Definition: And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 10:3. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible about God’s plan for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is about God’s patience and his desire for Israel to recognize their dependence on Him. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh…” – This refers to Moses and Aaron, two of the most important leaders in the Israelites' history. They were traveling to meet Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. “…and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?” – This is the core of the verse. “Thus saith the LORD” means “So it is.” The next part is a direct command from God. It's asking Pharaoh a question: "How long will you be stubborn and unwilling to listen to what I say?" “Let my people go, that they may serve me.” – This is the promise God makes. God isn’t just talking about a future event; he’s saying that He wants Israel to now recognize their need for Him and humbly submit to His will. It's a clear invitation for Israel to turn to God, not just as a nation, but as individuals. What does this mean in context? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the potential for conflict between God and Egypt. Pharaoh was initially hesitant to allow the Israelites to leave because they were a dangerous people. God’s word – this verse – is setting the stage for a significant shift. It's saying that God isn’t just allowing them to go; He’s actively requesting it, and He wants Israel to show humility and obedience. Why is this important? This passage highlights several key themes: God’s Sovereignty: He has the power to decide who he chooses to allow to leave. Divine Command: God's word carries authority – it’s not just a suggestion, but a command. Humility and Obedience: It emphasizes that recognizing our dependence on God is crucial for His plan. In short, this verse speaks to God’s patience and his desire for Israel to become fully devoted to Him. It's a powerful moment in the story of Israel’s history, setting the stage for a major conflict. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply?