Exodus 3:16 - Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt;
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What does "Exodus 3:16" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus. Let's break down what it means:
"Go and gather the elders of Israel together..." This is a direct command to Moses. The elders were the respected leaders within the Israelite community. Gathering them signifies that this message is official and crucial, requiring the support and influence of the community leaders. Moses is being instructed to act officially.
"...and tell them, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me...'" This establishes the source of the message as divine. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, revealing himself to Moses. By invoking "the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob," God is connecting himself to the Israelites' covenant history and heritage. This is a powerful connection because it reminded the elders of God's promises to their ancestors. This reference is used for at least three reasons. First, to connect to the past and their history. Second, to show that He is the same God from that time and still powerful. Third, to add legitimacy to Moses' claim.
"...saying, "I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt..." This is the heart of God's message. "I have surely visited you" emphasizes that God is aware of their suffering in Egypt. He is not distant or indifferent. "Visited" means that God has actively intervened and is present with his people. "Seen that which is done to you in Egypt" acknowledges the brutality and oppression the Israelites were enduring under Pharaoh's rule. This confirms that God is aware of their suffering and that their cries have been heard. It also implies that God is about to act to remedy the situation.
In summary, the verse signifies the following:
Divine Authority: God, using His personal name Yahweh, commissions Moses.
Historical Connection: God identifies himself with the patriarchs, reaffirming his covenant with the Israelites.
Awareness of Suffering: God acknowledges the Israelites' plight in Egypt.
Imminent Action: God implies that He is about to intervene to deliver his people.
This verse sets the stage for the Exodus narrative. It marks the beginning of God's plan to redeem his people from slavery and fulfill his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It's a message of hope, reassurance, and impending deliverance.
Exodus 3:16 - Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt;
What does "Exodus 3:16" mean?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of the Exodus. Let's break down what it means:
"Go and gather the elders of Israel together..." This is a direct command to Moses. The elders were the respected leaders within the Israelite community. Gathering them signifies that this message is official and crucial, requiring the support and influence of the community leaders. Moses is being instructed to act officially.
"...and tell them, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me...'" This establishes the source of the message as divine. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God, revealing himself to Moses. By invoking "the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob," God is connecting himself to the Israelites' covenant history and heritage. This is a powerful connection because it reminded the elders of God's promises to their ancestors. This reference is used for at least three reasons. First, to connect to the past and their history. Second, to show that He is the same God from that time and still powerful. Third, to add legitimacy to Moses' claim.
"...saying, "I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt..." This is the heart of God's message. "I have surely visited you" emphasizes that God is aware of their suffering in Egypt. He is not distant or indifferent. "Visited" means that God has actively intervened and is present with his people. "Seen that which is done to you in Egypt" acknowledges the brutality and oppression the Israelites were enduring under Pharaoh's rule. This confirms that God is aware of their suffering and that their cries have been heard. It also implies that God is about to act to remedy the situation.
In summary, the verse signifies the following:
Divine Authority: God, using His personal name Yahweh, commissions Moses.
Historical Connection: God identifies himself with the patriarchs, reaffirming his covenant with the Israelites.
Awareness of Suffering: God acknowledges the Israelites' plight in Egypt.
Imminent Action: God implies that He is about to intervene to deliver his people.
This verse sets the stage for the Exodus narrative. It marks the beginning of God's plan to redeem his people from slavery and fulfill his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It's a message of hope, reassurance, and impending deliverance.