The "Request to Pharaoh" refers to the series of appeals made by Moses and Aaron to the Egyptian Pharaoh, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, to release the Israelites from slavery. This narrative is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking the beginning of their journey from bondage to freedom and the eventual establishment of the covenant community in the Promised Land.

Biblical Context

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially as honored guests due to Joseph's high position in Pharaoh's court. However, as time passed, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the growing Israelite population as a threat. Consequently, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:8-14).

God heard the cries of His people and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He chose Moses, a Hebrew raised in Pharaoh's household, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, commissioning him to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites (Exodus 3:1-10).

The Requests

1. Initial Request: Moses and Aaron first approached Pharaoh with a simple request: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness'" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's response was dismissive and defiant, saying, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2).

2. Subsequent Appeals and Plagues: Following Pharaoh's refusal, God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each increasing in severity. These plagues were both a demonstration of God's power and a judgment against the gods of Egypt. With each plague, Moses and Aaron returned to Pharaoh with the same request, but Pharaoh's heart remained hardened. The plagues included turning the Nile to blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7-12).

3. Final Request and Release: The tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, was the most devastating. It struck at the heart of Egyptian society, affecting every household, including Pharaoh's. In the aftermath, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and relented, saying, "Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested" (Exodus 12:31). This marked the beginning of the Exodus, as the Israelites departed from Egypt with great wealth, as God had promised (Exodus 12:35-36).

Theological Significance

The requests to Pharaoh and the subsequent plagues highlight several key theological themes:

· Divine Sovereignty: The narrative underscores God's supreme authority over all nations and rulers. Despite Pharaoh's initial defiance, God's will ultimately prevails.

· Judgment and Mercy: The plagues serve as both acts of judgment against Egypt and acts of mercy towards Israel. They demonstrate God's willingness to intervene on behalf of His people and His power to deliver them from oppression.

· Covenant Faithfulness: God's actions in Egypt are rooted in His covenant promises to the patriarchs. The liberation of Israel is a fulfillment of His promise to make them a great nation and to bring them to the land He swore to give to their ancestors.

· Worship and Obedience: The repeated request to let the Israelites go to worship God in the wilderness emphasizes the importance of worship and obedience. The Exodus is not just a physical liberation but a spiritual one, calling the Israelites to serve and worship the true God.

The "Request to Pharaoh" is a foundational event in biblical history, setting the stage for the formation of Israel as a nation and their unique relationship with God.