Exodus 10:25

KJV

And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Thou must give {H5414} us {H3027} also sacrifices {H2077} and burnt offerings {H5930}, that we may sacrifice {H6213} unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe answered, "You must also see to it that we have sacrifices and burnt offerings, so that we can sacrifice to ADONAI our God.

Berean Standard Bible

But Moses replied, “You must also provide us with sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God.

American Standard Version

And Moses said, Thou must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt-offerings, that we may sacrifice unto Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Exodus 10:25, Moses delivers an unyielding declaration to Pharaoh, firmly rejecting any partial concession and insisting that the Israelites must take all their livestock to offer "sacrifices and burnt offerings" to the LORD their God. This pivotal demand underscores the non-negotiable nature of complete worship, demonstrating that true freedom involves unhindered devotion to God, requiring every necessary resource and full compliance with His divine commands for worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct and forceful counter-response by Moses to Pharaoh's latest compromise in [Exodus 10:24](/exodus/10-24 "Pharaoh's compromise offer"), where Pharaoh, under the immense pressure of the ninth plague (darkness), offered to let the Israelite men, women, and children go, but insisted that their flocks and herds remain in Egypt. Moses' declaration in this verse, immediately followed by his emphatic statement in [Exodus 10:26](/exodus/10-26 "Moses' refusal to leave a hoof behind") that "not a hoof shall be left behind," sets the immutable terms for Israel's departure and foreshadows the final, devastating plague. This escalating exchange highlights Pharaoh's persistent, yet ultimately futile, attempts to control the terms of Israel's release, starkly contrasting with God's demand for absolute freedom for His people to worship Him fully and without reservation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, livestock were far more than mere economic assets; they were integral to religious worship, serving as the primary means of sacrifice to deities. Pharaoh's insistence on retaining the Israelite flocks and herds was a calculated strategic move designed to maintain leverage over the Israelites, ensuring their eventual return to Egypt, as they would be unable to perform their required worship without these essential animals. This also reflects a common ancient practice where conquered or vassal peoples might be allowed to worship their gods, but only under the suzerain's control and often with resources dictated by the overlord. Moses' demand, therefore, was not simply about property rights but about the fundamental and non-negotiable right to worship the LORD according to His specific commands, which would soon be detailed in the Mosaic Law. It was a profound refusal to allow Pharaoh to dictate the terms of Israel's relationship with their God, asserting God's absolute sovereignty even over the resources and authority of a foreign king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over all creation, including the resources of nations and the will of kings, demonstrating that His plans cannot be thwarted by human resistance. It further develops the theme of **True Freedom as Freedom for Worship**, emphasizing that Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage was not an end in itself, but a means to serve and worship the LORD without hindrance. The demand for "sacrifices and burnt offerings" also prefigures the establishment of the **Covenant and the Sacrificial System**, which would become central to Israel's identity and relationship with Yahweh, underscoring the costly and comprehensive nature of approaching a holy God. This foundational exchange lays the groundwork for understanding the full scope of devotion God requires from His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:25 captures Moses' resolute stance against Pharaoh's manipulative concessions: "And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From the root `זָבַח` (zabach), this term refers properly to a slaughter, but by implication, a sacrifice or offering. While it can broadly denote various types of offerings, it often specifically refers to peace offerings (or fellowship offerings), which involved a communal meal shared between the worshiper, the priests, and God, symbolizing reconciliation and communion. Its inclusion here indicates a comprehensive need for all forms of animal offerings required for proper worship.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** Derived from the root `עָלָה` (ʻalah), meaning "to go up," _ʻôlâh_ specifically refers to a whole burnt offering, where the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was completely consumed by fire on the altar. This type of offering symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and atonement, signifying the worshiper's total surrender and the complete consumption of the offering by God, rising as a pleasing aroma.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal, and covenantal name of God, `יהוה` (YHWH), often translated as "LORD." It signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who keeps His covenant promises. Its use here emphasizes the unique and personal relationship between Yahweh and Israel, highlighting that the worship is directed to their specific, redemptive God.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the plural form of `אֱלוֹהַּ` (ʼeloah), a general term for God. When used with the definite article or in reference to the supreme God, it emphasizes His majesty, power, and sovereignty as the Creator and Ruler of all. The combination of `Yᵉhôvâh` and `ʼĕlôhîym` ("the LORD our God") underscores both the personal, covenantal relationship and the majestic, sovereign nature of the One being worshipped.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings,"** Moses' direct and unyielding address to Pharaoh is a stark refusal of any compromise. The phrase "Thou must give us" (literally, "you give into our hand") implies Pharaoh's active participation and provision, not merely passive permission. It highlights that the means of worship are not Israel's burden to bear under duress, but a necessary provision that Pharaoh, as their oppressor, must release. The explicit mention of both _zebach_ (sacrifices) and _ʻôlâh_ (burnt offerings) signifies the full range of animal offerings required for proper worship, emphasizing that absolutely nothing could be withheld from God's prescribed rituals.
* **"that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God."** This clause articulates the ultimate and singular purpose of their departure: to perform worship. It clarifies that the Exodus is not merely about gaining physical freedom, but about exercising that freedom *for* the specific purpose of worshipping God. The worship is emphatically "unto the LORD our God," reinforcing the unique covenant relationship and the exclusive nature of Israel's devotion to Yahweh, distinguishing Him from the gods of Egypt. This worship could not be compromised, dictated, or limited by Pharaoh; it had to be complete, unhindered, and performed precisely as God commanded.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes effective use of several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Antithesis** is prominent, as Moses' demand stands in stark opposition to Pharaoh's preceding offer. Pharaoh proposes a partial release, retaining the livestock, while Moses demands a complete release, including all means necessary for worship, highlighting the fundamental conflict between human compromise and divine absolute demand. The use of **Direct Speech** throughout this dialogue emphasizes the confrontational nature of the exchange and underscores Moses' unwavering resolve and authority as God's chosen messenger. Furthermore, the mention of "sacrifices and burnt offerings" employs **Metonymy**, where these specific types of offerings stand in for the entire system of Israelite worship and the comprehensive devotion it represents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:25 powerfully articulates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. Firstly, it establishes **The Non-Negotiable Nature of True Worship**: God demands complete and unhindered worship. Moses' insistence on taking all the livestock signifies that genuine devotion cannot be compartmentalized or limited by human convenience, economic considerations, or external pressures. Worship requires the offering of all that is necessary, as God prescribes, without reservation. Secondly, the demand for Pharaoh to "give us" the sacrifices highlights **God's Sovereignty and Provision**: it implies God's ultimate ownership and control over all resources, even those held by His enemies. God will ensure His people have what they need to worship Him, even if it means compelling their oppressors to provide it. Lastly, the verse underscores the profound truth that **Freedom is for a Purpose**: the Exodus was not merely about liberation *from* slavery, but liberation *for* worship and service to God. True freedom, biblically understood, is the freedom to live in full obedience and devotion to God, fulfilling the very purpose for which humanity was created.

This theme connects deeply to the broader biblical narrative of God's relationship with His people:
* [Genesis 2:16-17](/genesis/2-16 "God's command to Adam regarding the Tree of Knowledge")
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might")
* [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Instructions for burnt offerings")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present your bodies as living sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:25 serves as a timeless challenge to our own approach to faith and worship in contemporary life. Just as Moses refused to compromise on the necessities for worship, we are called to offer our whole selves to God, without holding back any "flocks or herds"—be they our time, talents, financial resources, relationships, personal comfort, or professional ambitions. This verse profoundly reminds us that true devotion is costly and comprehensive, not a partial offering or a convenient concession made under duress. It calls us to examine whether we are truly free to worship God with everything we have, or if we are still allowing the "Pharaohs" of this world (cultural pressures, societal expectations, personal fears, or worldly pursuits) to dictate the terms and scope of our devotion. Our freedom in Christ is precisely for the purpose of unhindered, wholehearted worship and service to Him, reflecting His absolute claim on our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "flocks and herds" (e.g., resources, time, talents, aspirations, comfort zones) might we be tempted to withhold from God in our worship or service today, and what are the underlying reasons for this reluctance?**
* **How does Moses' uncompromising stance challenge our modern tendency to seek convenience, partial obedience, or a compartmentalized faith in our relationship with God?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can our daily lives become an act of "sacrifices and burnt offerings" to the Lord our God, reflecting complete dedication and unreserved devotion?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses so insistent on taking the animals? Couldn't they just worship God without them?**

Answer: In the ancient world, and specifically under the Mosaic Law that God was about to give, animal sacrifices were the prescribed and central means of worship, atonement, and communion with God. They weren't optional; they were foundational to the covenant relationship God was establishing with Israel. God had commanded Israel to "hold a feast to me in the wilderness" ([Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses' initial demand to let Israel go and worship")), and such a feast, involving specific offerings, required animals. Moses' insistence wasn't arbitrary or a negotiation tactic; it was a matter of obeying God's specific commands for worship, which Pharaoh's partial concession would have made impossible. To worship God authentically, they needed all the necessary means.

**Does this verse imply that God *needs* our sacrifices or offerings?**

Answer: No, the Bible consistently teaches that God is self-sufficient and lacks nothing, as articulated in passages like [Acts 17:25](/acts/17-25 "God does not need anything from human hands"). The sacrifices were not for God's benefit in terms of His needs, but for humanity's benefit. They were a divinely ordained means for sinful humanity to approach a holy God, express repentance, seek atonement, give thanks, and demonstrate devotion. They were pedagogical (teaching about the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God) and relational (providing a tangible way to commune with God), designed to cultivate a right relationship between God and His people, preparing them for the ultimate sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament system of "sacrifices and burnt offerings," so central to Moses' uncompromising demand in [Exodus 10:25](/exodus/10-25 "Moses' demand for sacrifices"), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The *olot*, or whole burnt offerings, symbolized complete dedication and atonement, where the entire offering was consumed by fire, representing total surrender and acceptance by God. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. His death was the ultimate "burnt offering," a complete and unblemished act of obedience and dedication to God's will, achieving what the blood of bulls and goats could never do ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ's superior sacrifice and eternal redemption")). Through His singular, sufficient sacrifice, Christ perfectly atoned for sin, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant unnecessary and obsolete ([Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Christ's sacrifice makes other sacrifices unnecessary")). He is the true means by which we can now "sacrifice unto the LORD our God," not through animal proxies, but through faith in His finished work. Consequently, believers in the New Covenant are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "You are a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices"))—lives of worship, praise, and service—as a grateful response to Christ's ultimate offering. The uncompromising demand for "all" in [Exodus 10:25](/exodus/10-25 "Moses' demand for sacrifices") is fulfilled in the New Covenant by the call to present our entire bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present your bodies as living sacrifices")). Thus, Christ enables the full, unhindered worship that Moses demanded, not by providing animals, but by providing Himself as the perfect sacrifice, opening the way for us to offer our whole lives in complete devotion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 16:9

And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him [for] a sin offering.

Leviticus 9:22

And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.

Exodus 29:1

¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:46

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I [am] the LORD their God.

Exodus 36:1

¶ Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Exodus 36:38

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets [were of] brass.