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
This occurs when Moses and Aaron first approached Pharaoh to request the Israelites' release from slavery in Egypt. They were presenting their case diplomatically, asking for what seemed like a temporary religious pilgrimage rather than permanent freedom. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for over 400 years, and this was the beginning of God's plan to deliver them through Moses.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.