#10 – Exodus 3:16-22
The Divine Strategy Revealed
What G-d will do
The Almighty has introduced Himself to Moses as the G-d of his fathers, with the intention of sending him to deliver the Hebrews from in Egypt. But how will this be accomplished?
Moses now receives his “marching instructions” from the L-RD, who begins, “Go and gather the elders[1] of Israel together.”[2] Doubtless Moses’ initial audience is to be the influencers and decision makers among his people.
Included with these orders is the script G-d wishes Moses to repeat. He begins with the now-familiar formula, “the G-d of your fathers”[3] whom He names individually once more.
Why is it necessary to repeat the Patriarch’s names? We may surmise all kinds of reasons. Certainly, amidst the sea of pagan deities worshiped in Egypt the L-RD wants to be known to the Hebrew people as the One who made Himself known to their forebears. He is the One who “cut the covenant” with Abraham,[4] and repeated His promises to Isaac and Jacob. Perhaps invoking their names will stir up the elders’ memories of stories of those events carried throughout their generations.
“I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt”[5] would be reassuring to a people who must have wondered, Where is G-d amidst our suffering?
Then comes the promise, “I will bring you up out of the afflictions of Egypt”[6] (deliverance!) to the Promised Land (restoration!).
The L-RD also informs Moses that the elders will respond positively and accompany him to the king of Egypt. Together they are to announce that “the G-d of the Hebrews” has met with them. The initial request will only be for a three-day release from their labors so the Hebrews can “sacrifice to the L-RD our G-d.”[7]
But I know that the King of Egypt will not permit you to go, except under compulsion.
So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it;
and after that he will let you go. (Exodus 3:19-20)
“But I know” from G-d’s mouth to Moses’ ears should serve as a reminder of His omniscience. “After that he will let you go” provides assurance that G-d’s “game plan” has a known (and positive) outcome. This is a wonderful “theology sandwich” – with miracles in the middle!
But wait – there’s more!
“I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians”[8] indicates G-d will also work in the hearts of the Egyptian people. Yes, our Sovereign L-RD purposes to bless His people even through their oppressors.[9] The women of Egypt will supply the Hebrews with “articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing.”[10]
Fear factor/Misery Index
The “afflictions of Egypt” are once again referenced. How much blood, sweat and tears have been shed over these years of generational bondage only G-d knows.
Where is G-d?
But G-d DOES know. He remembers His covenants from the past. He is aware of the sufferings of His people in the present. King David will later write, “You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?”[11]
And G-d knows His plans for our future. Omniscience, knowing the end from the beginning, is one of His attributes which sets Him apart from all creatures.
In addition to His foreknowledge, He is in control of the future. As Isaiah states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’”[12]
We are reminded from this passage that included in G-d’s perfect plan book for His people are difficult pages, which sometimes extend into chapters. If we only focus on our circumstances, especially when suffering is prolonged, we will despair.
The remedy? This beautiful Psalm of Ascents speaks to our hearts in fearful times, when our Enemy seeks to convince us that G-d has gone to sleep.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the L-RD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The L-RD is your keeper;
The L-RD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The L-RD will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
The L-RD will guard your going out and your coming in
From this time forth and forever. (Psalm 121:1-8) [13]
Note well: this Psalm is all about Who G-d is and what He will do on our behalf. The only “I will” for us is to “lift up our eyes” in faith to the Eternal Source of our protection.
[1] This is the first reference in Scripture to this esteemed group; they are mentioned 11 times in Exodus, and will play an important role in Israel henceforth.
[2] Exodus 3:16a.
[3] Exodus 3:16c.
[4] Genesis 15.
[5] Exodus 3:16d.
[6] Exodus 3:17a.
[7] Exodus 3:18.
[8] Exodus 3:21.
[9] To glimpse how limitless is G-d’s grace, see His wonderful yet-to-be-fulfilled promise of blessing to Egypt in Isaiah 19:24-25. [10] Exodus 3:23. The Hebrews will receive “back pay” in abundance for their forced servitude.
[11] Psalm 56:8.
[12] Isaiah 46:10.
[13] Psalm 121:1-2.
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