Exodus 4:23
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
Original Language Analysis
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
H7971
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
H1121
בִּנְךָ֖
thy son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי
that he may serve
H5647
וְיַֽעַבְדֵ֔נִי
that he may serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
6 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
H7971
לְשַׁלְּח֑וֹ
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
8 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 11:5And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.Exodus 12:29And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.Psalms 135:8Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.Psalms 105:36He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.Psalms 78:51And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:Exodus 5:1And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.Exodus 7:16And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.
Historical Context
The tenth plague's horrific devastation—death of all Egyptian firstborn—is foreshadowed here in Moses' initial message. God's justice is precise: Pharaoh kills Hebrew baby boys (1:22), so God takes Egyptian firstborn sons. Pharaoh enslaves God's firstborn son Israel, so God kills Pharaoh's firstborn son. The literary structure emphasizes divine justice executing appropriate judgment on those who harm God's chosen people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the exchange—'Let My son go to serve Me'—illustrate that freedom from one master means service to another (Romans 6:15-23)?
- What does God's warning to Pharaoh about the firstborn teach about His patience in giving opportunity for repentance before executing judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn (וָאֹמַר אֵלֶיךָ שַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנִי וְיַעַבְדֵנִי וַתְּמָאֵן לְשַׁלְּחוֹ הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי הֹרֵג אֶת־בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ)—God's demand and threat: Let my son go, that he may serve me (שַׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנִי וְיַעַבְדֵנִי)—Israel's purpose is worship/service (עָבַד, avad). They exchange slavery to Pharaoh for service to YHWH. The threat: I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn (הֹרֵג אֶת־בִּנְךָ בְּכֹרֶךָ)—lex talionis (eye for eye): you enslaved My firstborn, I'll kill yours. This previews the tenth plague (12:29-30) when all Egypt's firstborn die. The threat establishes moral framework—Pharaoh's refusal costs his nation's children. God gives ample warning; judgment comes only after repeated rejection. The Exodus becomes cosmic battle between YHWH and Pharaoh over whose "son" will serve whom.