Moses has tried to free the people of Israel, but all he’s gotten for his efforts is that they now have to build their own bricks.  Plus they’re mad at him.  Moses is discouraged, but God speaks to him.

“I am God,” God says.  The same one seen by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  “I have heard the moaning of the Children of Israel.”  So, say to them: “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm.  I will take you for me as a people and I will be for you as a God.  I will bring you into the land I promised to give you and I will give it to you as a possession.”

So Moses tells that to the Children of Israel, but they don’t listen.

Moses says to God “If they don’t listen to me how will Pharoah?”

God says to Moses “Look, I will make you like a god for Pharoah, and Aaron your brother will be your prophet. Tell Pharoah everything I command you to say.”

“But,” says God, “I will harden Pharoah’s heart.  Pharoah won’t listen to me so I will set my hand against Egypt.  Not only that, I don’t speak so well.”

Food for Thought

What would have happened to the Children of Israel if Moses had just given up?