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Commentary on Exodus 3 verses 16–22
Moses is here more particularly instructed in his work, and informed beforehand of his success. 1. He must deal with the elders of Israel, and raise their expectation of a speedy removal to Canaan, Exo 3:16, Exo 3:17. He must repeat to them what God had said to him, as a faithful ambassador. Note, That which ministers have received of the Lord they must deliver to his people, and keep back nothing that is profitable. Lay an emphasis on that, Exo 3:17 : "I have said, I will bring you up; that is enough to satisfy them, I have said it:" hath he spoken, and will he not make it good? With us saying and doing are two things, but they are not so with God, for he is in one mind and who can turn him? "I have said it, and all the world cannot gainsay it. My counsel shall stand." His success with the elders of Israel would be good; so he is told (Exo 3:18): They shall hearken to thy voice, and not thrust thee away as they did forty years ago. He who, by his grace, inclines the heart, and opens the ear, could say beforehand, They shall hearken to thy voice, having determined to make them willing in this day of power. 2. He must deal with the king of Egypt (Exo 3:18), he and the elders of Israel, and in this they must not begin with a demand, but with a humble petition; that gentle and submissive method must be first tried, even with one who, it was certain, would not be wrought upon by it: We beseech thee, let us go. Moreover, they must only beg leave of Pharaoh to go as far as Mount Sinai to worship God, and say nothing to him of going quite away to Canaan; the latter would have been immediately rejected, but the former was a very modest and reasonable request, and his denying it was utterly inexcusable and justified them in the total deserting of his kingdom. If he would not give them leave to go and sacrifice at Sinai, justly did they go without leave to settle in Canaan. Note, The calls and commands which God sends to sinners are so highly reasonable in themselves, and delivered to them in such a gentle winning way, that the mouth of the disobedient must needs be for ever stopped. As to his success with Pharaoh, Moses is here told, (1.) That petitions, and persuasions, and humble remonstrances, would not prevail with him, no, nor a mighty hand stretched out in signs and wonders: I am sure he will not let you go, Exo 3:19. Note, God sends his messengers to those whose hardness and obstinacy he certainly knows and foresees, that it may appear he would have them turn and live. (2.) That plagues should compel him to it: I will smite Egypt, and then he will let you go, Exo 3:20. Note, Those will certainly be broken by the power of God's hand that will not bow to the power of his word; we may be sure that when God judges he will overcome. (3.) That his people should be more kind to them, and furnish them at their departure with abundance of plate and jewels, to their great enriching: I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, Exo 3:21, Exo 3:22. Note, [1.] God sometimes makes the enemies of his people, not only to be at peace with them, but to be kind to them. [2.] God has many ways of balancing accounts between the injured and the injurious, of righting the oppressed, and compelling those that have done wrong to make restitution; for he sits in the throne judging right.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 3:18 records God's precise instructions to Moses, outlining the initial steps for Israel's liberation: Moses, accompanied by the elders, is to approach Pharaoh with a seemingly modest request for a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD. This divine directive marks the strategic commencement of God's redemptive plan, setting the stage for the unfolding confrontation between divine sovereignty and human stubbornness, ultimately leading to Israel's exodus from Egyptian bondage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 3:18 employs several significant literary devices. Divine Command is central, as the verse records God's direct, imperative instructions to Moses, underscoring His sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs. The phrase "The LORD God of the Hebrews" functions as a powerful Title/Epithet, asserting God's unique identity and authority over a specific people, contrasting Him with the polytheistic pantheon of Egypt. The request for a "three days' journey" serves as Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony; while presented as a modest, temporary departure, it is divinely known to be the first step in a complete and permanent exodus, which Pharaoh's obstinacy will inevitably bring about (Exodus 3:19). This also acts as a Test for Pharaoh, designed to reveal the hardness of his heart and justify the subsequent divine judgments.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:18 is a foundational text demonstrating God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over human history to achieve His redemptive purposes. It highlights that liberation from bondage is ultimately for the purpose of worship, establishing a pattern seen throughout biblical history where freedom is inextricably linked to devotion to God. The divine command to Moses, accompanied by the elders, underscores the importance of corporate leadership and the unity of God's people in responding to His call, revealing that God works through both individuals and communities to accomplish His will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 3:18 serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand plans often begin with seemingly small, strategic steps, requiring our obedient participation even when the full scope of His purpose is not yet clear. Moses, despite his initial doubts, was called to be God's voice, trusting in the divine assurance that the people would "hearken" and that God would confront Pharaoh. For believers today, this passage encourages us to prioritize unhindered worship and devotion to God as the ultimate goal of our freedom in Christ. We are called to live as a people set apart, ready to speak truth to power and to advocate for God's claims in a world that often resists Him. Our "journey into the wilderness" might involve stepping away from worldly entanglements or societal norms that hinder our worship, trusting that God sovereignly orchestrates events for His glory and our ultimate good, even when facing formidable opposition. This verse challenges us to consider what "sacrifices" we need to make to truly worship the Lord our God without compromise.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God ask for a "three days' journey" instead of immediate release?
Answer: The request for a "three days' journey" served multiple strategic and theological purposes. Firstly, it provided a legitimate reason for departure, as the Israelites needed to perform sacrifices (particularly animal sacrifices) that would have been an "abomination" to the Egyptians if conducted within their land (Exodus 8:26). Secondly, and crucially, it was a deliberate test of Pharaoh's will. God, in His omniscience, knew Pharaoh would refuse even this seemingly reasonable request (Exodus 3:19), thereby providing the initial grounds for his stubbornness and justifying the subsequent escalation of divine judgments (the plagues), which would ultimately demonstrate God's supreme power over all of Egypt's gods and Pharaoh himself. It was a strategic opening move in God's meticulously planned Exodus.
What is the significance of the phrase "The LORD God of the Hebrews"?
Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant. "The LORD" (YHWH, or Yahweh) is God's personal, covenant name, revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Its use here distinguishes the true God from the numerous false gods of Egypt, asserting His unique, sovereign identity and authority. The addition "God of the Hebrews" identifies Him specifically as the God of this particular people, the Israelites, emphasizing their distinct ethnic and religious identity to Pharaoh. It asserts that this God, YHWH, has a special relationship with and authority over the Hebrews, demanding their freedom for the purpose of worship and establishing His claims over them, even while they are enslaved in a foreign land.
Why were the "elders of Israel" included in Moses' mission?
Answer: The inclusion of the "elders of Israel" was vital for several reasons. It provided a corporate witness to God's command, lending legitimacy and authority to Moses' message in the eyes of both Pharaoh and the Israelite people themselves. Moses had expressed doubts about the people believing him (Exodus 4:1), so the presence of respected leaders would help secure the people's trust and cooperation. It signified the importance of recognized leadership and the unity of the people in presenting their divine appeal, demonstrating that the request was not merely Moses' personal initiative but a collective desire rooted in God's will for His people. This corporate representation underscored the national and religious identity of Israel as God's chosen people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 3:18, with its divine mandate for liberation unto worship, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God called Israel out of physical bondage in Egypt to serve and sacrifice to Him in the wilderness, Christ liberates humanity from the far more pervasive and deadly spiritual bondage of sin and death. He is the ultimate "voice" to whom all must "hearken," for He is the Word made flesh. Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling the very purpose of the Old Testament sacrificial system. He leads His people out of the "Egypt" of spiritual slavery into the true "wilderness" of faith, not for a temporary journey, but for eternal freedom to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. In Christ, we are empowered to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, thereby realizing the profound desire of God from Exodus 3:18: to have a people wholly devoted to the LORD our God, free to worship Him without hindrance.