Exodus 10:9

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the Lord.

Exodus 10:9 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears during the plagues in Egypt, after locusts have ruined the land. Pharaoh’s officials urge him to let the Israelites go, and Pharaoh begins to negotiate, asking who will leave. Moses answers with a firm and complete declaration.

Meaning

Moses says the whole community will go: young and old, sons and daughters, flocks and herds. No one stays behind. This is not partial obedience or a compromise. The reason is clear: “we must hold a feast unto the LORD.” The word “must” shows divine necessity, not preference. The feast is a pilgrimage festival, so the animals are needed for sacrifice and celebration. Worship belongs to God alone, and it demands the entire person and the entire people. The old are necessary to guide, direct, and instruct in the business of sacrifice, performing as heads of their families. The young are to be present to be trained up and accustomed to such religious services.

Biblical connections

This feast points to the Passover, which commemorates the final plague when the firstborn of Egypt died, but Israel was spared by the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. That deliverance began their journey to the Promised Land. The contrast with Pharaoh’s reply in Exodus 10:10-11 is striking: he mocks Moses and tries to limit worship to the men only. His attempt shows how the world often seeks to reduce God’s claim.

Application

True worship cannot be negotiated or reduced. It involves every generation and all that we have. The old are needed to guide and instruct, and the young are present to learn and be trained in holy service. Families worship together, not only as individuals. Our possessions also serve God’s purposes, especially in joyful celebration. This is a feast, a time of celebration and pilgrimage in His honor.

Reflection

Moses’ words challenge us to examine our own worship. Do we offer God our whole lives, or only what is convenient? The feast was “unto the LORD,” meaning God Himself was the audience and purpose. When we gather to worship, we too come before Him with our families, our gifts, and our hearts, holding a feast that honours Him alone.