As someone who has grown to love history, discovering the context of what has already happened in the past clarifies what readers should learn and take away from specific events. While reading the Exodus out of Egypt in the Bible, God’s initial intent was for Israel to be allowed to have a feast in the Wilderness. When this spiritual request was denied by Pharaoh, God wanted more than just a feast, He wanted Israel’s freedom from an oppressive government.
Afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness. 2 But Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us; let us go, we pray you, three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest He fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword, Exodus 5:1-3.
From a spiritual perspective, why did God seek a feast and why is the destination in the wilderness? The second question is easier to answer using Mark 1:35-36 as a guide. When there’s less distractions, focusing on God is so much easier and people can put their whole heart into worship. As for a feast, parties are meant to celebrate life so why not give glory to the Creator God. While there are likely more theological reasons, this initial feast in the wilderness makes sense.
The king of Egypt said to Moses and Aaron, Why do you take the people from their jobs? Get to your burdens! 5 Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and you make them rest from their burdens! 6 The very same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, 7 You shall no more give the people straw to make brick; let them go and gather straw for themselves, Exodus 5:4-7.
The above passage serves as a reminder not to complain at work. When complaints outnumber any thanks, employers can make conditions worse by taking away unappreciated aspects of your workplace. Although Israel may have initially blamed Aaron and Moses for making matters worse, this is all part of God’s plan for the Exodus out of Egypt. As you reflect upon the past year of 2023, don’t get bogged down by the negative. Rather, focus on the seeds of faith that will be harvested in future years to come.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 