Exodus 3:10 – “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 3:10 marks a crucial moment in Moses’ life and in the history of the Israelites. After revealing His awareness of the suffering of the Israelites and His intent to rescue them, God now commissions Moses to be the one who will lead this deliverance. God’s command, “So now, go,” is both direct and authoritative. He is not merely suggesting a task; He is commanding Moses to take action.
The instruction to “bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” clarifies that Moses’ mission is not just about confronting Pharaoh but about leading an entire nation out of slavery. This verse sets Moses on a path that will define his life’s work and change the course of history. It also emphasizes that Moses is not acting on his own; he is being sent by God, with divine authority and purpose.
Historical Context
At this point in the narrative, Moses is living in Midian, having fled Egypt forty years earlier after killing an Egyptian. He has settled into a quiet life as a shepherd, seemingly far removed from the affairs of Egypt and the plight of his people. The Israelites, meanwhile, are enduring harsh slavery under Pharaoh, and their cries have reached God.
God’s call to Moses to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh would have been daunting. Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler in the known world, and Moses was a fugitive with no apparent influence or power. Yet, God’s command shows that He often chooses unlikely people for significant tasks, relying not on human strength but on divine power.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 3:10 underscores God’s sovereignty and His power to call and equip individuals for His purposes. Moses is an example of how God’s call can come at unexpected times and often requires stepping out in faith. This verse also highlights the idea of divine commissioning—when God calls someone to a task, He also provides the authority and resources needed to accomplish it.
This verse also reflects God’s commitment to His covenant with the Israelites. By sending Moses to lead them out of Egypt, God is acting to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It shows that God’s plans are not thwarted by human opposition or by the passage of time.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 3:10 is a turning point in the story. Up until this point, the focus has been on Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush and God’s awareness of the Israelites’ suffering. Now, the narrative shifts as God commissions Moses for the task of delivering His people. The verse is concise but packed with significance, setting the stage for the events that will follow.
The command “So now, go” is direct and urgent, reflecting the seriousness and immediacy of the mission. The phrase “I am sending you” reinforces the idea that Moses is acting under divine authority, not on his own initiative.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 6:8: Isaiah responds to God’s call with, “Here am I. Send me!” highlighting the willingness to be sent by God for His purposes.
- John 20:21: Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” echoing the concept of divine commissioning and mission.
- Acts 9:15: God tells Ananias that Paul is His chosen instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles, reflecting the idea of God choosing and sending individuals for specific tasks.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 3:10 is a powerful reminder that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Just as He sent Moses, He may call us to step out of our comfort zones and take on challenges that seem beyond our abilities. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s calling, knowing that when He sends us, He also equips us.
It also serves as a reminder that God’s purposes often involve action. When God calls, it is not merely for contemplation but for movement—He sends us to be His hands and feet in the world, carrying out His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 3:10 reveals God’s love for His people through His action to deliver them from slavery. God’s love is not passive; it is active and involves intervening in human history to bring about His will. By sending Moses to deliver the Israelites, God is demonstrating His love by fulfilling His promises and rescuing His people from oppression.
This verse also shows that God’s love includes inviting people into His work. By calling Moses, God is allowing him to participate in the divine plan, which is an expression of His love and trust.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 3:10 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that both Moses and Jesus were sent by God to deliver people. Moses was sent to free the Israelites from physical slavery in Egypt, while Jesus was sent to free humanity from spiritual slavery to sin and death. In John 3:17, it says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Just as Moses was sent to lead his people to freedom, Jesus was sent to lead us to eternal life.
Jesus’ mission was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan to rescue His people, a plan that began with the promises to Abraham and continued through the deliverance of Israel from Egypt.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Moses’ calling in Exodus 3:10 challenge you to be open to God’s calling in your own life?
- What fears or obstacles might you face when God calls you to step out in faith, and how can you overcome them?
- How does knowing that God sends us with His authority and support change the way you approach difficult tasks or challenges?
- In what ways can you participate in God’s work of deliverance and justice in your community?
- How does Jesus’ mission to save humanity inspire you to respond to God’s call with obedience and trust?