And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
Then Pharaoh called Moses to him and said, 'Go ahead and worship the LORD, but leave your livestock behind. You can take your children with you.'
Pharaoh is trying to negotiate by allowing the Israelites to worship God but demanding they leave their valuable animals as collateral to ensure their return.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the eighth plague (locusts) when Pharaoh's advisors were pressuring him to let the Israelites go before Egypt was completely destroyed. Pharaoh had already refused Moses' earlier requests and was now making partial concessions, hoping to maintain some control over the situation. Livestock represented wealth and livelihood in ancient Egypt, so keeping the animals would ensure the Israelites would return.
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