Old Testament
Exodus 10:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses answered, "Everyone is going — young and old, sons and daughters, along with our flocks and herds. We have a feast to celebrate for the LORD."
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And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.
What Exodus 10:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses is speaking to Pharaoh, making it clear that the entire community, from the youngest to the oldest, will leave together. This is not just a journey; it’s a celebration dedicated to the LORD. Moses emphasizes that everyone, including their livestock, will participate in this feast. It highlights the importance of unity and inclusivity in worship. The feast symbolizes gratitude and recognition of God’s power and provision. By insisting that all family members and possessions join in, Moses shows that faith is a collective experience. This moment is about more than just leaving Egypt; it’s about honoring their relationship with God. It’s a declaration of freedom and a commitment to worship, illustrating how faith can bring people together in celebration and purpose. The act of feasting signifies joy and community, reinforcing the idea that worship is a shared experience that strengthens bonds among people and with God. This scene invites us to reflect on how we celebrate our faith together.
How to apply Exodus 10:9 to your life
Consider how you can include your family and friends in your spiritual practices. Celebrate your faith together, whether through shared meals, worship, or community service. Remember that faith is often stronger when experienced collectively, fostering deeper connections with each other and with God. Embrace the joy of togetherness in your spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1–20)
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Moses

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Exodus 10:9
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:9 mean?
Exodus 10:9 shows Moses telling Pharaoh that everyone, including families and livestock, will leave Egypt to celebrate a feast for the LORD. This emphasizes the importance of unity and collective worship in their faith.
What is the significance of the feast in Exodus 10:9?
The feast in Exodus 10:9 symbolizes gratitude and recognition of God's power. It highlights the idea that worship is a communal experience, bringing people together in celebration and honoring their relationship with God.
Who is included in the celebration mentioned in Exodus 10:9?
In Exodus 10:9, Moses states that everyone will participate in the celebration, including young and old, sons and daughters, as well as their flocks and herds. This inclusivity underscores the collective nature of their worship.
What themes are present in Exodus 10:9?
Exodus 10:9 presents themes of unity, celebration, faith, freedom, and community. It illustrates how faith can strengthen bonds among people and with God through shared experiences.
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