Exodus 3:18
And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.
Exodus 3:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Exodus depicts Moses and the elders of Israel presenting themselves before the king of Egypt in order to request permission to make a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord. The significance of this moment lies in the fact that it marks the beginning of the Israelites' journey to freedom from the oppression of the Egyptians. By invoking the name of the Lord God of the Hebrews, Moses and the elders assert their faith and seek to fulfill their religious obligations by offering sacrifices. The request for a three-day journey into the wilderness is a test of the Pharaoh's willingness to let the Israelites worship their God, as well as a foreshadowing of the extended period of wandering that lies ahead for the Israelites. Ultimately, this verse serves as a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, setting the stage for the subsequent events that will lead to the Israelites' liberation from slavery.
Theological Overview
Theologically, this passage from Exodus 3:18 reveals God's intention to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt. The phrase "The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us" highlights the personal and intimate relationship between God and the Israelites. By emphasizing that God has met with them, the passage underscores the idea that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and is guiding them towards their liberation. The mention of sacrificing to the Lord also points to the importance of worship and obedience in the Israelites' relationship with God. The word "beseech" suggests a humble and earnest plea to the king of Egypt, recognizing his authority while appealing for permission to worship their true God. Overall, this verse underscores the faithfulness of God to His covenant with the Israelites and His power to deliver them from oppression.
Exodus 3:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, hath met with us: and now let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Jehovah our God.
World English Bible
They will listen to your voice, and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall tell him, ‘Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh, our God.’
Douay-Rheims
And they shall hear thy voice; and thou shalt go in, thou and the ancients of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and thou shalt say to him: The Lord God of the Hebrews hath called us; we will go three days' journey into the wilderness, to sacrifice unto the Lord our God.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then shall they obey thy voyce, and thou and the Elders of Israel shall go vnto the King of Egypt, and say vnto him, The Lord God of the Ebrewes hath met with vs: we pray thee nowe therefore, let vs goe three dayes iourney in the wildernesse, that we may sacrifice vnto the Lord our God.