Exodus 3:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:18
18 And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, obedience, covenant. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 3:18
18 And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.
Analysis
And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God (וְשָׁמְעוּ לְקֹלֶךָ... יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים נִקְרָה עָלֵינוּ וְעַתָּה נֵלְכָה־נָּא דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים בַּמִּדְבָּר)—God assures Moses: they shall hearken to thy voice (וְשָׁמְעוּ לְקֹלֶךָ)—Israel will believe. The delegation: thou and the elders—corporate leadership confronting Pharaoh. The message: The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הָעִבְרִים, YHWH Elohei ha'Ivrim)—first use of "Hebrews" identifying Israel ethnically to Egyptians. The request: three days' journey... to sacrifice—initially seems like a temporary religious observance. Was this deception or a test? God knew Pharaoh would refuse even this modest request (v. 19), exposing his hardness.
Historical Context
The three-day journey request appears repeatedly (5:3, 8:27). Some interpret it as initial, tactical request that would be expanded; others as testing Pharaoh's willingness to permit any worship. Ancient Near Eastern protocol required respectful initial requests before escalating. The phrase 'sacrifice to the LORD' (זָבַח ליהוה) emphasizes worship as Israel's purpose—they're not just escaping slavery but pursuing covenant relationship with YHWH.
Reflection
- How does the phased approach—starting with a three-day journey request—illustrate wisdom in confronting opposition gradually?
- What does the emphasis on sacrifice/worship as the purpose for leaving teach about prioritizing relationship with God over mere circumstantial improvement?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 7:16, 9:1, 9:13, 10:3, Joshua 1:17
- Kingdom: 2 Chronicles 30:12
- Parallel theme: Numbers 17:4, Psalms 110:3