Exodus 3:16-20 The program of Moses’ commission (Exodus 3:16-20) The end of the mission is known from the beginning. Moses need have no fear of failure. At first sight it might seem as though from this very fact Moses had a greater chance than we have. And yet the fact that we do not always, as Moses did, know the end from the beginning should lead us to cling more closely to God for greater grace, and stimulate us to greater effort. The assurance to be given to the children of Israel was that they were to be delivered by God Himself and planted again in their own land. The three day test (Exodus 3:18) was a picture of God working along the lines of least resistance, and favored Pharaoh. It was no deceit If Pharaoh would not allow three days, he would certainly not allow them to go for good. Why did God appeal when He knew that it would be in vain? That is answered by asking. Why does God still appeal to us when He knows ofttimes the appeal will be in vain? God makes the least possible request and with the greatest courtesy. That is why each time that Moses makes a demand upon Pharaoh the terms are more severe. Not even so little as God asked would be granted. The conflict was to be a religious one. It was a battle between the gods of Egypt and the God of Israel. This is the lesson that both Pharaoh and Moses should learn. Pharaoh especially would learn who Jehovah was when the plagues came upon him. The reference to “ borrowing jewelry” in Exodus 3:21-22 is understood when we substitute the word “ ask” instead of “ borrow.” Probably the word “ demand” would be better. These people had slaved so long for nothing that they were entitled to something, and we see later (Exodus 12:35-36) that the Egyptians forced their jewelry upon the Israelites, so glad were they to get rid of them.