What does Exodus 3:18 mean?
"And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God." - Exodus 3:18

Exodus 3:18 (KJV) states, "And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God."
This verse is found within the narrative of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush in the land of Midian. In this encounter, God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, where they have been enslaved for over 400 years. This verse is part of the promise and assurance that God gives to Moses that the Israelites will indeed be set free from Pharaoh and that they will ultimately be brought into the Promised Land.
One of the central themes in this verse is the concept of God’s deliverance and faithfulness. Throughout the book of Exodus, we see a consistent pattern of God’s faithfulness to His people, despite their doubts, fears, and rebellion. This verse is a reminder of God’s promise to deliver the Israelites from their bondage and to lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
Another important theme in this verse is the concept of obedience to God’s word. Moses is instructed to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites, and he is promised that the people will indeed listen to him. This highlights the power and authority of God’s word and the importance of obeying His commands. It also exemplifies the trust that the Israelites had in Moses as their leader and in the God who sent him.
The context of this verse is also crucial to understanding its significance. The Israelites had been living under harsh bondage in Egypt, enduring cruel treatment and harsh labor at the hands of the Egyptians. God had heard their cries and had chosen Moses to be their deliverer. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God’s plan for their deliverance and sets the stage for the miraculous events that will follow.
Additionally, the symbolism in this verse is significant. The demand for a three days' journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord our God signifies a period of separation and consecration to God. This would have been a radical request to make of Pharaoh, as it would have required the Israelites to leave their posts and livelihoods for a significant amount of time. This further demonstrates the Israelites' willingness to obey and worship God despite the sacrifices it requires.
In conclusion, Exodus 3:18 (KJV) is a powerful verse that embodies themes of deliverance, faithfulness, obedience, and sacrifice. It symbolizes the Israelites’ willingness to trust in God’s promises and obey His commands, as well as the power and authority of God’s word. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His desire to lead His people out of bondage into freedom. It also stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and power of the biblical narrative, which continues to inspire and guide believers today.
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Exodus 3:18 Artwork
Exodus 3:18 - "And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God."
"And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God." - Exodus 3:18
Exodus 18:3 - "And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:"
Exodus 18
Exodus 31: 18
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Exodus 22:18 - "¶ Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
Exodus 15:18 - "The LORD shall reign for ever and ever."
Exodus 35:18 - "The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,"
"And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:" - Exodus 18:3
Exodus 28:18 - "And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond."
Exodus 10:18 - "And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD."
Exodus 3:12
Exodus 3:12
Exodus 17:3
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Exodus 3:14
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Exodus 17:3
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Exodus 18:18 - "Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone."
Exodus 33:18 - "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory."