Let My People GoNäide

At the beginning of Exodus, we find an early account of slavery in the lives of the Israelites. We know that the Israelites had gone to Egypt because it had what they desired – food. They were given the best part of this country, fertile land in the region of Goshen because they were shepherds and kept livestock.

During the period of Joseph, the Israelites lived and enjoyed much grace. When those who knew the Israelites and this history died, a new pharaoh came to rule who viewed them as a threat because of their increasing numbers. This new ruler saw that the Israelites had become numerous because they were blessed and decided to deal shrewdly with them.

He looked at the vast number of Israelites and saw an opportunity for cheap labour. He forced the Israelites to work under slave masters. Their lives were made bitter as they had to make bricks and mortar and were exposed to all kinds of harsh conditions in the fields. The Egyptians worked them ruthlessly.

The Israelites, God’s people, were in misery in the land of Egypt for more than 400 years.

God saw their misery and heard them crying out. He grew concerned about their suffering and came down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians, to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land.

Moses received clear instructions from God, and his mission was freedom for the Israelites. God sent Moses with a message for Pharaoh. It was a command:

‘Let my people go!’

Reflect on this:

What do you think was the reaction of the Israelites when they discovered that they were being targeted and that they were no longer free?

Why do you think they were exploited?

What can we learn from this command about God’s heart for freedom for people who are enslaved and forced into labour?