His memorial - Exodus 3:15-22

Exodus 3:15–22 NKJV

15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; 17 and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ 18 Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ 19 But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

Historical Context

Moses, around the age of eighty (Acts 7:23, 30), is at Mount Horeb, the Mountain of God (Ex 3:1). He is a Hebrew, raised in the household of pharaoh, and now in exile. He fled into the wilderness of Midian because he murdered a taskmaster who was beating a fellow Hebrew and feared that this would become known (Ex 2:15). In Midian, he found refuge at the house of Jethro (Ex 2:21), a priest (Ex 2:16, 18:1, 9), and married Zipporah, with whom he had a son named Gershom.

The people of Israel are in enslavement in Egypt for the last 400 years, which most likely ended in 1446 BC (based on the early Exodus) or in 1276 BC (based on the late Exodus). Recent excavations are pointing towards the early Exodus, but the duration of their enslavement is what truly matters. Initially, they were invited as guests under Joseph (Gen 45:16-28), but later became oppressed slaves under pharaohs who no longer remembered Joseph (Ex 1:8-14).

In the preceding verses of Exodus 3, we read that the Angel of the LORD calls Moses from a burning bush that remains unconsumed at Mount Horeb (Ex 3:2-5). The exact location of Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, is unknown today, but is most likely situated somewhere in the Sinai Peninsula or in modern-day Saudi Arabia. God identifies Himself as the God of Moses’ father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Ex 3:6). It is uncertain what knowledge Moses had about Yahweh and his forefathers, as he was raised in the household of pharaoh. It is likely that Jethro shared some insights about Yahweh with him, but the extent of this knowledge is unknown. The personal relationship with God begins there, as God reveals Himself to Moses and even tells him His name (Ex 3:14).

God tells Moses that He has seen the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. He has heard their cries and knows their sorrows (Ex 3:7). God is compassionate and involved in the situation of the Israelites. He decides to come down and deliver the Israelites from the hand of Egypt and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey, specifically, to Canaan (Ex 3:8). He tells Moses that He will send him to pharaoh, such that he can bring the children of Israel out of Egypt (Ex 3:10). Moses questions his own abilities (Ex 3:11), but God answers him that He is sufficient (Ex 3:12).

Exposition of the text

My memorial

Exodus 3:15 “Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’”

If it was not clear enough already, God, again states His name to Moses. This time, however, it slightly differs from the first time we read this sentence in this chiastic structure. Not only does God says: “The God of your fathers...”. But this time He calls Himself “The LORD God of your fathers...”. In Hebrew we will read ‘Yahweh Elohim’. This combination of names of God is not often used before this moment. We only see it a couple of times in Genesis in combination with the patriarch Abraham (Gen 24:3,7,27, 48, 28:13) and when Noah blesses his son Shem (Gen 9:26). God makes sure to communicate this to Moses, He is the One, the LORD God of his fathers. To specify even further, He names the fathers of the people of Israel, the ones that had a personal relationship with Him: Abraham (Gen 12:7), Isaac (Gen 26:1-5) and Jacob (Gen 28:10-22). This is a repetition of God’s introduction to Moses in Exodus 3:6. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; in the present tense, not the past. Jesus refers to this as well as the Sadducees asked Him a question in Mark 2:18-27 (or parallel texts in Matthew 22:23-33 and Luke 20:27-40).

Then we come across a poetic verse were it is stated that “God’s name is forever, and His memorial to all generations”. We observe a parallel in this text, as forever parallels all generations, such does the name of the LORD parallels with His memorial. His name is His memorial. It should be remembered forever, from generation to generation. In Hebrew they use the word ‘generation’ twice, as a superlative, to all the generations that are to come (Ps 30:4, 102:12, 135:13, Hos 12:5). This parallel emphasizes the importance of the divine Name. He is not only a God that is served in the past (by the patriarchs) or in the present, but also in the future.

God visits His people

Exodus 3:16 “Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt;”

This is the first time the word ‘elder’ is used in the Bible. This term is often connected to older people and/or people who are leaders, responsible for groups of people. In Old Testament scripture those elders have specific tasks, they first and foremost represented their people (Ex 12:21-28, 19:7, 24:1) and judge over their people (Ex 18:21-26, Deut 19:11-12, Jdg 8:14, Ruth 4:1-12). The Lord gives clear instruction in to whom Moses has to communicate His message to. First the elders (Ex 3:16-17), then pharaoh (Ex 3:18-20), and last and not least all the Israelites (Ex 3:21-22).

When God appears to the groups of people, he shows (part of) His glory to them. The word appeared, that is used here, is a personal and individual appearing, in this case to Moses. God presents Himself for Moses or allowed Himself to be seen.

The text states that God visited the people, this is actually a light translation of the real meaning. When God visits His people, He intervenes in their lives. When He visited the Amalekites, He destroyed them (1 Sam 15:2). When He visited Sarah, He provided the long awaited child (Gen 21:1). God visits the people of Israel He is starting their deliverance through Moses, fulfilling the prophesy of Jacob in Genesis 50:23 and Joseph in Genesis 50:24: “And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.””

Flowing with milk and honey

Exodus 3:17 “and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’”

The land will be flowing with milk and honey. The flowing specifies the abundance that there will be in the land, the milk and honey signifies abundance and fertility. Thus the promised land, flowing with milk and honey, reflects the greater good the land will offer, especially compared to the situation they are coming from.

More information on this and on the people groups can be found in the file: Exodus_3_7_10 El Roi

Sacrifice

Exodus 3:18 “Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’”

God promises Moses that the elders of the Israelites will listen to his voice, their response will be favorable. God met with His people, not in a literal sense, but somehow God encountered with the Israelites. Moses has to request pharaoh to let the Israelites go for three days into the wilderness in order that they may sacrifice to God. God gives Moses the words he need to say to pharaoh. He does not have to come up with his own reasoning, but simply has to serve as the spokesman of God. Studying the grammar shows us that this ‘letting go’ is a request to pharaoh, not a demand. It is unclear if this request was deceitful. We do not know the intent of God with this three day journey. One thing was clear, He is going to deliver His people. Sacrificing was done before the law as a deed of worship. In ancient times, the Egyptians allowed slave laborers to participate in worship holidays, so this request was in accordance with Egyptian customs. Pharaoh refusing this request emphasizes his character and, if that was not sure already, his unwillingness to let the people of Israel go. He would not let them go for three days, let alone setting them free altogether.

Mighty hand

Exodus 3:19–20 “But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go.”

God tells to Moses which reaction he can expect from pharaoh in advance. It will not be an easy job, pharaoh will not let you go, even by a mighty hand. This verse raises the question if God knows how things will turn out, or if determined the outcome of the situation. The first one is true for sure, but later down we read that God hardens the heart of pharaoh, which might suggest His active hand in the situation. Later more on this. The mighty hand in this passage can have different meanings. It becomes a little bit unclear since one verse further God will stretch out His mighty hand which will ultimately lead to the release of the Israelites. This sentence can be translated in multiple ways:

Pharaoh will not let the people go, not even by a mighty hand, like the NKJV states. Or

Pharaoh will not let the people go, unless by a mighty hand, like the ESV states.

Exodus 3:19 ESV

19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.

This passage could also provide the viewpoint of pharaoh. Then Ex 3:20 would be an ironic contradiction to the plans of pharaoh.

God will stretch out His hand, not literally, but describes the power of God that is going to be displayed. God’s power is superior to the “mighty” power of pharaoh. God will do wonders, not just signs. It became clear that only God could do these kinds of wonders, referring to the ten plagues. The word used for wonder could mean the following: to fulfill, to be difficult, to be wonderful, to deal marvelously and to be distinguished. Could it mean all in this case? In any way, it is sure that this would be divine intervention. God stretching out His hand and pharaoh letting go of the Israelites is a wordplay. These words are used twice, but in different context.

Moses and the Israelites were to act in faith, trusting that God, Who had revealed Himself to them, would be everything they could ever need. He is all we need too.

Plunder the Egyptians

Exodus 3:21–22 “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.””

Abraham already received this promise from the Lord, and God is faithful to this promise in Genesis 15:14 “And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.” And it comes to past just as the Lord tells Moses here (Ex 11:2-3, 12:35-36).

Normally you would plunder someone, when you were victorious in battle. However, the Israelites did not battle, as God stretched His hand out for them. He defeats the Egyptians, and the Israelites plunder their defeated enemy. When it states that the Israelites ask their neighbor, it does not mean that they ring the bell and ask them friendly. They demand it from everyone who is staying in Egypt, since they are victorious over them. The spoils the Israelites take are to be considered as delayed loan for their enslavement period. Later, in the law, we find a similar pattern concerning bond-servants in Deut 15:12-15.

The silver and gold that the Israelites took from the Egyptians was enough to build the golden calf and the tabernacle, and there was even way more, since Moses has to ask the Israelites to stop bringing supplies for the tabernacle (Ex 36:3-6).

Conclusion & Application

God tells Moses to go to the elders, pharaoh and the people of Israel. He even gives context to the response they are going to give. First he needs to remind the people of Israel of their God. He is a God that is not bound to past or present, but even will be present in the future, emphasising the timeless Name of our God. Then he has to tell the elders of the Israelites that their God will intervene personally in their distress to bring them to a better place, a place of abundance.

God is not bound to time. He will intervene in all our circumstances. He is our Hope and Assurance.

God brings His people to a place of abundance. Eventually we will end up in a place of abundance. It might take 400 years like the Egyptians, but the Place that is layed out is our reward. He is our Reward.

He has to place a request at the address of pharaoh for a three day holiday to sacrifice/worship the Lord. God prepares Moses for the answer he can expect from pharaoh. Pharaoh will only let the Israelites go by a mighty hand. God Himself is in control and will deliver His people, it is only using Moses to perform the work, but He is doing and will do the work.

The only correct to reply is worship Him. The only correct way to do this is by giving our all to Him (Rom 12:1).

God is in control. He is only using us as his chess pieces, but He is the one who does the thinking, placing and oversees the board. We need to act in faith and trust the Lord on His Word. He will do the work through us, but it is still His work.

The Israelites will not leave empty-handed. They will plunder the Egyptians like a victorious army plundering the defeating side. However, the Israelites did nothing to accomplish this victory, it is all the work of the Lord.

Plunder the defeating side, by drawing non-believers into the Kingdom of the Lord.

God presence is strong enough to even convince His opponents.

Bibliography

Alexander, T. Desmond. “Exodus.” Pages 92–120 in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham. 4th ed. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Biblical Studies Press. The NET Bible. Second Edition. Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019.

Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999.

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982