Exodus 3:10

KJV

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212} now therefore, and I will send {H7971} thee unto Pharaoh {H6547}, that thou mayest bring forth {H3318} my people {H5971} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} out of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, now, come; and I will send you to Pharaoh; so that you can lead my people, the descendants of Isra'el, out of Egypt."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

American Standard Version

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:10 marks the pivotal moment of Moses' divine commissioning at the burning bush, where God issues a direct and authoritative command for him to return to Egypt. This directive initiates the monumental task of leading the enslaved Israelites out of their bondage, thereby setting in motion the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises and demonstrating His sovereign power to deliver His chosen people from oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of God's dramatic encounter with Moses on Mount Horeb, the "mountain of God." Preceding this command, God had revealed Himself to Moses from the burning bush, declaring His holy name, Yahweh, and expressing His profound awareness of the Israelites' suffering under Egyptian oppression. God explicitly stated His intention to deliver His people, having [seen their affliction and heard their cry](/exodus/3-7 "God's awareness of Israel's suffering") and purposed to bring them to a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "The Promised Land")). Exodus 3:10 transitions from God's declaration of intent and self-revelation to a clear, personal, and imperative directive for Moses to become the instrument of this divine liberation, shifting the narrative focus from God's resolve to Moses' active role.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, their population having grown significantly, leading to increased oppression under a new Pharaoh "who did not know Joseph" ([Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "A New King in Egypt")). They were forced into harsh labor, building store cities like Pithom and Raamses, and their male infants were ordered to be killed to control their numbers ([Exodus 1:11-16](/exodus/1-11-16 "Israel's Oppression in Egypt")). Moses, having fled Egypt forty years prior after killing an Egyptian ([Exodus 2:11-15](/exodus/2-11-15 "Moses Kills an Egyptian")), was now a shepherd in Midian, far removed from the royal court he once knew. The Pharaoh of Egypt was considered a divine king, a powerful ruler whose authority was absolute. For God to command Moses to confront such a figure, demanding the release of a vast slave population, was an act of profound defiance against the world's most formidable empire, underscoring the clash between divine sovereignty and human power.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 3:10 is central to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Commissioning**, where God personally calls and equips an individual for a specific, monumental task, often despite their perceived inadequacies, as seen in Moses' initial reluctance ([Exodus 3:11](/exodus/3-11 "Moses' Inadequacy") and [Exodus 4:1-17](/exodus/4-1-17 "Moses' Objections and God's Responses")). This verse also firmly establishes the theme of **God's Deliverance and Redemption**, portraying God as actively intervening in human history to liberate His oppressed people. It highlights **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, as the command to bring Israel out of Egypt is a direct step toward fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their numerous descendants and the inheritance of the land ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")). Furthermore, it sets the stage for the foundational narrative of the **Exodus**, which becomes the archetypal act of salvation in Israelite theology, demonstrating God's power over all earthly forces and His unique relationship with His chosen nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Come (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)." In this context, "Come" is an imperative, an immediate and authoritative divine summons. It signifies a decisive shift from Moses' passive observation to active participation, compelling him to draw near and receive his commission. It's not a suggestion but a direct command to initiate movement towards God's purpose.
* **Send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)." This word is crucial, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative and Moses' role as His divinely appointed agent. When God "sends," He empowers, authorizes, and stands behind the one dispatched. Moses is not acting on his own volition but as God's representative, carrying divine authority and a specific, non-negotiable mission directly from the Almighty to Pharaoh.
* **Bring forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, meaning "to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim." This term conveys a forceful, decisive, and complete act of leading out. It implies a powerful liberation, not a gradual or negotiated release, underscoring the supernatural nature of the deliverance God intends to accomplish through Moses, separating His people entirely from their bondage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come now therefore,"**: This opening phrase serves as an urgent and authoritative divine imperative. It signals a critical turning point, moving from God's self-revelation and declaration of purpose in the preceding verses to a direct, personal command for Moses to act. The "therefore" links this command directly to God's stated awareness of Israel's suffering and His intention to deliver them, making Moses' mission a direct consequence of God's compassionate resolve.
* **"and I will send thee unto Pharaoh,"**: This clause reveals the core of Moses' divine commissioning and the source of his authority. The emphasis is on God's active role ("I will send"), highlighting that this mission is not Moses' idea or ambition but a sovereign appointment by the Almighty. God chooses His instrument for a monumental and seemingly impossible task, dispatching Moses directly to the most powerful ruler of the time. This sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the will of God and the resistance of human power, demonstrating God's supreme authority over all earthly rulers.
* **"that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt."**: This defines the ultimate objective and scope of Moses' mission. The possessive phrase "my people" underscores God's intimate covenant relationship with Israel, affirming that despite their enslavement, they remain His treasured possession, chosen and beloved. The act of "bringing forth" signifies a forceful, decisive, and complete liberation, implying a supernatural deliverance rather than a gradual or negotiated release. This mission is not merely a political or social act but a foundational redemptive event, physically liberating the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and establishing them as God's free nation, a testament to His power, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Imperative** is evident in the direct command "Come now therefore," signaling God's absolute authority and the urgency of the moment. The phrase "I will send thee" showcases **Divine Agency**, emphasizing that God is the primary actor and Moses is His chosen instrument, underscoring the supernatural backing for the mission. The repeated use of "my people" functions as a powerful instance of **Possessive Language**, highlighting God's intimate covenant relationship with Israel and His personal investment in their liberation. Furthermore, the entire narrative context of the burning bush and the subsequent confrontation with Pharaoh can be seen as **Symbolism**, where the liberation from Egypt becomes a foundational symbol of God's redemptive power and faithfulness, setting a pattern for future acts of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:10 is a foundational text demonstrating God's active involvement in human history, His profound compassion for the oppressed, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It reveals a God who not only sees and hears the suffering of His people but also sovereignly intervenes, choosing and equipping seemingly ordinary individuals like Moses to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This commissioning underscores the theme of divine election and the principle that God's power is made perfect in human weakness, as Moses' initial reluctance is met with God's assurance of His presence and provision. The verse initiates the grand narrative of the Exodus, which serves as the archetypal act of redemption in the Old Testament, illustrating God's power to deliver from bondage and establish a new relationship with His people.

* [Deuteronomy 26:8](/deuteronomy/26-8 "God's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalms/105-26-27 "God Sends Moses and Aaron")
* [Acts 7:35](/acts/7-35 "Stephen's Speech: God Sends Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 3:10 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today. Just as God called Moses, an ordinary shepherd tending sheep in the wilderness, He continues to call seemingly ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks in His kingdom, equipping them for the mission He gives, despite [their own feelings of inadequacy or reluctance](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' Initial Objections"). This passage powerfully reminds us that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and His divine calling often extends beyond our comfort zones or perceived capabilities. Furthermore, it provides immense assurance that the God who heard the cries of Israel and acted decisively for their liberation remains attentive to the suffering, injustices, and spiritual bondage in the world today, actively involved in the lives of His people. Moses' subsequent obedience, despite immense challenges and personal doubts, serves as a powerful example of trusting God's power and provision when faced with a divine calling, emphasizing that our obedience is a faithful response to God's initiative and unwavering faithfulness. We are called to participate in God's ongoing work of liberation, whether it be from spiritual darkness, social injustice, or personal sin, relying on His commission and power, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Egypts" or forms of bondage (spiritual, emotional, societal) do you see God calling His people to bring others out of today?**
* **How does Moses' initial reluctance and God's response encourage you when you feel inadequate for a task God might be calling you to?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's active involvement and compassion in the midst of suffering and oppression in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why did God choose Moses for this monumental task?**

Answer: God chose Moses not because of any inherent greatness or qualification, but in His divine sovereignty and according to His perfect timing. Moses had been uniquely prepared through his upbringing in Pharaoh's court, where he gained knowledge of Egyptian culture, language, and administration ([Acts 7:22](/acts/7-22 "Moses Learned in All the Wisdom of the Egyptians")). His forty years as a shepherd in Midian then honed his leadership skills, cultivated humility, and deepened his reliance on God in the wilderness. God's choice highlights His ability to use ordinary individuals, equipping them for His extraordinary purposes, often despite their own feelings of inadequacy or past failures, demonstrating that the power rests with God, not the instrument.

**What does the Hebrew word "shalach" (send) imply about Moses' commissioning?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *shalach* (שלח - H7971) implies far more than just dispatching someone; it signifies a profound divine appointment with inherent authority and a specific, weighty purpose. When God "sends" someone, it means He empowers them, gives them a clear mission, and stands behind their actions, making them His authorized representative. Moses was not going on his own initiative or with his own power, but as God's emissary, carrying the divine mandate and the backing of the Almighty. This concept of being "sent" by God is foundational to understanding prophetic and apostolic ministries throughout the Bible.

**How does this verse connect to God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?**

Answer: Exodus 3:10 is a direct and crucial step towards fulfilling the covenant promises God made to the patriarchs, particularly the promise of a great nation and a land. God had explicitly promised Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved in a foreign land for a period but would then be brought out with great possessions ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham")). Moses' mission to "bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt" is the concrete, divinely initiated action taken to honor those ancient promises, establishing Israel as God's chosen nation and preparing them to inherit the land promised to their forefathers ([Genesis 17:8](/genesis/17-8 "The Promise of Land to Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 3:10 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine commission and deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses was "sent" by God to deliver His people from physical bondage in Egypt, Jesus was supremely "sent" by the Father to deliver humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "God Sent His Son")). Christ is the greater Moses, leading a new and eternal exodus for His people, not to a physical land, but into the kingdom of God and eternal life ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Christ Greater Than Moses")). His mission, like Moses', was initiated by God's profound compassion for His people, and through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection, He decisively brought forth His people from the dominion of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Redemption Through Christ")). The Exodus from Egypt, initiated by God's command to Moses, serves as a powerful type of the spiritual liberation accomplished by Christ, fulfilling God's ancient redemptive plan in its ultimate and most profound sense, offering true freedom and access to God's presence ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Freedom in Christ")).

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

Micah 6:4

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

1 Samuel 12:6

¶ And Samuel said unto the people, [It is] the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Isaiah 63:12

That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?

Psalms 105:26

He sent Moses his servant; [and] Aaron whom he had chosen.

Acts 7:34

I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

Psalms 77:20

Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.