Moses explains to Pharaoh that sacrificing in Egypt would mean sacrificing animals the Egyptians themselves consider sacred, making it an "abomination" to them. This isn't just about different beliefs; it's about directly provoking the Egyptians with actions they would find utterly repulsive, leading to the very real danger of being violently attacked and stoned to death.
But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the LORD our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Pharaoh, reeling from the plague of flies, offers a compromise: the Israelites can sacrifice to their God, but they must do it within Egypt. Moses immediately rejects this, explaining that the animals they would sacrifice are considered sacred by the Egyptians and killing them publicly would provoke a deadly riot. He reiterates God's command to travel three days into the wilderness to offer their sacrifices.
Pharaoh offers a compromise: 'Sacrifice to your God here, in Egypt.' Sounds reasonable, right? But Moses immediately shuts it down. Why?
Pharaoh's offer to let the Israelites sacrifice within Egypt wasn't a sign of changing heart, but a strategic move. He wanted to control their worship, keeping it within the bounds of Egyptian society and its deeply ingrained religious practices.
A Collision of Worlds
Moses highlights the stark reality: the animals the Israelites were commanded to offer to the LORD were precisely the animals the Egyptians revered as divine. Sacrificing a sheep, a cow, or an ox in Egypt wasn't just culturally insensitive; it was a direct affront to the very deities the Egyptians worshipped.
The Danger of Mixed Worship
To offer sacrifices 'abominable' to the Egyptians in their sight would be seen as the ultimate insult. Moses' fear of being stoned wasn't an exaggeration; it reflected the volatile religious landscape of Egypt, where harming a sacred animal could incite a furious mob. True worship, Moses understood, cannot be performed under conditions that compromise its integrity or endanger its worshippers.
Moses doesn't just point out the danger; he offers God's solution. What does it reveal about how God wants to be worshipped?
Pharaoh's proposal was a dangerous trap, aiming to assimilate Israelite worship into Egyptian culture. Moses' response, however, points to God's non-negotiable command: a 'three days' journey into the wilderness.'
Ask a follow-up
Worship Requires a Distinct Space
This wasn't about Moses being stubborn; it was about obedience to God's directive. The wilderness was a place set apart, free from the corrupting influences and idolatrous practices of Egypt. It was a space where Israel could worship the LORD without compromise, without offending their oppressors, and without mingling His pure service with the abominations of the surrounding nations.
God's Authority Over All Places
By demanding worship outside Egypt, God demonstrated His sovereignty not just over Israel, but over the very land of Egypt and its gods. He was calling His people to a worship that was wholly His, not dictated by the limitations or sensitivities of their captors.
Understand the original words
zebach · Hebrew Noun
A gift or act of devotion presented to God, often involving the killing of an animal as an atonement for sin or a sign of dedication and worship. It signifies the surrender of something valuable to the Creator.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew word denoting something detestable, loathsome, or morally repulsive in the sight of God or, in this context, culturally offensive to the Egyptians due to their religious practices. It marks a sharp distinction between the worship of Yahweh and the practices of pagan nations.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existent nature, faithfulness, and His personal relationship with His people. It is the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
Moses' refusal highlights the deep tension between Israelite worship and Egyptian religious practices. The Egyptians venerated many animals (like sheep and cattle) that Israel was commanded to sacrifice, making such sacrifices in Egypt a dangerous act of defiance that could incite violent reprisal.
c. 1526 BC
Israelites Settle in Egypt
The descendants of Abraham, led by Joseph, settle in the land of Egypt, initially finding favor and prosperity.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt after a series of plagues, culminating in the Passover and the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC - 1406 BC
The Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites journey through the Sinai wilderness for 40 years, receiving God's law and provision, but also facing rebellion and judgment.
c. 1446 BC
The Ten Plagues of Egypt Begin
God sends ten devastating plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage, demonstrating His power over Egyptian gods and the natural world.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Pharaoh Demands Sacrifice Within Egypt
After the plague of flies, Pharaoh offers a compromise, allowing the Israelites to sacrifice to their God but demanding they remain within Egypt.
This passage highlights God's prohibition against sacrificing to goat demons, underscoring the danger of offering something considered detestable or an 'abomination' in worship.
Deuteronomy 12:30-31Here, God explicitly warns Israel against adopting the detestable practices of the nations they are displacing, which included sacrificing to their gods in ways that were an 'abomination'.
Psalm 106:35-36This psalm recounts Israel's intermingling with the surrounding nations and adopting their ways, explicitly stating they 'served their idols, which became a snare to them,' echoing the potential for offense and danger in adopting foreign religious practices.
Luke 13:1In this instance, Jesus references the bloody deeds done by Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices, illustrating a historical context where religious practices could become entangled with violence and severe consequences.
gillExodus 8:26: "And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?"
And Moses said, it is not meet so to do,.... It being the command and will of God that they should go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice there; and besides it was dangerous, the Egyptians might be provoked by their sacrifices to fall upon them…
clarkeExodus 8:26: "And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?"
We shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians - That is, The animals which they hold sacred, and will not permit to be slain, are those which our customs require us to sacrifice to our God; and should we do this in Egypt the people would rise in a mass, and…
Moses explains to Pharaoh that sacrificing in Egypt would mean sacrificing animals the Egyptians themselves consider sacred, making it an "abomination" to them. This isn't just about different beliefs; it's about directly provoking the Egyptians with actions they would find utterly repulsive, leading to the very real danger of being violently attacked and stoned to death.
Pharaoh, reeling from the plague of flies, offers a compromise: the Israelites can sacrifice to their God, but they must do it within Egypt. Moses immediately rejects this, explaining that the animals they would sacrifice are considered sacred by the Egyptians and killing them publicly would provoke a deadly riot. He reiterates God's command to travel three days into the wilderness to offer their sacrifices.
Pharaoh, reeling from the plague of flies, offers a compromise: the Israelites can sacrifice to their God, but they must do it within Egypt. Moses immediately rejects this, explaining that the animals they would sacrifice are considered sacred by the Egyptians and killing them publicly would provoke a deadly riot. He reiterates God's command to travel three days into the wilderness to offer their sacrifices.
"But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the LORD our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us?" — Moses explains to Pharaoh that sacrificing in Egypt would mean sacrificing animals the Egyptians themselves consider sacred, making it an "abomination" to them. This isn't just about different belief…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
