Exodus 3:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall hearken {H8085} to thy voice {H6963}: and thou shalt come {H935}, thou and the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}, unto the king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and ye shall say {H559} unto him, The LORD {H3068} God {H430} of the Hebrews {H5680} hath met {H7136} with us: and now let us go {H3212}, we beseech thee, three {H7969} days {H3117}' journey {H1870} into the wilderness {H4057}, that we may sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will heed what you say. Then you will come, you and the leaders of Isra'el, before the king of Egypt; and you will tell him, 'ADONAI, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now, please, let us go three days' journey into the desert; so that we can sacrifice to ADONAI our God.'

Berean Standard Bible

The elders of Israel will listen to what you say, and you must go with them to the king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’

American Standard Version

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, Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, hath met with us: and now let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 3:18 immediately follows God's profound self-revelation to Moses at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-1-6 "God's encounter with Moses at the burning bush"). Having declared His covenant name, [YHWH, "I AM WHO I AM"](/exodus/3-14 "God reveals His name as YHWH, 'I AM WHO I AM'"), and assured Moses of His presence and purpose to deliver Israel, God now transitions from revelation to specific command. This verse details the concrete action Moses is to take, providing a strategic blueprint for the initial engagement with Pharaoh. It sets up the subsequent narrative of Moses' initial hesitations and God's reassurances, culminating in the first confrontation with the Egyptian king in [Exodus 5](/exodus/5 "Pharaoh's initial refusal to let Israel go").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, Israel had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, serving as forced labor under a pharaoh who "did not know Joseph" ([Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "The new king who did not know Joseph")). Egyptian society was polytheistic, with Pharaoh himself considered a divine figure, a son of Ra. Animal worship was prevalent, making the slaughter of certain animals (like cattle, sacred to Hathor) an "abomination" to the Egyptians, as later mentioned in [Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses explains why sacrifices must be made outside Egypt"). The "elders of Israel" (*zêqênîm*) were recognized leaders within the Israelite community, likely heads of families or tribes, who held significant influence and authority among the people. Their inclusion validated Moses' message and demonstrated a unified front to Pharaoh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in developing several key themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights **God's sovereign initiative** in redemption, as He meticulously plans and orchestrates Israel's deliverance. The emphasis on "sacrifice to the LORD our God" underscores the **centrality of worship** as the ultimate purpose of liberation, revealing God's desire for an unhindered relationship with His people. Furthermore, God's foreknowledge of Pharaoh's hardened heart ([Exodus 3:19](/exodus/3-19 "God foretells Pharaoh's resistance")) introduces the theme of **divine strategy and human stubbornness**, where a seemingly modest request becomes a catalyst for the escalating display of God's power through the plagues, demonstrating His supremacy over all earthly powers and false gods.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This word (H8085) signifies not merely hearing, but hearing intelligently, with attention, and, crucially, with the implication of obedience. In this context, God's assurance that "they shall hearken to thy voice" is a divine promise of Israel's receptiveness to Moses' message, directly addressing Moses' earlier doubts about their belief ([Exodus 4:1](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' doubt about Israel's belief")). It implies a willingness to obey the divine mandate delivered through Moses.
* **met (Hebrew, _qârâh'_):** The verb (H7136) means "to light upon," "to happen," or "to bring about." When God states, "The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us," it conveys a divine encounter, a purposeful appointment or visitation, not a chance occurrence. This meeting signifies God's direct intervention and active engagement with His people, establishing the divine authority behind Moses' request to Pharaoh.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root (H2076) means "to slaughter an animal," usually in the context of ritual sacrifice. It points to the central act of worship in ancient Israelite religion, involving the shedding of blood and the offering of life to God. The request to "sacrifice to the LORD our God" highlights the profound religious purpose behind the desired journey and the essential nature of worship as the goal of their freedom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall hearken to thy voice:"** This opening clause is a divine assurance to Moses, addressing his apprehension about the Israelites' receptiveness. God guarantees that the elders, and by extension the people, will listen to and obey Moses, confirming his divinely appointed authority and paving the way for collective action.
* **"and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt,"** God commands Moses to present himself before Pharaoh, not alone, but accompanied by the recognized leaders of Israel. This corporate representation lends weight and legitimacy to the appeal, demonstrating the unity and collective will of the Israelite people under their divinely appointed leadership.
* **"and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us:"** This is the core message to be delivered to Pharaoh. It asserts the divine authority behind the request. "The LORD" (YHWH) is God's personal, covenant name, distinguishing Him from Egyptian deities. "God of the Hebrews" identifies Him as the specific deity of this distinct people, emphasizing their unique ethnic and religious identity to the Egyptian king. The declaration of a divine "meeting" signifies a direct, purposeful encounter, demanding Pharaoh's attention and compliance.
* **"and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God."** This is the specific request. The "three days' journey" is a strategic distance, necessary to perform sacrifices that would be offensive to Egyptian religious sensibilities if conducted within their land ([Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Sacrifices an abomination to Egyptians")). The ultimate purpose is worship: "that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God." This establishes the fundamental reason for their desired departure—to fulfill their religious duty and devotion to their sovereign God.

#### 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](/exodus/3-19 "God foretells Pharaoh's resistance")). 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.

* [Exodus 8:1](/exodus/8-1 "Let My people go, that they may serve Me")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalm/105-26-27 "God sent Moses and Aaron, who performed His signs")
* [Hebrews 11:23-27](/hebrews/11-23-27 "By faith Moses chose to suffer with God's people")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to take a "three days' journey" away from worldly influences to deepen my worship?**
* **How does the assurance that "they shall hearken to thy voice" encourage me when I feel inadequate or doubt my ability to speak for God?**
* **What does it mean for me to "sacrifice to the LORD our God" in a contemporary context, beyond ritualistic acts?**
* **How can I, like the elders of Israel, corporately represent God's will and purpose in my community or church?**

### 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](/exodus/8-26 "Moses explains why sacrifices are an abomination to Egyptians")). 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](/exodus/3-19 "God foretells Pharaoh's resistance")), 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](/exodus/3-14 "God reveals His name, YHWH"). 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](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' doubt about Israel's belief")), 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](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us"). Through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), 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](/john/4-24 "Worshiping God in spirit and truth"). In Christ, we are empowered to offer ourselves as [living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God](/romans/12-1 "Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices"), 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.

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

Exodus 9:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

Exodus 7:16

And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

Exodus 10:24

And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.

Exodus 10:26

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.

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.

Exodus 9:13

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2 Chronicles 30:12

Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.