What is the meaning of Exodus 5:3? The God of the Hebrews has met with us “‘The God of the Hebrews has met with us,’ they answered.” (Exodus 5:3a) • Moses and Aaron begin by naming the LORD as “the God of the Hebrews,” anchoring their message in Israel’s covenant identity (Exodus 3:15–16; Genesis 14:13). • “Has met with us” reminds Pharaoh—and Israel—of the literal encounter at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–4), underscoring that their request is not a political ploy but divine instruction. • By asserting divine initiative, they shift the authority of the conversation away from Pharaoh to the sovereign LORD (Exodus 4:31; Acts 7:30, 35). • Scripture consistently shows God meeting His people before commissioning them (Joshua 5:13-15; Isaiah 6:1-8), affirming the pattern that revelation precedes mission. Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness “‘Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness …’” (Exodus 5:3b) • The request is courteous (“please”) yet firm, reflecting both respect for authority (Romans 13:1) and ultimate obedience to God (Acts 5:29). • A literal three-day distance places the people outside Egypt’s jurisdiction, symbolizing separation from bondage (Exodus 8:27; 3:18). • The wilderness is repeatedly the place where God shapes His people (Exodus 19:1-6; Hosea 2:14). • This short journey previews the longer exodus and underscores that true worship demands distance from idolatry (2 Corinthians 6:17). To sacrifice to the LORD our God “‘… to sacrifice to the LORD our God …’” (Exodus 5:3c) • Sacrifice was non-negotiable; Israel’s relationship with God required atonement and devoted worship (Exodus 10:25; Leviticus 1:1-4). • “Our God” personalizes covenant privilege (Exodus 6:7; Deuteronomy 26:17-19). • The purpose of the journey is worship, not escape. Deliverance is always unto devotion (Exodus 7:16; 1 Peter 2:9). • The nature of these sacrifices would have been abhorrent to Egyptian religion (Exodus 8:26), reinforcing the need to worship separately. Or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword “‘… or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.’” (Exodus 5:3d) • The warning reflects covenant realities: disobedience invites judgment (Exodus 4:24-26; Deuteronomy 28:20-22). • “Plagues” foreshadows the literal judgments soon to fall on Egypt (Exodus 7–12). • “The sword” anticipates later national disciplines (Leviticus 26:25; Ezekiel 14:21) and underscores that God’s people are not exempt from His holiness (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). • By including themselves (“us”), Moses and Aaron acknowledge corporate responsibility—leaders and people alike must obey (James 3:1). summary Exodus 5:3 records a respectful yet resolute appeal from Moses and Aaron: the covenant God who literally met with His people commands their worship. They ask for a three-day separation to sacrifice in the wilderness, recognizing that refusal would invite divine judgment. The verse highlights God’s authority over earthly powers, the necessity of wholehearted worship, and the sober reality that obedience brings blessing while disobedience courts plague or sword. |
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