What is the meaning of Exodus 10:9? We will go with our young and old - Moses leaves no room for partial obedience. Everyone—from the eldest patriarch to the newest infant—is included in God’s call to worship (cf. Deuteronomy 29:10–12; Psalm 148:12–13). - The verse refutes Pharaoh’s earlier demand to limit the worshippers (Exodus 10:8–11). God’s people cannot accept a “half-measure” liberty; salvation is total. - Family solidarity under God’s covenant is at stake. As later reaffirmed in Joshua 24:15, the entire household is summoned to serve the LORD. We will go with our sons and daughters - Children are not spectators; they are participants in covenant life (Joel 2:16; Deuteronomy 6:6–7). - Involving sons and daughters ensures generational transmission of faith (Psalm 78:4–7). - Moses’ insistence models parental responsibility: worship and instruction belong together (Proverbs 22:6). And with our flocks and herds - Livestock represent livelihood and sacrifice. True worship costs something (2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 13:16). - Holding back the animals would nullify the required offerings (Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 1:2). - Pharaoh’s later compromise—“Only your flocks and herds must stay behind” (Exodus 10:24)—is rejected because possession and worship are inseparable; God claims all resources of His people. For we must hold a feast to the LORD - “Must” signals divine mandate, not personal preference (Exodus 5:1). - The feast anticipates Passover (Exodus 12), foreshadowing redemption through blood and deliverance. - Corporate celebration cements identity: redeemed people gather around God’s table (Leviticus 23:1–4; 1 Corinthians 5:7–8). summary Exodus 10:9 shows Moses refusing any partial release. Every person—young, old, sons, daughters—and every possession—flocks, herds—must go, because worship demands total consecration. The verse calls believers to bring family, resources, and hearts wholly to the Lord, rejecting any compromise that diminishes full obedience. |
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