The drama of God’s activity to free Hebrew slaves from Egypt began in Exodus 5.
Moses told Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Let my people go, so that they may celebrate a festival to me in the wilderness.”
But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should listen to him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go” (Exodus 5.1-2).
God brought plagues on Egypt to force Pharaoh’s hand. The final event happened at midnight, on 15 Abib (springtime on the Hebrew calendar).
At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon and all the firstborn of the livestock.
Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was a loud cry in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.
Then he summoned Moses and Aaron in the night and said, “Rise up, go away from my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, serve the Lord, as you said.
Take your flocks and your herds, as you said, and be gone. And ask a blessing for me, too!” (Exodus 12.29-32).
The exodus was happening. Two million Hebrews were leaving Egypt with dough before it was leavened (verse 34) and silver and gold from the Egyptians (verse 35). Everyone knew that God’s favor was on the Hebrews (verse 36).
Verse 38 adds an intriguing note to the story.
A mixed crowd also went up with them and livestock in great numbers, both flocks and herds (Exodus 12.38).
Apparently, some Egyptians had been convinced that Jehovah was the One True God. They decided to follow the Hebrews out of Egypt to the Promised Land.
Abraham’s Blessing
Pharaoh sent Moses away with a final request, “Ask a blessing for me, too” (Exodus 12.32). Egyptians wanted to join the Hebrews in their departure to a new life.
This event was an example of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
“I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
“I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12.2-3).
The exodus from Egypt is one of many instances where the descendants of Abraham were a blessing to all the families of the earth.
The ultimate blessing to all the families of the earth came with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Not a Hoof Left Behind
Throughout the account of the plagues, we learn that Pharaoh wanted to limit the loss of his vast supply of cheap labor, but didn’t want to continue to suffer what God brought upon Egypt.
He negotiated with Moses to arrive at some form of settlement that would allow the continuation of the status quo.
At one point Pharaoh said, “Go, serve the Lord. Only your flocks and your herds shall remain behind. Even your little ones may go with you” (Exodus 10.24).
He said, “Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind” (Exodus 10.26).
Moses’ response reveals the value God gives to those whom Jesus calls the “little ones.”
Walter Brueggemann has an excellent chapter in his book, “Delivered Out of Empire,” on this topic. He points out that the hoof represents the animal’s lowest part, nearest to the ground.
Without a doubt, Pharaoh didn’t care for livestock, except to eat their meat. He used them as a bargaining chip to continue his oppressive regime that provided cheap labor for his empire.
Jewish people have been used as scapegoats for centuries by tyrants as tools to manipulate the populace for their purposes. To some degree, the same can be said for homosexuals, racial minorities, and immigrants.
It should not surprise us when strongmen, tyrants, dictators, and autocrats use “the least of these,” as Jesus would call them, to foster the continuation of their power.
Moses is a good model for the church. When he said, “Not a hoof shall be left behind,” he indicated his refusal to abandon anyone including the “least of these” in his company.
Isaiah proclaimed God’s love for people whom Pharaoh-like tyrants disregard as useless.
Strengthen the weak hands
and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf shall be opened;
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. (Isaiah 35.3-6)
God has another message through Isaiah for the lowest of the low in society.
Do not let the foreigner joined to the Lord say,
“The Lord will surely separate me from his people,”
and do not let the eunuch say,
“I am just a dry tree.”
For thus says the Lord:
To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose the things that please me
and hold fast my covenant,
I will give, in my house and within my walls,
a monument and a name
These I will bring to my holy mountain
and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
For my house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples. (Isaiah 56.3-5, 7)
Jesus’ Inclusiveness
I think it was Brueggemann who wrote in another book, “Jesus lifted up those whom the world puts down and includes those whom the world excludes.”
Jesus charged the church to leave no one behind. We are all sinners, but God’s love and grace have made it possible for us to know him.
Throughout my ministry, I have encountered numerous individuals with challenging behaviors. However, I have always approached my work with a firm belief. If I can get them to Jesus, he will take care of their issues.
As I pray for the church, my hope is that we steer clear of adopting the attitudes and actions reminiscent of Pharaoh, who exploited others for personal gain.
Rather, let us strive to be the type of individuals who assist people from all walks of life in responding to the inviting call of Jesus.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11.28-30).
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny and I have produced a YouTube video on this passage. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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