"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."
Context:The book of Exodus describes the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. Exodus 5 is situated at the beginning of their encounter with Pharaoh, where Moses and Aaron approach him on behalf of the Israelites, seeking permission to go into the wilderness to worship God.
Oppression and Deliverance:Prior to this passage, the Israelites were enduring harsh oppression as slaves in Egypt. In response to Moses and Aaron’s request, the Israelites express their desire to worship and sacrifice to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of their devotion to God.
God’s Encounter:The Israelites state that "The God of the Hebrews hath met with us." This highlights their recognition of God’s presence and intervention in their lives. They acknowledge that their request to worship and sacrifice is not solely their desire but a response to their encounter with God.
Three Days’ Journey:The Israelites request a three days’ journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to God. This emphasizes their commitment to worship and their intention to dedicate this significant time to God alone. Additionally, this request may signify a temporary separation from the oppressive environment in Egypt, allowing them a dedicated time of worship and reflection.
Fear of Consequences:The Israelites express their concern about the consequences of not being able to worship God. They fear that if they do not offer sacrifices, God may bring upon them pestilence or sword, indicating divine judgment or punishment. This demonstrates their understanding of God’s sovereignty and the importance of obedience in their relationship with Him.
In Exodus 5:3, we see the Israelites’ desire to worship God and their acknowledgment of His intervention in their lives. Their request for a temporary journey into the desert reflects their commitment to dedicate time to God alone. Their fear of God’s potential judgment highlights the importance they place on obedience and faithfulness in their relationship with Him.
Overall, this verse sets the stage for the subsequent events in Exodus, where God demonstrates His power and brings about the liberation of the Israelites, fulfilling His promise to deliver them from slavery in Egypt.
