Exodus 3:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:10
10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, holiness, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:10
10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
Analysis
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (וְעַתָּה לְכָה וְאֶשְׁלָחֲךָ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְהוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם)—God's commission: I will send thee (אֶשְׁלָחֲךָ, eshlachakha). Come... and I will send—Moses must draw near before being sent. Unto Pharaoh—direct confrontation with world's greatest power. Bring forth my people (הוֹצֵא אֶת־עַמִּי)—bring forth (יָצָא, yatsa, "exodus/go out") gives the book its name. My people emphasizes covenant relationship. This is Moses' life-defining call—leading the greatest deliverance in OT history, typifying Christ's greater redemption (Luke 9:31, Jesus' "exodus" at Jerusalem). Moses will resist (vv. 11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13), but God's call stands firm.
Historical Context
Moses' commission comes after 80 years of preparation: 40 in Pharaoh's court learning Egyptian politics/culture, 40 in Midian's wilderness learning humility and survival. God's call is specific (unto Pharaoh), purposeful (bring forth), and personal (my people). This pattern of long preparation followed by specific commissioning appears throughout Scripture (Joseph, David, John the Baptist, Paul).
Reflection
- How does Moses' 80-year preparation encourage you during seasons of waiting before clear calling emerges?
- What does God's direct commission ('I will send you') teach about the authority and responsibility of those called to difficult ministry?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: 1 Samuel 12:6, Micah 6:4, Acts 7:34, 7:36
- References Israel: Hosea 12:13
- Parallel theme: Psalms 77:20, 105:26