“And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative of the plagues that were sent upon Egypt as a result of Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go. The tenth plague, the plague of the death of the firstborn, was imminent, and Moses was negotiating with Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites.
Meaning and Significance:
Intercession and Worship:In this verse, Moses is making a request to Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings to the Lord their God. This indicates the importance of intercession and worship in the life of believers. Moses understood the significance of presenting offerings and sacrifices as acts of worship to God.
Recognition of God’s Authority:By asking Pharaoh for permission to worship, Moses was acknowledging the authority of Pharaoh as the ruler of Egypt. Despite this acknowledgment, Moses knew that the ultimate authority belonged to the Lord God. It reflects Moses’ determination to follow God’s command and to demonstrate the Israelites’ allegiance to their true God.
Freedom to Worship:Pharaoh had initially resisted letting the Israelites go, denying them the opportunity to worship God freely. However, Moses insisted that true worship required sacrifices and burnt offerings. By making this demand, Moses was asserting the Israelites’ need for freedom to worship their God, as well as their commitment to obeying God’s instructions.
Foreshadowing the Exodus:The request for sacrifices and burnt offerings was not only an expression of worship but also a foreshadowing of the upcoming Exodus. Sacrifices and offerings were an integral part of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, as they would later receive detailed instructions from God regarding various offerings, including the Passover lamb. This verse hints at the rituals and practices that would be established in the future for the Israelites’ worship in the wilderness and the Promised Land.
Application:
Importance of Worship:Just like Moses recognized the necessity of worshiping God through sacrifices and offerings, we should also prioritise worship in our lives. Worship is not limited to formal rituals but encompasses the way we live our lives as an offering to God. We can express our worship through prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and obedience to God’s commands.
Freedom to Worship:We should be grateful for the freedom we have to worship God without hindrance. While some believers may face challenges or restrictions in various parts of the world, it is essential to cherish and protect our freedom to worship God openly. We should never take this privilege for granted and use it to draw closer to God and honour Him.
Surrendering to God’s Authority:Just as Moses acknowledged Pharaoh’s authority while recognising God’s ultimate authority, we should submit ourselves to God’s sovereignty. Surrendering to God’s authority involves aligning our will with His and following His commands faithfully, even in the face of opposition or difficult circumstances.
The Sacrifice of Christ:The request for sacrifices and burnt offerings in Exodus points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect Lamb of God, atoning for our sins once and for all. As New Testament believers, we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices, but we can find salvation and reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice.
Remember, this Bible study provides a deeper understanding of Exodus 10:25 and its significance. It’s always beneficial to study the surrounding verses and the entire context of the book of Exodus to gain a comprehensive understanding of the biblical narrative.
