Book of Exodus - Chapter 10 - Verse 3

When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh demanding that he let the Hebrew people go, they were speaking on behalf of the LORD God. The verse indicates the power dynamics between Pharaoh, as the ruler of Egypt, and the Hebrew people who were enslaved. By addressing Pharaoh with "Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews," Moses and Aaron were claiming authority from a higher power, emphasizing that Pharaoh's refusal to release the Hebrews was a direct act of defiance against God. The request to "humble thyself before me" was a challenge to Pharaoh's pride and arrogance, urging him to acknowledge the authority of the one true God. The ultimate goal of letting the Hebrew people go was to allow them to worship and serve God freely. This verse showcases the ongoing struggle between earthly power and divine authority, highlighting the importance of obedience and humility before God.

In this verse, Moses and Aaron are acting as messengers of the LORD God of the Hebrews, speaking directly to Pharaoh. The theological interpretation of this passage reveals the theme of humility and obedience to God's will. By questioning Pharaoh's refusal to humble himself before the LORD, Moses and Aaron are highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's authority and submitting to His divine command. The word study of "humble" in this context denotes a sense of surrender and recognition of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew word used here implies a lowering or bowing down of oneself before God. This emphasizes the need for Pharaoh to acknowledge his prideful stance and yield to the will of the LORD. The ultimate goal of God's command to release the Israelites is for them to serve Him, emphasizing the importance of worshipping and obeying God above all else. Through this interaction with Pharaoh, we see a powerful example of God's desire for His people to humble themselves and serve Him faithfully.