. This highlights the primacy of their relationship with God.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Complete freedom: Moses is demanding the release of all Israelites, not just a select few.
Permanent departure: They intend to leave Egypt for good, taking their possessions with them.
Religious obligation: The primary reason for their departure is to worship Yahweh freely and fulfill their religious duties.
Defiance of Pharaoh: Moses' unwavering stance in the face of Pharaoh's power demonstrates his faith in Yahweh and his refusal to compromise on God's commands.
Commitment to community: everyone is to participate in the Exodus and the worship of Yahweh.
The verse is a cornerstone in the narrative of the Exodus, demonstrating the Israelites' unwavering commitment to Yahweh and their determination to be free from Egyptian bondage to worship Him. It illustrates that the purpose of the Exodus was not simply physical freedom, but spiritual freedom as well.