Exodus 8:28

KJV

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559}, I will let you go {H7971}, that ye may sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} in the wilderness {H4057}; only ye shall not go {H3212} very {H7368} far away {H7368}: intreat {H6279} for me {H1157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, so that you can sacrifice to ADONAI your God in the desert. Only you are not to go very far away. Intercede on my behalf."

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to Jehovah your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:28 captures a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh, where the Egyptian king, under the severe pressure of the fourth plague (flies), offers a conditional and ultimately insincere concession. He permits the Israelites to sacrifice to the LORD their God in the wilderness, but immediately attempts to restrict their freedom by stipulating, "only ye shall not go very far away." This verse powerfully reveals Pharaoh's persistent desire to maintain control over God's people, even as he implicitly acknowledges Moses's unique intercessory power by pleading, "intreat for me." It underscores the fundamental tension between God's demand for complete liberation and human stubbornness and manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 8:28 is situated immediately following the devastating plague of flies, the fourth of the ten judgments God unleashes upon Egypt. Prior to this, Pharaoh had experienced the plagues of blood, frogs, and lice, each progressively intensifying the divine pressure. The plague of flies, however, introduced a new dimension: a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, with the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, being spared from the swarms ([Exodus 8:22-24](/exodus/8-22-24 "The distinction of the plague of flies")). This distinction served as undeniable proof of the LORD's unique power and His covenantal relationship with Israel. Pharaoh's previous responses had been marked by outright refusal or fleeting, unfulfilled promises. This verse marks a shift, as he now offers a seemingly significant concession, albeit one immediately undermined by his restrictive clause, setting the stage for Moses's continued confrontation and the subsequent plagues.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, with Pharaoh considered a divine figure, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of national power and prosperity. The plagues directly challenged the authority of Pharaoh and the efficacy of the Egyptian pantheon, demonstrating the supremacy of the LORD. The concept of "sacrifice in the wilderness" was not merely a religious rite but an act of national identity and allegiance. For the Israelites, it was a command from their God, signifying their separation from Egyptian bondage and their devotion to Him. Pharaoh's insistence that they "not go very far away" reflects the economic reality of Egypt's reliance on slave labor. The Israelites constituted a significant workforce, and their permanent departure would have had catastrophic economic consequences. Pharaoh's offer was a desperate attempt to retain control over this valuable resource while appeasing the God of Israel just enough to alleviate the immediate suffering, without truly relinquishing his authority or his hold on the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** as God systematically dismantles Pharaoh's power and the Egyptian religious system through the plagues, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and human affairs. It further develops the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart**, illustrating his cyclical pattern of temporary concessions followed by renewed defiance, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power. The demand for Israel to "sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness" reinforces the theme of **Worship and Liberation**, emphasizing that true freedom from bondage is intrinsically linked to the ability to worship God without hindrance. Pharaoh's "not very far away" directly opposes God's demand for complete separation and uncompromised devotion, a theme that resonates throughout the wilderness journey and beyond, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "The Great Commandment to Love God Wholly") which calls for total devotion. Finally, the plea "intreat for me" underscores the theme of **Intercession**, showcasing Moses's unique role as mediator between God and Pharaoh, a role that foreshadows a greater mediator to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zâbach'_):** This primitive root means "to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay." In the context of Exodus 8:28, Pharaoh's concession to allow Israel to "sacrifice" is significant. It acknowledges the religious nature of Israel's request, but his subsequent restriction reveals his misunderstanding or deliberate manipulation of the true meaning of worship, which for Israel, demanded complete separation and freedom to serve their God in the manner He commanded, far from Egyptian defilement.
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to drive," this word refers to "a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert." The "wilderness" here is not just a geographical location but a symbolic space of separation and encounter with God. God's command was to go "three days' journey into the wilderness" ([Exodus 8:27](/exodus/8-27 "Moses's request for a three-day journey")), implying a distance that would prevent Egyptian interference and allow for pure worship. Pharaoh's restriction of "not very far away" directly attacks the spiritual significance of this designated space.
* **intreat (Hebrew, _ʻâthar'_):** This primitive root, possibly denominative from a word meaning "incense," signifies "to burn incense in worship, i.e. intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer); intreat, (make) pray(-er)." Pharaoh's plea for Moses to "intreat for me" is a desperate cry for relief from the plague. It reveals his recognition of Moses's unique spiritual power and connection to the LORD, even though Pharaoh himself remains defiant and unwilling to truly submit to the God whose servant he implores. This highlights the efficacy of intercessory prayer, even on behalf of an oppressor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh said, I will let you go,"**: This opening clause marks a significant, albeit temporary, shift in Pharaoh's stance. After repeated refusals and hardening his heart through multiple plagues, he finally utters words of apparent concession. This "letting go" is presented as a direct response to the unbearable pressure of the plague of flies, not a genuine change of heart or recognition of the LORD's supremacy. It's a pragmatic decision to alleviate immediate suffering.
* **"that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness;"**: This part of Pharaoh's statement acknowledges the stated purpose of Israel's departure—to worship their God. He grants permission for the specific act of "sacrifice" and even identifies the location as "the wilderness," seemingly aligning with Moses's earlier demands. However, this concession is immediately suspect, as Pharaoh has consistently resisted this very request, indicating his words are more a tactical maneuver than a sincere act of compliance.
* **"only ye shall not go very far away:"**: This crucial caveat reveals Pharaoh's true intentions and the manipulative nature of his "concession." The phrase "not go very far away" directly contradicts God's demand for a "three days' journey" into the wilderness, a distance necessary for unhindered worship and to prevent Egyptians from observing (and being offended by) Israel's sacrifices ([Exodus 8:26](/exodus/8-26 "Moses explains the need for distance")). Pharaoh's condition is an attempt to maintain control over the Israelites, ensuring their quick return to servitude and preventing a true, permanent exodus. It exposes his desire to bargain with God and dictate the terms of Israel's liberation.
* **"intreat for me."**: This final, desperate plea from Pharaoh is highly significant. Despite his defiance and hardened heart, he recognizes Moses's unique ability to intercede with the LORD and bring an end to the plague. He appeals to Moses's spiritual power, not out of repentance, but out of self-preservation. This request underscores the growing awareness, even among the Egyptians, of the LORD's power and Moses's direct access to Him, setting a pattern for Pharaoh's future pleas during subsequent plagues.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as the oppressive Pharaoh, who has defiantly resisted God's commands, is now reduced to pleading with Moses, the representative of the very God he opposes, to intercede on his behalf. This highlights the ultimate futility of human resistance against divine power. There is also a strong **Contrast** between God's demand for complete liberation and Pharaoh's conditional, manipulative offer. God desires full freedom for His people to worship Him, while Pharaoh seeks to grant only a partial, controlled release, keeping them tethered to Egyptian influence. This contrast underscores the nature of true obedience versus superficial compliance. Furthermore, the phrase "not go very far away" functions as **Foreshadowing**, signaling Pharaoh's continued hardening of heart and his unwillingness to truly let Israel go, setting the stage for the remaining plagues and the ultimate, dramatic exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:28 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's demands for His people and the persistent resistance of the human heart. It illustrates that God calls for complete and unreserved obedience, not partial compliance or compromise. Pharaoh's attempt to dictate the terms of Israel's worship—allowing them to sacrifice but not "go very far away"—is a timeless representation of humanity's inclination to bargain with God, seeking to fulfill divine commands only on our own terms or to a limited degree. This verse highlights the danger of such compromise, emphasizing that true freedom and genuine worship require a full separation from the entanglements of the world and a wholehearted devotion to God. Even in his defiance, Pharaoh's plea for Moses to "intreat for me" underscores the universal recognition of a power beyond human control and the efficacy of intercessory prayer, even from those who oppose God.

* [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron's initial demand to Pharaoh")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The power of a righteous person's prayer")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "Call to come out and be separate")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a stark warning against the temptation of partial obedience and compromise with the world's demands. Just as Pharaoh sought to keep Israel "not very far away," the world often attempts to keep believers tethered to its systems, values, and habits, hindering our full freedom to worship and serve God without reservation. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: where might we be holding back from God, offering only a conditional surrender rather than complete devotion? True spiritual liberation means breaking free from all forms of bondage, whether overt sin or subtle worldly entanglements, to wholeheartedly pursue God's will. Furthermore, Pharaoh's desperate plea for Moses's intercession reminds us of the power of prayer, not only for our own needs but also for those who oppose God or are trapped in their own spiritual blindness. Our prayers can be a conduit for God's grace and intervention, even in the most hardened of hearts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "not go very far away" from worldly influences, rather than fully separating myself for God's purposes?**
* **How does Pharaoh's conditional offer challenge my understanding of what true obedience and surrender to God entail?**
* **What does Pharaoh's plea for Moses to "intreat for me" teach me about the power and importance of intercessory prayer, even for those who are resistant to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh insist that the Israelites "not go very far away"?**

Answer: Pharaoh's insistence on keeping the Israelites "not very far away" was a calculated and manipulative move designed to maintain control over them. He viewed them as invaluable slave labor, and their permanent departure would have crippled Egypt's economy. By keeping them close, he could easily recall them after their "sacrifice," effectively denying them true freedom and ensuring their continued servitude. This condition revealed his underlying desire to bargain with God and dictate the terms of their release, rather than genuinely submitting to the LORD's demand for complete liberation, as seen in [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses and Aaron's initial demand").

**Does Pharaoh's request "intreat for me" indicate genuine repentance?**

Answer: Pharaoh's request to "intreat for me" does not indicate genuine repentance. While he clearly recognized Moses's unique relationship with God and the efficacy of his prayers in alleviating the plagues, his plea was primarily motivated by a desire for immediate relief from suffering and the destructive consequences of the plague, not a change of heart towards God or a willingness to truly obey His commands. He sought an end to the judgment, but consistently refused to genuinely "let my people go," demonstrating a self-serving motive rather than a God-honoring one. His pattern of hardening his heart after the plagues subsided, as recorded throughout [Exodus 7-10](/exodus/7 "The Plagues Begin") and beyond, confirms his lack of true repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:28, with its themes of liberation from bondage, the conflict between divine will and human stubbornness, and the power of intercession, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's oppressive reign and the Israelites' slavery to him powerfully foreshadow humanity's universal bondage to sin and death, from which no human effort can deliver us. Just as God demanded Israel's complete freedom from Pharaoh's grasp, Christ offers complete and unconditional liberation from the dominion of sin, not a partial release that keeps us "not very far away" from our former chains ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son sets you free")). Furthermore, Moses's role as the intercessor, pleading with God on behalf of both Israel and even Pharaoh, points directly to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest and Mediator, who continually intercedes for His people before the Father's throne ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's eternal intercession") and [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's intercession for believers")). Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ has secured our full freedom to worship and serve God without compromise, leading us out of the wilderness of sin into the promised land of spiritual liberty and eternal life in Him ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us")).

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 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

Exodus 9:28

Intreat the LORD (for [it is] enough) that there be no [more] mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.

1 Kings 13:6

And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as [it was] before.

Acts 8:24

Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

Ezra 6:10

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Exodus 10:17

Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

Hosea 10:2

Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.