Exodus 8:27

KJV

We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us.

KJV (with Strong's)

We will go {H3212} three {H7969} days {H3117}' journey {H1870} into the wilderness {H4057}, and sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, as he shall command {H559} us.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, we will go three days' journey into the desert and sacrifice to ADONAI our God, as he has ordered us to do."

Berean Standard Bible

We must make a three-day journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as He commands us.”

American Standard Version

We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Jehovah our God, as he shall command us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:27 records Moses's unwavering declaration to Pharaoh, a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict, demanding that the Israelites be permitted to undertake a precise "three days' journey into the wilderness" to "sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us." This verse encapsulates the divine imperative for worship that is not only distinct and uncompromised by worldly influences but also meticulously aligned with God's explicit instructions, thereby setting the stage for Israel's complete liberation and their formation as a holy nation consecrated solely to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Moses is strategically positioned within the narrative of the ten plagues, specifically after the plague of flies (Exodus 8:20-24) and Pharaoh's initial attempts at compromise. Pharaoh, desperate for relief, first suggests that the Israelites "sacrifice to the LORD your God in the land" (Exodus 8:25). Moses vehemently rejects this offer, citing the abomination of Egyptian sacrifices to the Israelites and the risk of stoning by Egyptians if they sacrificed within Egypt (Exodus 8:26). Exodus 8:27 is Moses's counter-proposal, a non-negotiable demand that underscores God's absolute sovereignty over His people's worship. This refusal to compromise sets a precedent for the subsequent plagues and Pharaoh's increasing obstinacy, ultimately leading to the climactic [Passover and Exodus](/exodus/12-14 "The Passover and the Exodus from Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine intermediary and the land was permeated with idolatry. Animal worship was common, and certain animals sacred to Egyptians (like cattle, sheep, and goats) were precisely those required for Israelite sacrifices. Sacrificing these animals within Egypt would indeed be an "abomination" (Exodus 8:26) to the Egyptians, potentially inciting violence. The "wilderness" (Hebrew: *midbar*) was not merely an empty space but a place of separation and divine encounter in the ancient Near East, often associated with spiritual purification and the presence of God. The demand for a "three days' journey" was not arbitrary; it signified a substantial distance, ensuring that the worship would be beyond Pharaoh's immediate control and the corrupting influence of Egyptian paganism, emphasizing the unique and exclusive nature of Israel's God, Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 8:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Exclusive Worship**, demonstrating that God dictates the terms of worship, not human rulers. Pharaoh's attempts at compromise are met with an uncompromising divine demand, establishing Yahweh as the sole authority. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Separation and Holiness**, emphasizing that Israel's identity as God's chosen people necessitates a distinct separation from the pagan practices and oppressive systems of Egypt. This physical separation foreshadows the spiritual holiness God requires of His covenant people. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Deliverance and Obedience**, showing that true freedom from bondage is inextricably linked to the freedom to obey God's commands fully, particularly in worship, a theme that resonates throughout [Israel's journey through the wilderness](/deuteronomy/8 "Deuteronomy 8 - Remembering God's Provision in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 8:27 articulates Moses's firm and precise terms for Israel's worship, a direct challenge to Pharaoh's attempts at control and compromise. The demand for a "three days' journey into the wilderness" establishes a crucial physical and symbolic distance from Egypt's idolatry and oppression. This separation was vital to ensure the purity and freedom of their worship, unadulterated by Egyptian customs and beyond Pharaoh's immediate reach. The act of "sacrifice to the LORD our God" points to the heart of Israelite worship—a practice involving offerings that signified atonement, fellowship, and covenant fidelity. Critically, the concluding phrase "as he shall command us" underscores that the form, location, and nature of this worship are divinely ordained, not open to human negotiation, laying the groundwork for the detailed laws and ordinances later given at Sinai.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies not just physical movement but also a course of life or action. In this context, it emphasizes the deliberate and necessary departure from Egypt, indicating a change in their spiritual trajectory and allegiance, moving from bondage to freedom and worship.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to drive," this word refers to a pasture or open field, by implication a desert. Here, it denotes a desolate, unpopulated area, serving as a place of separation from Egyptian influence and a setting conducive to exclusive encounter with God, free from the distractions and defilements of civilization.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to slaughter an animal, usually in sacrifice." This term highlights the central act of Israelite worship, involving the shedding of blood as a means of atonement, communion, and covenant renewal, distinct from the pagan rituals of Egypt.
* **command (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say" or "to speak," used with great latitude to include appointing, bidding, charging, and commanding. In this verse, it emphasizes the absolute authority of God in dictating the terms of worship, underscoring that Israel's service is not self-initiated but divinely prescribed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We will go three days' journey into the wilderness":** This clause specifies the non-negotiable distance and destination for Israel's worship. The "three days' journey" ensures a significant separation from Pharaoh's immediate control and the pervasive idolatry of Egypt, symbolizing the necessity of a distinct, uncompromised environment for pure worship. It represents a physical and spiritual break from their former bondage.
* **"and sacrifice to the LORD our God":** This phrase declares the purpose of their journey: to offer sacrifices to Yahweh, their exclusive God. This act was foundational to their covenant relationship, involving specific rituals that distinguished their worship from the pagan practices of Egypt and affirmed their unique identity as God's chosen people. It underscores the centrality of blood atonement and fellowship in their devotion.
* **"as he shall command us":** This concluding clause asserts the absolute authority of God in matters of worship. It signifies that the terms, methods, and location of their service are not open to human negotiation or compromise with Pharaoh but are solely determined by divine instruction. This principle establishes the foundation for the detailed laws and ordinances that would later be given at Mount Sinai, emphasizing obedience as integral to true worship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 8:27 employs several potent literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the stark opposition between Pharaoh's desire for compromise (worship within Egypt) and Moses's unwavering demand for separation (worship in the wilderness). This highlights the irreconcilable differences between God's holy requirements and worldly accommodations. The phrase "three days' journey" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a necessary and significant distance for purification and unhindered communion with God, prefiguring the spiritual separation believers are called to maintain. The repeated emphasis on "sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us" showcases **Divine Authority** and **Thematic Repetition**, reinforcing the core message that true worship is not humanly devised but divinely ordained and requires absolute obedience. The entire exchange also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the complete liberation and the detailed covenant laws that God will soon give to Israel, establishing them as a people set apart for His exclusive service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:27 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and God's unyielding demand for exclusive devotion. It teaches that genuine worship cannot be confined or compromised by worldly powers, nor can its terms be dictated by human convenience or political expediency. God alone defines how and where He is to be worshipped, emphasizing that His people must be set apart from the world's systems and idolatries to offer Him pure and acceptable service. This principle of uncompromised worship, rooted in divine command, is foundational to the entire biblical narrative of redemption and holiness, distinguishing God's people as those who live by His word alone.

* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Nadab and Abihu's Unlawful Fire") - This passage illustrates the severe consequences of offering "unauthorized fire" to the LORD, reinforcing the principle that worship must be conducted precisely "as He shall command."
* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "The Chosen Place of Worship") - God commands Israel to worship only at the place He chooses, further emphasizing the divine prerogative in dictating the location and manner of worship, in contrast to the pagan practices of the nations.
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Living Sacrifice") - Paul exhorts believers to offer their bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship," echoing the call for a distinct and dedicated life of worship, separated from worldly conformity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:27 offers timeless principles for believers today, underscoring the vital necessity of uncompromised devotion to God. Just as God demanded a physical separation for Israel's worship, we are called to maintain a spiritual and moral distinction from worldly values, influences, and systems that conflict with God's commands. Our worship, whether corporate or individual, must be rooted in God's revealed will, not merely human preferences, cultural trends, or attempts to make faith "palatable" to the world. True worship is an act of humble obedience, honoring God according to His terms, recognizing His absolute sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, the "wilderness" often symbolizes periods of testing, growth, and complete dependence on God. Our spiritual journey frequently involves leaving behind familiar comforts and worldly securities to enter spaces where God teaches us to trust and obey Him more fully, refining our faith and deepening our reliance on His provision and command, much like [Jesus's temptation in the wilderness](/matthew/4-1-11 "Jesus's Temptation in the Wilderness").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my worship or obedience to God to accommodate worldly pressures or expectations?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect God's commands rather than merely human preferences or cultural trends?**
* **What "wilderness" experiences might God be leading me through to teach me greater dependence on Him and to refine my obedience?**
* **How can I ensure that my devotion to God remains exclusive and unadulterated by the pervasive influences of modern idolatry?**

### FAQ
**Why was a "three days' journey" necessary for the Israelites' worship?**

Answer: The "three days' journey" was crucial for several reasons, demonstrating God's sovereign demand for uncompromised worship. Firstly, it ensured a significant physical distance from Egypt, removing the Israelites from Pharaoh's immediate control and the pervasive idolatrous influences of Egyptian society. This separation was essential for pure worship, free from pagan contamination and the risk of stoning by Egyptians who would be offended by the sacrifice of animals they considered sacred (Exodus 8:26). Secondly, it demonstrated the non-negotiable nature of God's command and Pharaoh's complete loss of authority over Israel's spiritual life. It symbolized a definitive break from their bondage and the establishment of their distinct identity as God's people, free to serve Him exclusively.

**What kind of sacrifice were the Israelites planning in the wilderness?**

Answer: The text uses the general Hebrew term *zâbach* (זָבַח), which refers to various types of animal offerings. While the specific type of sacrifice is not detailed at this point, it would have involved the slaughter and offering of animals (likely cattle, sheep, or goats), a practice central to ancient Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with God. These sacrifices served purposes such as atonement for sin, thanksgiving, and establishing fellowship with God. Moses's insistence on this act highlights the distinct nature of Israel's worship compared to Egyptian practices, which often involved different animals or deities, and underscores the necessity of blood atonement for approaching a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:27 profoundly foreshadows Christ's ultimate fulfillment of true worship and deliverance. Moses's demand for a "three days' journey" to offer sacrifice prefigures Christ's own "three days" in the tomb, after which He emerged victorious from death, providing the ultimate separation from the bondage of sin and its consequences. As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ offered Himself as the singular, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Christ's Single Sacrifice")), establishing a new covenant that enables believers to worship God not merely in a specific physical location or through animal offerings, but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Through His perfect obedience to the Father's command, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")), Christ provides the means for humanity to draw near to God, fulfilling the deep longing for uncompromised worship and complete liberation that Moses articulated on behalf of Israel. He is the ultimate High Priest who leads us into the true "wilderness" of separation from the world and into intimate communion with God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

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 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.

Exodus 3:12

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this [shall be] a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

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.

Leviticus 10:1

¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

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 34:11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.