Exodus 10:3

And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

And Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} came in {H935} unto Pharaoh {H6547}, and said {H559} unto him, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of the Hebrews {H5680}, How long {H4970} wilt thou refuse {H3985} to humble {H6031} thyself before {H6440} me? let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, that they may serve {H5647} me.

Moshe and Aharon went in to Pharaoh and said to him, "Here is what ADONAI, God of the Hebrews, says: 'How much longer will you refuse to submit to me? Let my people go, so that they can worship me.

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, โ€œThis is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: โ€˜How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 10:3 is a pivotal moment in the escalating confrontation between God and Pharaoh. By this point, Egypt has already endured seven devastating plagues, including the turning of water to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, and destructive hail. Despite these overwhelming demonstrations of divine power, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, as noted in Exodus 9:35. Moses and Aaron are once again sent by the LORD to deliver a direct message, reiterating the demand for Israel's release and challenging Pharaoh's stubborn resistance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Demand: The declaration "Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews" underscores God's supreme authority over all nations and rulers, including Pharaoh. This is not a request, but a divine command.
  • Humility vs. Pride: The central conflict revolves around Pharaoh's refusal to "humble thyself before me." His immense pride and perceived divinity as a king stood in direct opposition to the true God. This verse highlights the spiritual battle between human arrogance and divine sovereignty.
  • Purpose of Deliverance: The ultimate reason for Israel's release is clearly stated: "that they may serve me." Their freedom was not an end in itself, but a means to fulfill their calling as God's chosen people, dedicated to His worship and obedience, as later formalized in the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 20:2).
  • God's Patience and Judgment: God's repeated warnings demonstrate His long-suffering, yet they also foreshadow the severe judgment that will follow Pharaoh's continued defiance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "humble thyself" translates from the Hebrew verb 'anah (ืขึธื ึธื”), which carries the sense of being afflicted, brought low, or submitting. It implies acknowledging one's inferior position and yielding to a superior authority. Pharaoh was being called to recognize his finite nature and God's infinite power. The term "serve" comes from the Hebrew 'abad (ืขึธื‘ึทื“), meaning to work, to serve, or to worship. It encompasses both practical service and spiritual devotion, indicating that Israel's freedom was for the purpose of a life lived in devotion and obedience to God.

Practical Application

Exodus 10:3 offers timeless lessons for all people. It reminds us that:

  • Humility Before God is Essential: Like Pharaoh, humanity often struggles with pride and rebellion against God's will. This verse serves as a potent reminder that true wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD, which includes humbling oneself before His authority. As James 4:10 teaches, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
  • Freedom's True Purpose: For believers, spiritual freedom through Christ is not merely an escape from bondage, but a call to serve God. Our lives are to be dedicated to Him, not to self-indulgence or worldly pursuits.
  • God's Unwavering Demands: God's character is consistent. He demands submission and worship from all creation. While His patience is great, His justice will ultimately prevail against all who refuse to acknowledge Him.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 5:6 (7 votes)

    Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

  • James 4:10 (6 votes)

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

  • 1 Kings 21:29 (6 votes)

    Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

  • Jeremiah 13:18 (3 votes)

    Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

  • Hebrews 12:25 (3 votes)

    See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

  • Romans 2:4 (3 votes)

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 (2 votes)

    And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,