“Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD until we come thither.”
Context:Exodus 10:26 is a part of the narrative of the Exodus, which tells the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. In this particular verse, Moses is negotiating with Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, on behalf of the Israelites, requesting permission to go into the wilderness to worship the Lord.
Bible Study:
- Complete Obedience:The verse begins with Moses stating that “Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind.” This statement emphasizes the Israelites’ desire for complete obedience to God’s command. They were not willing to leave anything behind, including their livestock. It reveals their willingness to fully surrender and follow God’s instructions, leaving no room for compromise or partial obedience. This attitude teaches us the importance of wholehearted devotion and obedience to God in our own lives.
- Serving the Lord:The latter part of the verse states, “for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD until we come thither.” Here, Moses explains that the purpose of taking their cattle with them is to serve the Lord. The Israelites recognised that they needed to bring offerings and sacrifices to worship God in the way He commanded. However, the verse also indicates that they were uncertain about the specific requirements for worship until they reached their destination. This implies that they trusted God to reveal His instructions to them as they journeyed.
This aspect highlights the faith and dependence the Israelites had on God’s guidance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our own lives and trusting Him to reveal His plans and instructions as we walk in faith.
Application to our lives:
- Obedience and Surrender:The Israelites’ commitment to not leaving anything behind can inspire us to examine our own lives. Are we holding back anything from God? Are we fully surrendered to His will? Like the Israelites, we should strive for complete obedience and surrender to God, allowing Him to have full control over every aspect of our lives.
- Trust in God’s Guidance:The Israelites’ trust in God’s guidance teaches us to have faith in God’s leading, even when we don’t have all the answers. Often, God reveals His plans to us step by step, and our role is to trust Him and follow His guidance as we move forward. We should seek His direction through prayer, studying His Word, and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
- Worship and Service:The Israelites’ intention to serve the Lord through their offerings and sacrifices reminds us of the importance of worship and service in our relationship with God. Worship involves expressing our love, adoration, and gratitude to God, while service entails using our gifts, resources, and time to honour Him and bless others. We should strive to worship God with sincerity and serve Him wholeheartedly, offering our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
In conclusion, Exodus 10:26 highlights the Israelites’ commitment to complete obedience and their trust in God’s guidance as they prepared to leave Egypt. It encourages us to examine our own obedience, trust in God’s leading, and prioritise worship and service in our relationship with Him.
