Definition: And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 8:28. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about a Pharaoh’s desperate plea. Here's what it means, explained in simple terms: The Basic Story: God is Concerned: God is watching over Israel (the Israelites) and is worried about their safety. Pharaoh is Controlling Them: Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, is preventing the Israelites from leaving the land to worship God. He’s essentially controlling them and making it difficult for them to go to the wilderness for sacrifice. The Plea: Pharaoh pleads with God to let the Israelites go. He’s asking for a miracle – a way for the Israelites to be free. What It Means in Simple Terms: Pharaoh is begging God to allow the Israelites to worship in the wilderness, but he’s also incredibly worried about their safety and doesn't want to risk them being harmed by the Egyptians. He's essentially saying, "Please let us go, but I don’t want to be responsible for anything bad happening to us." Key Ideas & Interpretation: God’s Concern is Paramount: The verse highlights God’s active involvement in a situation and his concern for the Israelites’ well-being. A Test of Faith: It suggests that this plea might be a test of faith for the Israelites. They are asking for a favor from God, and their actions could have significant consequences. The Importance of Obedience: It hints at the idea that obedience to God’s commands is crucial – even when it seems difficult or challenging. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God will ultimately deliver Israel from Egypt, but it also carries a sense of vulnerability and dependence on God's protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about what some theologians interpret it as meaning?