Exodus 10:9

KJV

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, We will go {H3212} with our young {H5288} and with our old {H2205}, with our sons {H1121} and with our daughters {H1323}, with our flocks {H6629} and with our herds {H1241} will we go {H3212}; for we must hold a feast {H2282} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe answered, "We will go with our young and our old, our sons and our daughters; and we will go with our flocks and herds; for we must celebrate a feast to ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

“We will go with our young and old,” Moses replied. “We will go with our sons and daughters, and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:9 presents Moses' unyielding declaration to Pharaoh, reiterating God's absolute demand for the complete liberation of the Israelite nation. This comprehensive demand includes every man, woman, and child, along with all their livestock, to journey into the wilderness for the express purpose of holding a solemn feast unto the LORD. The verse powerfully underscores God's non-negotiable call for total freedom, which is intrinsically linked to uncompromised worship, thereby firmly rejecting any attempts by Pharaoh to offer partial concessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically following the threat of the devastating locust plague, which God announces through Moses in [Exodus 10:1-6](/exodus/10-1-6 "The Threat and Description of the Locust Plague"). Pharaoh's own servants, overwhelmed by the destruction wrought upon Egypt, implore him to release the Israelites, acknowledging the ruin that has befallen their land ([Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's Servants Urge Release")). In response, Pharaoh attempts a strategic compromise, offering to allow only the Israelite men to depart and worship ([Exodus 10:8](/exodus/10-8 "Pharaoh's Partial Offer to Release Men")). Moses' resolute reply in Exodus 10:9 is a direct and absolute rejection of this partiality, setting the stage for the full manifestation of the locust plague ([Exodus 10:12-15](/exodus/10-12-15 "The Locust Plague Devastates Egypt")) and Pharaoh's subsequent, albeit temporary and insincere, confession of sin ([Exodus 10:16-17](/exodus/10-16-17 "Pharaoh's Temporary Confession and Moses' Intercession")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, negotiations between rulers and their subjects or other powers often involved strategic concessions to maintain control and avoid complete loss of face. Pharaoh's offer to release only the Israelite men was a calculated move designed to preserve the bulk of his valuable slave labor force—the women and children—and to retain the essential livestock. This strategy aimed to minimize economic loss and maintain his perceived divine authority as the supreme ruler of Egypt. However, the God of Israel, Yahweh, operates outside the parameters of human negotiation. His demands are absolute, reflecting His unique sovereignty. The "feast unto the LORD" (Hebrew *chag*) refers to a pilgrimage festival, a communal act of worship that would necessitate the presence of the entire community and all their resources, particularly the livestock required for sacrifices. This was not merely a political departure but a sacred pilgrimage, contrasting sharply with the Egyptian worldview where Pharaoh was considered a divine king whose authority was ultimate and unquestionable.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty and uncompromised demand for worship**. Pharaoh's attempts at negotiation consistently fail because God's will cannot be bent or diluted. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **total liberation for the purpose of service**. Israel's freedom is not an end in itself, but a means to fulfill their divine calling to worship and obey Yahweh. This is a recurring motif, as seen in God's initial command to Moses in [Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "Let My People Go, That They May Serve Me"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **intergenerational and communal nature of God's covenant**. The demand for "young and old, sons and daughters" to go signifies that the covenant relationship and the call to worship extend to every member of the community, ensuring the continuity of faith across generations, a principle echoed in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Teach Your Children Diligently"). Finally, the insistence on taking "flocks and herds" highlights the theme of **holistic dedication of resources to God**, signifying that true worship encompasses not only people but also their possessions and means of livelihood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:9 encapsulates Moses’ unwavering declaration of God’s non-negotiable terms for Israel’s departure.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **feast (Hebrew, _chag'_):** Derived from a root meaning to move in a circle or keep a festival, *chag* refers to a pilgrimage festival, a solemn assembly, or a religious celebration, often including a journey to a sacred place and the offering of sacrifices. It can also refer to the victim used for such a feast. Here, it signifies a communal, all-encompassing act of worship and remembrance, demanding the full presence and participation of the entire Israelite community.
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root, meaning "to walk" or "to go" (literally or figuratively), is repeated four times in this verse, underscoring the unwavering resolve and the comprehensive nature of the Israelites' intended departure. It signifies a decisive movement away, a complete journey, rather than a mere temporary visit or partial release. This "going" is an act of liberation and obedience to God's command.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenant name of God, signifying "the self-Existent" or "the Eternal One." By insisting the feast is "unto the LORD," Moses emphasizes that the worship is directed exclusively to Yahweh, the one true God, distinct from and superior to any of Egypt's deities. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, His personal relationship with Israel, and His exclusive claim over His people and their worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters,"**: This initial clause forcefully articulates the comprehensive scope of God's demand for the liberation of His people. It explicitly includes every demographic—from the youngest (Hebrew *naʻar*, referring to children or youth) to the oldest (Hebrew *zâqên*, meaning aged or elder), encompassing both males (Hebrew *bên*, sons) and females (Hebrew *bath*, daughters). This highlights the inclusive and intergenerational nature of God's covenant and His call to worship, emphasizing that no one within the community is to be left behind, as the covenant applies to the entire household.
* **"with our flocks and with our herds will we go;"**: This crucial addition underscores that not only the people but also their essential economic and sacrificial resources must accompany them. Livestock (Hebrew *tsôʼn* for flocks of sheep/goats, and *bâqâr* for herds of cattle) were indispensable for the sacrifices and offerings that formed the core of Israelite worship. Moses' insistence on taking *all* their animals, a point reinforced later in [Exodus 10:26](/exodus/10-26 "Not a Hoof Left Behind"), signifies that true worship requires the complete commitment of one's possessions and means. It also strategically prevents Pharaoh from retaining any economic leverage over the Israelites that could compel their return.
* **"for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD."**: This concluding clause provides the ultimate divine purpose for their departure: to worship Yahweh. Their freedom is not an end in itself, nor is it for aimless wandering, but rather a means to fulfill their sacred calling to serve and honor God through a communal festival. The implied "must hold" (derived from the verb *chagag*, related to *chag*) conveys a divine imperative and a non-negotiable obligation, emphasizing the solemnity and necessity of this act of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism and Repetition** are prominently featured, particularly in the phrases "with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters" and "with our flocks and with our herds." This rhythmic repetition creates a sense of comprehensive totality, emphasizing that absolutely no one and nothing is to be left behind. The repeated declaration "will we go" further reinforces the unwavering resolve and absolute nature of the demand. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Contrast** to Pharaoh's preceding attempted compromise in [Exodus 10:8](/exodus/10-8 "Pharaoh's Partial Offer"), starkly highlighting the absolute nature of God's demands against human attempts at negotiation and control.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:9 powerfully communicates several core theological truths. First, it reveals God’s absolute sovereignty and His non-negotiable claim over His people and all their possessions. He is not a deity who can be appeased with partial obedience or compromised worship; His demands are total. Second, it emphasizes that true liberation is not for self-indulgence but for the purpose of worship and service to God. Israel is freed from slavery to Pharaoh not for aimless wandering, but to enter into a deeper covenant relationship with Yahweh, marked by communal worship. Third, the verse highlights the intergenerational nature of God's covenant and the importance of passing on faith and worship to every member of the community, from the youngest to the oldest, ensuring the continuity of God's people in His service.

This theme of holistic devotion and intergenerational faith resonates throughout the biblical narrative:
* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Love the LORD Your God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Might")
* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teach Your Children Diligently")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:9 offers timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine the depth and breadth of our commitment to God. Just as Moses refused to compromise on Israel's freedom to worship, we are called to stand firm on foundational truths of our faith, resisting cultural pressures or personal temptations to dilute or compartmentalize our devotion to God. True worship is not confined to a specific time or place (like a Sunday service); it encompasses our entire being—our families, our finances, our time, and our talents. It reminds us that our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for the purpose of serving and glorifying God with every aspect of our lives. Moreover, the emphasis on "young and old" underscores our vital responsibility to intentionally nurture and model faith for future generations, ensuring the continuity of spiritual heritage and commitment to the Lord within our families and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (e.g., finances, time, relationships) am I tempted to hold back from God, offering only a partial "release" for His service?**
* **How can I more intentionally involve every member of my household or community, regardless of age, in a holistic and intergenerational pursuit of God?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate that my worship of God encompasses all aspects of my life, not just my religious activities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Pharaoh so resistant to letting them take their flocks and herds?**

Answer: Pharaoh's resistance stemmed from several interconnected factors. Economically, the livestock represented significant wealth and a vital resource for Egypt's agricultural economy; losing them would be a substantial blow. Symbolically, allowing the Israelites to take everything would signify a complete and humiliating surrender to Yahweh's demands, severely undermining Pharaoh's authority and prestige as a divine king. Furthermore, by retaining their livestock, Pharaoh would maintain a crucial economic leverage over the Israelites, ensuring their eventual return to Egypt, as they would be unable to sustain themselves or perform sacrifices without their animals.

**Does "feast unto the LORD" imply a specific festival like Passover?**

Answer: While the Hebrew word *chag* (feast/festival) is indeed used for specific pilgrimage festivals later instituted in Israel, such as Passover, Weeks (Pentecost), and Tabernacles, at this point in the narrative, it functions as a more general term for a solemn religious gathering or pilgrimage. The specific institution of Passover, with its detailed rituals and significance, would occur later, in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Exodus"). Moses' immediate concern is the fundamental right to worship Yahweh freely and completely, with all necessary means, rather than a pre-defined annual festival.

**Why is it so important that *everyone* goes, even the children?**

Answer: The demand for everyone to go underscores that God's covenant is with the entire nation of Israel, not merely the adult males. Worship is a communal, intergenerational act, and the covenant responsibilities and blessings extend to all members of the family and community. Children are an integral part of the covenant people and need to be present to learn, participate, and inherit the faith from their parents and elders. Leaving them behind would not only break the family unit but also sever the continuity of the covenant community, preventing the transmission of faith to future generations. God's plan for Israel's worship and identity was holistic and enduring.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:9 finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses insisted on total liberation for total worship, Jesus offers a complete and uncompromised liberation from the bondage of sin, death, and the law. He does not offer a partial salvation, but a full redemption that frees every aspect of our being—spirit, soul, and body—for the purpose of worshipping and serving God. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are truly set free, as Jesus declared, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Truth Will Set You Free")).

The "feast unto the LORD" foreshadows the ultimate communion and worship made possible through Christ. His sacrificial death on the cross is the perfect and final offering, making all other animal sacrifices obsolete, as the author of Hebrews proclaims, "He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His blood, we are granted direct access to God, enabling us to truly "hold a feast unto the LORD" in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus, serves as a New Covenant "feast," a communal act of worship and remembrance that unites all generations of believers in Christ. Furthermore, Jesus' call to discipleship echoes Moses' insistence on "all" going. Jesus demands total commitment: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me")). This implies a complete dedication of our lives, our families, and our resources to Him, with "not a hoof left behind" from our former lives of sin. The Church, as the new Israel, is called to be a community of holistic worship, where every member, from young to old, is redeemed and dedicated to the glory of God, anticipating the glorious wedding feast of the Lamb in eternity ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

Exodus 5:1

¶ And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 31:12

Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

Deuteronomy 31:13

And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Exodus 3:18

And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.

Genesis 50:8

And all the house of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house: only their little ones, and their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen.