Exodus 5:3
Exodus 5:3 in Multiple Translations
“The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”
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 hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice unto Jehovah our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
And they said, The God of the Hebrews has come to us: let us then go three days' journey into the waste land to make an offering to the Lord our God, so that he may not send death on us by disease or the sword.
“The God of the Hebrews came to us,” they added. “Please allow us to go a three-day journey into the desert and offer sacrifices to the Lord our God. Otherwise he'll kill us by disease or by the sword.”
And they saide, We worship the God of the Ebrewes: we pray thee, let vs goe three daies iourney in the desert, and sacrifice vnto the Lord our God, least he bring vpon vs the pestilence or sword.
And they say, 'The God of the Hebrews hath met with us, let us go, we pray thee, a journey of three days into the wilderness, and we sacrifice to Jehovah our God, lest He meet us with pestilence or with sword.'
They said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD, our God, lest he fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword.”
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 to the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
And they said: The God of the Hebrews hath called us, to go three days’ journey into the wilderness and to sacrifice to the Lord our God: lest a pestilence or the sword fall upon us.
They/we replied, “Yahweh God, the one we Hebrews worship, has ◄revealed himself/appeared► to us and told us what to tell you. So we ask you to please let us go on a three day journey into the desert. We must offer sacrifices to Yahweh God there. If we do not do that, he will cause us to die [IDM] from diseases or from attacks by our enemies [MTY].”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 5:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
הָ/עִבְרִ֖ים
נִקְרָ֣א
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
נֵ֣לֲכָה
נָּ֡א
דֶּרֶךְ֩
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת
יָמִ֜ים
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֗ר
וְ/נִזְבְּחָה֙
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
פֶּ֨ן
יִפְגָּעֵ֔/נוּ
בַּ/דֶּ֖בֶר
א֥וֹ
בֶ/חָֽרֶב
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הָ/עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
Hebrew
Art | Ngmpa
נִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7122
to encounter
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
נֵ֣לֲכָה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-1cp
נָּ֡א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
דֶּרֶךְ֩
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
יָמִ֜ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֗ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וְ/נִזְבְּחָה֙
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
פֶּ֨ן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִפְגָּעֵ֔/נוּ
pâgaʻ
H6293
to fall on
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בַּ/דֶּ֖בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Prep | N-ms
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בֶ/חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 5:3
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הָ/עִבְרִ֖ים
ʻIbrîy
H5680
"Hebrew"
Art | Ngmpa
Ibriy refers to a Hebrew person, a descendant of Eber, and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:13. It describes the Israelites and their ancestors, including Abraham and his family.
Definition: Someone descended from Heber (H2268)(?), first mentioned at Gen.14.13 Also named: Hebraios (Ἑβραῖος "Hebrew" G1445) § Hebrew = "one from beyond" n pr 1) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites adj 2) a designation of the patriarchs and the Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Hebrew(-ess, woman). See also: Genesis 14:13; Exodus 9:1; Jeremiah 34:9.
נִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7122
"to encounter"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
עָלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
נֵ֣לֲכָה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-1cp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נָּ֡א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
דֶּרֶךְ֩
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
יָמִ֜ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֗ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וְ/נִזְבְּחָה֙
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
לַֽ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
פֶּ֨ן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יִפְגָּעֵ֔/נוּ
pâgaʻ
H6293
"to fall on"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To meet or encounter, either by chance or intention, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:1-17. It can also mean to make a request or intercede on behalf of someone. In Exodus 32:1-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, light upon, join 1a2) to meet (of kindness) 1a3) to encounter, fall upon (of hostility) 1a4) to encounter, entreat (of request) 1a5) to strike, touch (of boundary) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to light upon 1b2) to cause to entreat 1b3) to make entreaty, interpose 1b4) to make attack 1b5) to reach the mark
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, intreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run. See also: Genesis 23:8; 1 Samuel 10:5; Isaiah 47:3.
בַּ/דֶּ֖בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Prep | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בֶ/חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
- Sermons on Exodus 5:3
Context — Pharaoh’s First Refusal
1After that, Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness.’”
2But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”
3“The God of the Hebrews has met with us,” they answered. “Please let us go on a three-day journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD our God, or He may strike us with plagues or with the sword.”
4But the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you draw the people away from their work? Get back to your labor!” 5Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 3:18 | The elders of Israel will listen to what you say, and you must go with them to the king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ |
| 2 | Zechariah 14:16–19 | Then all the survivors from the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. And should any of the families of the earth not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of Hosts, then the rain will not fall on them. And if the people of Egypt will not go up and enter in, then the rain will not fall on them; this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the punishment of Egypt and of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 6:11 | This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!” because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 17:25 | Now when the settlers first lived there, they did not worship the LORD, so He sent lions among them, which killed some of them. |
| 5 | Ezra 7:23 | Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 30:8 | Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 28:21 | The LORD will make the plague cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land that you are entering to possess. |
Exodus 5:3 Summary
In this verse, Moses and Aaron are asking Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the wilderness to worship and sacrifice to the LORD. They are obeying God's command and warning Pharaoh of the consequences if he does not comply, as seen in Exodus 4:22-23. This shows us the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His power and promises, even when it's difficult (as in Matthew 7:21-27). By prioritizing worship and sacrifice to the LORD, we can deepen our relationship with Him and seek to understand and obey His will for our lives, as seen in Psalm 37:1-7 and Proverbs 3:1-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let the people go into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD?
Moses and Aaron asked Pharaoh to let the people go into the wilderness to sacrifice to the LORD because they wanted to obey God's command and worship Him as He had instructed, as seen in Exodus 4:23 and Deuteronomy 12:5-7.
What did Moses and Aaron mean by 'the God of the Hebrews has met with us'?
When Moses and Aaron said 'the God of the Hebrews has met with us', they were referring to the fact that God had appeared to them and given them instructions, as recorded in Exodus 3:1-4:17 and Exodus 4:27-31, which is similar to how God met with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-14.
Why did Moses and Aaron warn Pharaoh of plagues or the sword if he did not let the people go?
Moses and Aaron warned Pharaoh of plagues or the sword because they knew that God would judge Pharaoh and the Egyptians if they refused to let the people go, as seen in Exodus 4:22-23 and Exodus 9:13-16, which is similar to the judgments seen in Numbers 16:1-50 and Numbers 25:1-9.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Exodus?
This verse is a key part of the story of the Exodus, as it shows the initial refusal of Pharaoh to let the people go, which sets the stage for the plagues and the eventual departure of the Israelites from Egypt, as seen in Exodus 12:31-42 and Exodus 14:13-31, which is similar to the way God delivered the Israelites from the Midianites in Judges 7:1-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principle of obeying God's commands, even when it's difficult, in my own life, as seen in Matthew 7:21-27 and John 14:15-24?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, trust in God's power and promises when facing opposition or challenges, as seen in Psalm 23:1-6 and Isaiah 40:28-31?
- What are some ways that I can prioritize worship and sacrifice to the LORD in my own life, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and Hebrews 13:15-16?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, be a faithful witness to those around me, even in the face of rejection or opposition, as seen in 1 Peter 3:13-17 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5?
- What are some ways that I can seek to understand and obey God's will for my life, as seen in Proverbs 3:1-12 and Jeremiah 29:11-14?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 5:3
And they said, the God of the Hebrews hath met with us,.... Perceiving that the name Jehovah was unknown to him, and treated by him in a scornful manner, they leave it out, and only say, "the God of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 5:3
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
Hath met with us, i.e. hath appeared to us lately, and laid this command upon us. Others, is called upon us, i.e. his name is called upon us, or we are called by his name. But why should Moses so solemnly tell that to Pharaoh which all the people knew, to wit, that the Hebrews did worship the God of the Hebrews? And our translation is confirmed by comparing this with , where this very message is prescribed. Lest he fall upon us; lest he punish, either us, if we disobey his command, or thee, if thou hinderest us from obeying it: but this latter they only imply, as being easily gathered from the former.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
Exodus 5:3 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. Ver. 3. Three days’ journey,] viz., to mount Horeb. They made it three months’ journey ere they came there. God leads his people oft not the nearest, but the safest way to their journey’ s end.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
(3) The God of the Hebrews.—Moses accepts Pharaoh’s view, and does not insist on the authority of Jehovah over Egyptians, but makes an appeal ad misericordiam. He has, at any rate, authority over Hebrews; and, having made a requirement, He will be angered if they neglect it. Will not Pharaoh allow them to escape His anger? With the sword.—Egypt was very open to invasion on its eastern frontier; and the brunt of an invasion in this quarter would fall upon the Hebrews. In the time of the nineteenth dynasty, Hittite incursions were especially feared.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
Verse 3. Three days' journey] The distance from Goshen to Sinai; see Exodus 3:18. And sacrifice unto the Lord] Great stress is laid on this circumstance. God required sacrifice; no religious acts which they performed could be acceptable to him without this. He had now showed them that it was their indispensable duty thus to worship him, and that if they did not they might expect him to send the pestilence - some plague or death proceeding immediately from himself, or the sword - extermination by the hands of an enemy. The original word דבר deber, from בדר dabar, to drive off, draw under, c., which we translate pestilence from the Latin pestis, the plague, signifies any kind of disease by which an extraordinary mortality is occasioned, and which appears from the circumstances of the case to come immediately from God. The Israelites could not sacrifice in the land of Egypt, because the animals they were to offer to God were held sacred by the Egyptians and they could not omit this duty, because it was essential to religion even before the giving of the law. Thus we find that Divine justice required the life of the animal for the life of the transgressor, and the people were conscious, if this were not done, that God would consume them with the pestilence or the sword. From the foundation of the world the true religion required sacrifice. Before, under, and after the law, this was deemed essential to salvation.
Under the Christian dispensation Jesus is the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world; and being still the Lamb newly slain before the throne, no man cometh unto the Father but by him. "In this first application to Pharaoh, we observe," says Dr. Dodd, "that proper respectful submission which is due from subjects to their sovereign. They represent to him the danger they should be in by disobeying their God, but do not so much as hint at any punishment that would follow to Pharaoh."
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 5:3
3. The request itself, as far as ‘our God,’ is repeated almost verbatim from Exodus 3:18 (J). ‘God of the Hebrews’ is J’s standing expression (see the note ibid.); contrast ‘God of Israel,’ v. 1. lest he fall upon us, &c.] for neglecting the duty laid upon us.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 5:3
Three days’ journey - See the Exodus 3:18 note. With pestilence, or with the sword - This shows that the plague was well known to the ancient Egyptians.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 5:3
3. The God of the Hebrews — The Israelites generally called themselves Hebrews when conferring with strangers, and were so called by other nations. Thus their reply is explanatory.
Sermons on Exodus 5:3
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Go Forward by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders taking initiative and leading by example. He uses the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as |
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The Reluctant God - Part 5 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by God as a flock, rather than following our own ideas. He references the psalmist who declared that the Lord is |
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The Reluctant God - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and how God showed him what He could do with a man who allowed Him to work through him. The preacher emphasizes that many |
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Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |
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When God Calls Us to Act by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between the prayer of faith and the prayer of unbelief, illustrating this through the story of Moses at the Red Sea. Despite Moses' deep |
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(1 Corinthians) Christ Our Passover by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fulfillment of the first four Feast in connection with Jesus' first coming and the remaining three Feast that will be fulfilled in his sec |
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Ger-15 Israel and the Nations by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to the Jewish people. He shares a personal story of a Jewish man who complained about the h |