Exodus 8:28 says, “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.”

The Israelites had served as slaves in Egypt for many years.  In course of time, the Lord sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh, seeking the release of the children of Israel from slavery.  We read in Exodus 5:3, “And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God…”  It was Pharaoh’s absolute refusal to release the Israelites that caused the Lord to bring ten different plagues upon the land of Egypt.  At times, Pharaoh would promise to let the people go, but he would later change his mind.

During the time of these terrible plagues, Pharaoh offered four different compromises to Moses.  Let’s look at those compromises:

  • Exodus 8:25, “And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land.”
  • Exodus 8:28, “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.”
  • Exodus 10:11, “…go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.”
  • Exodus 10:24, “And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.”

These four compromises were all rejected by Moses, but these are the same four compromises that the enemy often offers believers today.  The Lord tells us to come out from the world and be a separated people unto Himself.  The first compromise was for the people to stay in Egypt, or not to separate themselves unto the Lord.  No separation from the world eventually turns into conformity and compromise with the world.  We read in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord…”

The next compromise, which was the one the inquirer asked about, was to let the people leave the land but not to go too far.  Without a total separation from the world and its sin, we are so apt to return to the wicked ways of the world.  The Lord tells us in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The third compromise was for only the men to go into the wilderness, leaving their wives and children.  This is such a subtle compromise and results in men being only concerned with their own spiritual well-being while neglecting the spiritual needs of our wives and children.  This is so dangerous.  May we as fathers and husbands assume the role of being the spiritual heads of our homes and lead our families to follow the Lord.  We do this by what we teach our families and how we live in front of them.

The fourth compromise was for the people to leave the land with their wives and children, but leave their flocks and herds.  The Israelites needed these animals to sacrifice to the Lord.  Today, the world will encourage us to stop the true worship of our Lord and savior.  So many church groups today are filled with entertainment and fun.  There is a loss of true worship.  While many believe that it is through loud music and dancing that we worship the Lord; that is not borne out in scripture.  True worship is the quiet reflective time of contemplating the person and work of the Lord and allowing His Spirit to stir our hearts in prayer and praise to our dear savior.  I suggest you read 1 Corinthians 11:23-31 for a lesson on worshipping the Lord Jesus by remembering Him and the death He died for us.  For the sake of the glory of the Lord may our stand be NO COMPROMISE!  (199.4)