Exodus 10:3

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me.

Study Bible

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him,
Moses and Aaron, as God's appointed leaders, consistently approach Pharaoh as representatives of divine authority. This reflects the biblical theme of God using chosen individuals to convey His will. Their repeated visits to Pharaoh demonstrate God's patience and the opportunity for repentance. Historically, Pharaohs were seen as divine figures in Egyptian culture, making this confrontation a direct challenge to Pharaoh's perceived divinity.

“This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says:
The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal name of God, highlighting His relationship with the Israelites. By identifying as the "God of the Hebrews," it distinguishes the God of Israel from the pantheon of Egyptian deities, asserting His supremacy. This phrase underscores the personal and national identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people.

‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?
This question challenges Pharaoh's pride and stubbornness, a recurring theme in the narrative. Humility before God is a central biblical principle, contrasting with Pharaoh's hard-heartedness. The call to humility is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in James 4:10, which emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's authority.

Let My people go,
This command is a central motif in the Exodus narrative, representing God's demand for the liberation of His people. It signifies God's power to deliver and His commitment to His promises. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin.

so that they may worship Me.
The purpose of liberation is not merely freedom from oppression but freedom to serve and worship God. Worship is a fundamental aspect of the Israelites' identity and relationship with God. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true freedom is found in serving God, as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is a central figure in the Exodus account.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson. He assists Moses in confronting Pharaoh and performing signs.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who stubbornly refuses to release the Israelites, despite the plagues sent by God.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of the Hebrews, who demands the release of His people so they can worship Him.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and from which God is delivering them through Moses and Aaron.

Teaching Points

The Call to Humility
God demands humility from all, including the powerful. Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before God serves as a warning against pride.

The Sovereignty of God
God's command to Pharaoh underscores His ultimate authority over nations and rulers. Believers are reminded of God's control over all circumstances.

The Purpose of Worship
The demand to let the Israelites go is so they may worship God. Worship is central to the life of God's people and should be prioritized.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Pharaoh's repeated refusals lead to severe consequences for Egypt. Disobedience to God can lead to personal and communal suffering.

God's Patience and Justice
Despite Pharaoh's stubbornness, God gives multiple opportunities for repentance, showing His patience. However, justice is ultimately served.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before God reflect attitudes we might encounter in today's world?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are humbling ourselves before God in our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Pharaoh and the plagues illustrate the balance between God's patience and His justice?

4. What are some modern-day "plagues" or challenges that might be calling us to reevaluate our priorities and obedience to God?

5. How can we apply the principle of prioritizing worship in our lives, as seen in God's command to let His people go to worship Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 4:6
This verse speaks about God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble, which connects to Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before God.

1 Peter 5:6
Encourages believers to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, which parallels the call for Pharaoh to humble himself.

Proverbs 16:18
Discusses pride leading to destruction, reflecting Pharaoh's eventual downfall due to his pride.