The God of the Hebrews

The encounter between Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus is a pivotal moment that reveals not only Pharaoh’s hardened heart but also the way God uses revelation and truth to reach even those who do not acknowledge Him. When Pharaoh responds, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go?” he voices a skepticism rooted in his lack of personal experience with God. Pharaoh’s response—“I do not know the LORD”—reflects a mindset that equates knowledge of God with obedience. In Pharaoh’s mind, no personal encounter means no obligation to heed this God of the Hebrews. But God’s truth and authority are not dependent on an individual’s recognition or understanding.

Interestingly, Moses refers to “the God of the Hebrews” when addressing Pharaoh. But God is not just the God of the Hebrews; He is the Creator and Sovereign over all people and nations, even those who do not acknowledge Him. This distinction underscores how God’s relationship with Israel is unique but not exclusive—He has a purpose for all nations, including Egypt. In fact, the Egyptians once knew God through Joseph, who had delivered a prophecy that saved Egypt from a devastating famine. Pharaoh’s ancestors had respected and acknowledged the power of the God of Israel, yet that history was either forgotten or disregarded by this new Pharaoh.

Generations after Joseph’s influence in Egypt, the Israelites remained, choosing the comfort and prosperity of Egypt over returning to their ancestral home. This decision to stay rather than return to the land God had promised them allowed Israel to fall under Egypt’s influence, eventually leading them into idolatry and even servitude. Their prolonged presence in Egypt fostered spiritual complacency, emboldening Egypt’s leaders to disregard Israel’s God and ultimately contributing to the Israelites’ own enslavement. This progression serves as a reminder that our disobedience not only impacts our own lives but also ripples out to influence others and the culture around us.

The Pharaoh who now confronts Moses is blind to the legacy of God’s faithfulness, demonstrating how easily the knowledge of God can fade from a society’s consciousness if not cherished and remembered. It’s a powerful reminder that revelation alone does not sustain faith; it must be met with a response. Pharaoh’s ignorance of God does not erase the reality of God’s authority or the truth of Moses’ message. In the same way, when God speaks to others, even if we have not personally experienced Him in that way, it does not invalidate their encounter or the truth they proclaim. Pharaoh’s dismissal of God’s warning ultimately leads to Egypt’s suffering through plagues, highlighting how God’s authority and truth persist, whether recognized or not.

Yet, in contrast to the consequences of Israel’s disobedience, we also see the outcome of Moses’ obedience, which leads to Israel’s salvation and deliverance. Despite Pharaoh’s skepticism and disbelief, Moses stands firm in his mission, showing that a single act of faith and obedience can become the vehicle through which God brings liberation and hope. Just as Egypt once knew God through Joseph’s revelation, the story of Moses and Pharaoh serves as a timeless reminder that God continually extends opportunities for people to know Him. Pharaoh’s defiance illustrates the danger of ignoring divine truth, while Moses’ persistence shows the power of obedience, leading not only to personal fulfillment but also to the salvation of an entire nation.