Exodus 8:26

KJV

And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, It is not meet {H3559} so to do {H6213}; for {H2005} we shall sacrifice {H2076} the abomination {H8441} of the Egyptians {H4714} to the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}: lo, shall we sacrifice {H2076} the abomination {H8441} of the Egyptians {H4714} before their eyes {H5869}, and will they not stone {H5619} us?

Complete Jewish Bible

But Moshe replied, "It would be inappropriate for us to do that, because the animal we sacrifice to ADONAI our God is an abomination to the Egyptians. Won't the Egyptians stone us to death if before their very eyes we sacrifice what they consider an abomination?

Berean Standard Bible

But Moses replied, “It would not be right to do that, because the sacrifices we offer to the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. If we offer sacrifices that are detestable before the Egyptians, will they not stone us?

American Standard Version

And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Jehovah our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Moses decisively rejects Pharaoh's proposal for the Israelites to offer sacrifices to the LORD within the land of Egypt. He articulates a profound theological and pragmatic reason: the animals required for Israelite sacrifice were considered sacred or even deities by the Egyptians, making their public slaughter an "abomination" that would provoke violent retaliation from the Egyptian populace. This firm refusal underscores the non-negotiable nature of distinct worship, free from pagan syncretism, and highlights God's imperative for His people to be set apart for His exclusive glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically after the [plague of flies](/exodus/8-20-24 "The Plague of Flies"). Pharaoh, under increasing divine pressure and witnessing the distinct protection of Goshen from the plague, begins to offer concessions to Moses. His first offer, in [Exodus 8:25](/exodus/8-25 "Pharaoh's Initial Compromise"), is for the Israelites to sacrifice to their God "in the land." This represents a strategic attempt by Pharaoh to retain control over the Israelites and their worship, preventing their full departure. Moses's immediate and unequivocal rejection in [Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses Refuses Pharaoh's Compromise") sets the stage for Pharaoh's subsequent, slightly more generous but still insufficient, offer to allow them to go "a little way" into the wilderness in [Exodus 8:28](/exodus/8-28 "Pharaoh's Second Compromise"). This exchange highlights the fundamental clash between God's absolute demand for freedom and Pharaoh's persistent attempts at compromise and control.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society with a complex pantheon of gods, many of whom were associated with or embodied by animals. Cattle, for instance, were often revered, with the bull (Apis) being a prominent deity. Sheep, goats, and other animals also held sacred significance in various cults or were considered manifestations of specific deities. The Israelites, on the other hand, were commanded to offer these very animals as sacrifices to Yahweh, the one true God, as part of their covenant worship. Performing such sacrifices—especially the public slaughter and burning of animals—within Egyptian territory, and particularly "before their eyes," would be an act of profound sacrilege and an extreme affront to Egyptian religious sensibilities. Such an act would not only be seen as blasphemous but also as a direct challenge to the authority of the Egyptian gods and the Pharaoh himself, making the threat of stoning a very real and immediate danger. The command to go "[three days' journey into the wilderness](/exodus/3-18 "God's Command for a Three-Day Journey")" was therefore not merely a logistical detail but a theological necessity to ensure the purity and safety of their worship.

* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven through [Exodus 8](/exodus/8 "The Plagues of Frogs, Lice, and Flies") and particularly highlighted in this verse include **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**. God's power is demonstrated through the plagues, forcing Pharaoh's hand and revealing Yahweh's supremacy over the gods of Egypt. Another crucial theme is **Separation and Distinct Worship**. God demands that His people be set apart from the surrounding pagan cultures, especially in their worship. Compromise with idolatrous practices or environments is unacceptable, as true worship requires exclusive devotion and adherence to God's prescribed methods. This verse also emphasizes the **Nature of True Obedience**, demonstrating that God's commands are not open for negotiation or partial fulfillment, even when faced with political pressure or personal danger. Moses's refusal to compromise on the terms of worship foreshadows the later emphasis on Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel as a Holy People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This word (H8441) refers to something disgusting, morally abhorrent, or ritually unclean. While frequently used in Scripture to describe practices detestable to God (e.g., idolatry, certain sexual sins), here Moses employs it specifically to describe something detestable *to the Egyptians*. The Israelite act of sacrificing animals revered by Egyptians would be an ultimate affront to their religious beliefs and practices, rendering the act an "abomination" in their eyes. This highlights the profound clash of worldviews and religious systems.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** The root (H2076) means "to slaughter an animal, usually in sacrifice." This word underscores the very act that would provoke Egyptian outrage. The Israelites were commanded to perform specific animal sacrifices as part of their covenant worship to the LORD, an act central to their identity and relationship with God. The tension in the verse arises from the fact that this divinely commanded act of worship for Israel was simultaneously a sacrilegious act from the Egyptian perspective.
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word (H5869), literally "eye," here functions as "before their eyes" or "in their presence." It emphasizes the public and provocative nature of the proposed act. It's not just that the act would be an abomination, but that it would be performed openly, in full view of the very people who revered these animals. This public display would amplify the perceived offense and almost guarantee a violent reaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said, It is not meet so to do;":** Moses's opening statement is an immediate and firm rejection of Pharaoh's compromise. The phrase "it is not meet" (or "it is not right/proper") indicates that the proposed action is fundamentally unsuitable, both from a divine perspective and a practical one. It signals an uncompromising stance rooted in a deeper understanding of God's will and the cultural realities.
* **"for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God:":** This clause provides the primary justification for Moses's refusal. The "abomination of the Egyptians" refers to the animals (cattle, sheep) that the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice to Yahweh but which were held sacred or even worshipped by the Egyptians. Moses explains that performing this divinely commanded act of worship within Egypt would be an extreme offense to Egyptian religious sensibilities, a sacrilege in their eyes.
* **"lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?":** This rhetorical question powerfully highlights the inevitable and violent consequence of Pharaoh's proposal. The interjection "lo" (Hebrew, _hên'_) emphasizes the gravity and certainty of the outcome. Moses points out that performing such a religiously offensive act publicly, "before their eyes," would undoubtedly provoke the Egyptians to stone the Israelites to death. This demonstrates that Moses's refusal is not merely theological but also a pragmatic concern for the safety and survival of his people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Rhetorical Question** ("and will they not stone us?") to underscore the absolute certainty of the violent outcome. This device engages the listener (Pharaoh) and highlights the absurdity and danger of his proposal. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the Israelite's divinely commanded worship and the Egyptian's idolatrous reverence for animals, setting up the core conflict. Furthermore, Moses's description of the animals as "the abomination of the Egyptians" is a form of **Euphemism** or **Irony**, as these are the very animals commanded by God for sacrifice, yet in the Egyptian context, their slaughter would be abhorrent. This choice of language emphasizes the irreconcilable differences between the two religious systems.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that true worship of the LORD demands separation and purity, free from syncretism or compromise with the world's systems. God's call for Israel to depart from Egypt for worship was not merely about location but about allegiance and identity. To worship God on terms dictated by Pharaoh, or in a manner that desecrated Egyptian deities, would have blurred the lines between Yahweh and pagan gods, violating the exclusivity of the covenant. Moses's uncompromising stance foreshadows the continuous biblical emphasis on God's people being distinct, a holy nation set apart to reflect His character and worship Him according to His revealed will, not the world's standards.

* [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Do Not Follow Egyptian or Canaanite Practices")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-17](/2_corinthians/6-14-17 "Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Come Out of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses' Firm Refusal to Compromise Worship") serves as a profound and enduring lesson for believers today regarding the non-negotiable nature of our allegiance to God. In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, compromise, or dilute our faith for the sake of acceptance or convenience, Moses's unwavering refusal stands as a powerful example. Are we willing to sacrifice our distinct identity as followers of Christ to avoid social friction, professional setbacks, or personal discomfort? The passage challenges us to examine whether our worship, lifestyle, and values are truly set apart for God or if they are subtly blended with the "abominations" of contemporary culture—idolatry of wealth, self, or power. True worship is not merely an act but a posture of the heart that declares God's exclusive sovereignty over every area of our lives, even when it means facing opposition or misunderstanding from those who do not share our convictions. Our devotion must be pure, unmixed, and uncompromising, a clear testimony to God's holiness and our unwavering commitment to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my faith or worship to fit in with societal norms or avoid conflict?**
* **What "abominations" of the world (values, practices, idols) might I be subtly integrating into my Christian walk, rather than maintaining a distinct separation?**
* **How does my daily life reflect an "uncompromising allegiance" to Christ, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular?**
* **What specific steps can I take to ensure my worship—both corporate and personal—is truly "to the LORD our God" and not influenced by worldly pressures?**

### FAQ
**Why would sacrificing animals be considered an "abomination" by the Egyptians?**

Answer: The Egyptians revered many animals, including cattle and sheep, which were often associated with their deities. For example, the bull was sacred to the god Apis, and the ram was sacred to Amun. Sacrificing these animals, particularly in a public religious ceremony, would be seen as a profound act of sacrilege and disrespect to their gods and culture. It would be an ultimate offense, provoking outrage and potentially violent retaliation from the Egyptian populace, who viewed such acts as blasphemous. This cultural clash is precisely what Moses highlights in [Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses Explains Egyptian Abomination").

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word "to'evah" (abomination) in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *to'evah* (תּוֹעֵבָה, H8441) generally refers to something detestable or abhorrent. While it frequently describes practices detestable to God (like idolatry, child sacrifice, or certain sexual sins as seen in [Leviticus 18:22](/leviticus/18-22 "Abomination of Homosexuality") or [Deuteronomy 18:12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Abomination of Practices Like Divination")), in [Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses' Use of 'Abomination'"), Moses specifically uses it to describe something detestable *to the Egyptians*. This unique usage underscores the profound cultural and religious clash between Israelite worship and Egyptian beliefs. What was a divinely commanded act of worship for Israel was anathema and an act of sacrilege to Egyptian religious sensibilities, making the proposed compromise utterly unworkable and dangerous.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The uncompromising demand for distinct worship in [Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Exodus 8:26 and Christ-Centered Worship") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses insisted that Israel be called out of Egypt to worship God purely, Christ calls His people out of the world's dominion and systems of sin to worship Him "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "Worship in Spirit and Truth")). He is the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rendering the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, believers are redeemed from the "abominations" of sin and idolatry that characterize the world ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). We are now a "holy nation, a royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, obedience, and self-denial that are pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Living Sacrifices")). Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), and His followers are likewise to live as "aliens and strangers" ([1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Aliens and Strangers")) in the world, demonstrating an uncompromising allegiance to Him alone, rather than conforming to the world's patterns or compromising with its values. Our worship and lives are to be a clear testimony to His exclusive Lordship.

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

Genesis 43:32

And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Genesis 46:34

That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, [and] also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.

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.

1 Kings 11:5

For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

1 Kings 11:7

Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that [is] before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

Deuteronomy 7:25

The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold [that is] on them, nor take [it] unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it [is] an abomination to the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: [but] thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it [is] a cursed thing.