Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
Not acceptable! Only you men may go and worship the LORD, since that's what you asked for. Then they were forced out of Pharaoh's presence.
Pharaoh refuses Moses' request to let all the Israelites go worship God, saying only the men can go, and then angrily dismisses Moses and Aaron from his court.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the plague negotiations between Moses and Pharaoh, just before the eighth plague of locusts. Moses had requested that all the Israelites - men, women, children, and livestock - be allowed to go into the wilderness to worship God. Pharaoh, trying to maintain control and limit his losses, offers a compromise by allowing only the men to go, which was unacceptable since Hebrew worship was a family and community affair.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.