Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da, om natten, sendte farao bud på Moses og Aron. Han sa: «Pakk sammen, både dere og Israels folk. Dra av sted! Tilbe Herren, slik dere har sagt. Dra vekk fra mitt folk! Gå! Ta med dere alle dyrene deres slik dere ønsket. Dra av sted! Og velsign også meg!» Nå ville egypterne ha israelittene ut av landet. De maste på dem at de måtte skynde seg, for de sa: «Vi kommer til å dø, alle sammen.» Så tok folket baketrauene sine med deigene i, før de hadde hevet seg. De pakket dem inn i kappene sine og bar dem på skuldrene. Israels folk hadde gjort slik Moses hadde sagt; de hadde bedt egypterne om noe av sølv, noe av gull og klær. Herren hadde gjort egypterne velvillige mot Israels folk, derfor fikk de det de ba om. På den måten plyndret de egypterne.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Pharaoh is speaking to Moses and Aaron in the middle of the night. He tells them to leave Egypt with the Israelites because they can serve their God as they have requested. This marks the start of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who keeps asking to leave your house to go to a special party. Finally, you say, 'Okay, go to your party, but leave now!' That's like what Pharaoh is saying to Moses and Aaron: 'You can go serve your God now, but leave right away!'
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of Exodus, written by Moses around 1446 BC. It describes the Israelites' dramatic exodus from Egypt, highlighting the pivotal moment when Pharaoh, after experiencing the plagues, finally agrees to let the Israelites leave.
Living It Out Today
Just as Pharaoh finally relented and let the Israelites go, we sometimes need to let go of control and allow others to follow their path, even if it means letting them go. For example, a parent might need to let their child pursue a dream, even if it means moving away.
Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron by night after experiencing the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, which made him realize the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
What does Pharaoh's command mean by 'serve the LORD'?
By saying 'serve the LORD,' Pharaoh is acknowledging the Israelites' request to leave Egypt to worship their God, indicating a reluctant acceptance of their religious freedom.
How does this verse fit into the broader story of Exodus?
This verse marks a turning point in the Exodus story as it shows Pharaoh's final capitulation, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt and begin their journey toward the Promised Land.
What can we learn from Pharaoh's change of heart?
Pharaoh's change of heart teaches us that even after resisting for a long time, people can change their minds when faced with overwhelming circumstances, reflecting the power of divine intervention.