And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
And they said, 'The God of the Hebrews has appeared to us. Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, or he might strike us down with disease or war.'
Moses and Aaron are telling Pharaoh that God has commanded them to take the Israelites into the desert to worship, and they warn that disobeying God could bring serious consequences.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Exodus, Moses and Aaron are acting as God's messengers to Pharaoh, requesting permission for the Israelites to temporarily leave Egypt and worship in the desert, as part of God's plan to deliver His people from slavery. This scene occurs early in the confrontation between God and Pharaoh, highlighting the Israelites' oppression under Egyptian rule and their need to obey divine commands. The reference to pestilence or sword reflects the ancient understanding that failing to honor God could invite severe divine judgment.
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