“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.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus, which recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. The context of this verse is during the time of the plagues that were brought upon Egypt as a result of Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go.
In this particular scene, Moses is speaking to Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites. God had sent a series of plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The eighth plague, locusts, had just devastated the land, and Pharaoh’s officials were urging him to let the Israelites go.
Moses tells Pharaoh that they will leave Egypt, not only with their men but also with their young and old, sons and daughters, as well as their livestock. This statement emphasizes that their departure would involve their entire community, leaving no one behind. Furthermore, Moses explains that the reason for their departure is to hold a feast unto the Lord.
The phrase “hold a feast unto the Lord” refers to the upcoming religious observance that the Israelites were commanded to celebrate. This feast, known as the Passover, commemorates the events of the final plague in which the firstborn of Egypt were struck down, while the Israelites were spared by the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. It symbolizes their deliverance from slavery and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
This verse highlights the importance of community and worship. The Israelites were not merely seeking freedom for themselves; they desired to worship and honor their God as a united people. It also demonstrates the significance of celebrating religious festivals and feasts as acts of obedience and remembrance.
Overall, Exodus 10:9 portrays Moses’ determination to lead the Israelites out of Egypt so they could fulfill their religious obligations and worship the Lord as a united community.
