Exodus 7:16

Then say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But you have not listened until now.

Study Bible

And say to him
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Moses. The Hebrew word for "say" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used in the context of divine communication. This highlights the authority and seriousness of the message Moses is to deliver. In the historical context, Moses is acting as God's prophet, a mouthpiece to convey God's will to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. This underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions, a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

The LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters is a translation of the Hebrew "YHWH" (Yahweh), the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His power over all creation, including the Egyptian gods.

the God of the Hebrews
This phrase identifies Yahweh specifically as the God of the Hebrews, distinguishing Him from the pantheon of Egyptian deities. The term "Hebrews" refers to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. Historically, this declaration serves to assert the identity and rights of the Israelites in a foreign land.

has sent me to tell you
Here, Moses is acting as God's emissary. The Hebrew word for "sent" is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which conveys the idea of being commissioned with authority. This reflects the biblical theme of divine mission and purpose, as God often sends individuals to accomplish His will. Moses' role as a mediator foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.

Let My people go
This command is central to the Exodus narrative. The phrase "My people" signifies God's ownership and protective relationship with the Israelites. The demand for their release is not just a call for physical freedom but also a spiritual liberation from bondage. This echoes the broader biblical theme of redemption and deliverance, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice.

so that they may worship Me in the wilderness
The purpose of the Israelites' release is to worship God, highlighting the importance of worship as a response to God's deliverance. The wilderness represents a place of testing and reliance on God, where the Israelites would learn to trust and obey Him. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that true freedom is found in serving and worshiping God, aligning with the Christian understanding of salvation and discipleship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reveals Himself as the God of the Hebrews and demands the release of His people.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of God, tasked with delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is obstinate and refuses to release the Israelites from slavery.

4. The Hebrews (Israelites)
God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, whom God desires to free so they can worship Him.

5. The Wilderness
The place where God intends for the Israelites to worship Him, symbolizing a journey of faith and dependence on God.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Authority
God asserts His authority over Pharaoh, demonstrating that He is the ultimate ruler who commands obedience.

The Purpose of Freedom
The Israelites' freedom is not just for their own sake but for the purpose of worshiping God. True freedom is found in serving and worshiping the LORD.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's refusal to listen serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's commands and messages.

Obedience to God's Call
Like Moses, believers are called to faithfully deliver God's message, even in the face of opposition and rejection.

Worship as a Priority
Worshiping God should be a central focus in our lives, reflecting our relationship with Him and our acknowledgment of His lordship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does God's command to Pharaoh in Exodus 7:16 reflect His sovereignty and authority over all nations and rulers?

2. In what ways does the purpose of the Israelites' release to worship God in the wilderness apply to our understanding of freedom in Christ today?

3. What are some modern-day examples of a "hardened heart," and how can we guard against this in our own spiritual lives?

4. How can we, like Moses, remain obedient and faithful in delivering God's message, even when faced with resistance or rejection?

5. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you prioritize worship in your daily life to ensure it aligns with God's desire for His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:18
This verse connects to God's initial command to Moses at the burning bush, where God first instructs Moses to ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go to worship Him.

Exodus 5:1-2
This passage shows the initial confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, highlighting Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to acknowledge the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:13
This verse emphasizes the importance of worshiping and serving the LORD alone, which is the ultimate purpose of the Israelites' release.

Psalm 95:6-7
This psalm calls God's people to worship and bow down before the LORD, recognizing Him as their Maker and Shepherd.

Hebrews 3:7-8
This New Testament passage warns believers not to harden their hearts as Pharaoh did, but to listen to God's voice.