Bargaining For Freedom

In this section of scripture where Moses is demanding that Pharaoh let the Israelites go is a great example of middle-eastern bargaining. Moses asks for permission to leave, Pharaoh makes a counter offer, and then Moses refuses. During the negotiations, Moses always asks for the same thing, the ability to go out from Egypt in order to pay tribute to God. He doesn't mention how long they will be gone, he only mentions the reason they need to go.

It seems clear that Pharaoh understood that they would not be coming back. That's why he asks them to leave the animals and only go a short distance. He wants to make it so that the people will almost be forced to return.

Moses told Pharaoh as much as he needed to. Really it didn't matter what Moses asked for, Pharaoh would have said no. The reason that things played out like they did was clear, it was a part of God's plan. It was for the purpose of making God's power known all throughout the land. And it worked. The Israelites were feared by the people in the land they went to take. The rumor of their escape must have spread.

Moses acted in obedience with God's plan, even though he didn't fully understand it at times. That's what we are called to do as well. We just need to do what God has called us to do, even though it might seem like a bad idea to us at the time. God is still in the business of bringing glory to His name through us. We need to learn to get out of the way and let Him.

Prayer- Pray that God would clearly show you what He has in store for your life. Pray for the strength to hang in, even when things are confusing and bleak.