Exodus 3:18 – “The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Exodus 3:18, God continues to instruct Moses on what to do and say as he begins the mission to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God assures Moses that the elders of Israel will listen to him, giving him the confidence to proceed with his task. God instructs Moses to go with the elders to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and make a specific request: to allow the Israelites to take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to God.
This request was not just about worship; it was a way to begin the process of freeing the Israelites. The three-day journey symbolized a separation from Egypt, a stepping away from their life of bondage to focus on God. Although the request seems modest, it was a significant first step toward the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from slavery.
Historical Context
At this time in history, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many generations. The Egyptian Pharaohs had become increasingly oppressive, forcing the Israelites into hard labor. Moses, who had fled Egypt years earlier after killing an Egyptian, was now being called by God to return and lead the people out of bondage.
The elders of Israel were the respected leaders within the community, and their support would be crucial for Moses’ mission. Pharaoh, on the other hand, was the most powerful ruler in the known world, and approaching him with such a request would be dangerous and bold. The demand to take a three-day journey into the wilderness was not just a religious request but also a challenge to Pharaoh’s authority over the Israelites.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 3:18 shows God’s sovereignty and His careful planning in the deliverance of His people. God assures Moses that the elders will listen to him, indicating that God is preparing the hearts of the leaders to accept Moses’ message. This underscores the idea that God’s plans are executed with precision and that He is in control of every aspect of the process.
The request to worship God in the wilderness emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of God’s people. It shows that true worship often involves stepping away from the world’s influences and focusing entirely on God. This verse also highlights the theme of obedience to God’s commands as a necessary step in experiencing deliverance and freedom.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 3:18 is part of a larger narrative where God is providing Moses with detailed instructions for his mission. The verse is structured to show both assurance and command. The assurance comes in God’s promise that the elders will listen to Moses, while the command is the instruction to approach Pharaoh with the request.
The reference to a “three-day journey” is symbolic and significant. In the Bible, three days often represents a period of preparation, trial, or transition, leading to a new beginning. Here, it symbolizes the beginning of the Israelites’ journey toward freedom and their relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 5:3: Moses and Aaron actually make the request to Pharaoh, asking for a three-day journey to worship God, showing their obedience to God’s command.
- Genesis 31:3: God commands Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, showing how God often calls His people to leave their current situation to fulfill His purposes.
- Jonah 1:17: Jonah spends three days in the belly of the fish, symbolizing a period of transformation and preparation for his mission.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 3:18 is a reminder that God prepares the way for His plans to be fulfilled. When God calls us to a task, He often goes ahead of us, preparing the hearts of those we will encounter. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and His ability to orchestrate events according to His purposes.
It also highlights the importance of worship and obedience. Just as the Israelites were called to step away from Egypt to worship God, we are called to step away from the distractions and influences of the world to focus on God. True worship involves dedicating time and space to God, even if it requires stepping out of our comfort zones.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 3:18 reveals God’s love in His desire for His people to worship Him freely. God’s command for the Israelites to take a journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices shows His deep desire for a relationship with His people. He loves them enough to intervene in their situation, providing a way for them to reconnect with Him.
God’s love is also seen in His careful preparation of the elders’ hearts to listen to Moses. He ensures that Moses will not be alone in his mission, showing that God provides support and guidance to those He calls. This love is patient and intentional, as God works out His plan for the good of His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 3:18 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that Jesus, like Moses, came to deliver God’s people from bondage. Jesus calls us out of the world to follow Him, just as Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In John 15:19, Jesus says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” This reflects the same idea of being called out of bondage to worship and serve God.
Jesus also emphasized the importance of worship and obedience, teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). His life and ministry were centered on leading people into a deeper relationship with God, free from the bondage of sin and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that God prepares the way for His plans to be fulfilled give you confidence in your own calling?
- In what ways can you “step away” from the world to focus on worshiping God more fully?
- How can you trust in God’s timing and sovereignty when faced with challenges or difficult tasks?
- What does this passage teach you about the importance of obedience in experiencing God’s deliverance and blessings?
- How does Jesus’ call to follow Him out of the world connect with the Israelites’ call to journey into the wilderness, and how can that shape your daily walk with God?