Why did Moses say, "It is not right to do so" in Exodus 8:26? Setting the Scene • After three plagues, Pharaoh finally wavers: “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land” (Exodus 8:25). • Moses answers, “But Moses replied, ‘It would not be right to do so…’” (Exodus 8:26). • The brief phrase launches a firm, non-negotiable refusal. The Core Issue: True Worship • God had already instructed, “Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness” (Exodus 5:1). • Worship must happen exactly where and how God says—no shortcuts, no compromises. Why “It Is Not Right”: Three Key Reasons 1. God’s explicit command – Sacrifice was to take place “a three-day journey into the wilderness” (Exodus 8:27). – Staying in Egypt would break God’s word; obedience can’t be redefined by human convenience. 2. Cultural offense and danger – “What we sacrifice to the LORD our God is detestable to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice what is detestable in their sight, will they not stone us?” (Exodus 8:26). – Egyptians revered animals—especially cattle—often used in Hebrew offerings; public sacrifice would provoke mob violence. – Genesis 46:34 notes, “every shepherd is detestable to the Egyptians”, underscoring deep cultural disgust toward Hebrew practices. 3. Separation for holiness – God was distinguishing His people from Egypt (Exodus 9:4; Leviticus 20:26). – Worship in the wilderness showcased that the LORD alone is God, free from Egyptian idolatry. The Risk of Offense and Violence • Egyptian religion elevated certain animals to divine status (e.g., the bull-god Apis). • Hebrews offering those animals would appear sacrilegious, triggering lethal retaliation—“will they not stone us?” (Exodus 8:26). • Leaving Egypt spared both parties from inevitable conflict and highlighted God’s justice in the upcoming judgments. Obedience over Convenience • Pharaoh’s offer sounded practical—skip the journey, avoid disruption—yet it undermined God’s instruction. • Scripture repeatedly exalts obedience above expedience: – 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice”. – Acts 5:29, “We must obey God rather than men”. • Moses models uncompromising fidelity, refusing a half-measure that would nullify true worship. Faithfulness Across Scripture • Daniel chose lion’s den over altered worship (Daniel 6). • The Magi traveled far rather than honor Messiah in Herod’s palace (Matthew 2). • God consistently calls His people to worship on His terms, even when distance, danger, or rulers oppose. What This Means for Us Today • Worship must align with God’s revealed Word, not cultural comfort. • Avoiding offense is never an excuse to dilute obedience. • Separation from idolatry remains vital: “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Moses’ statement challenges believers to honor God fully—where, when, and how He commands—trusting Him with the consequences. |
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