In Exodus chapter ten, verse nine, the sixth plague of hail in Egypt had ended, and the Lord instructs Moses, with Aaron, to tell Pharoah of the upcoming seventh plague. After they left the presence of Pharoah, Pharoah’s servants spoke to the King of Egypt about the plague experiences they were currently experiencing. They attempt to convince the King of Egypt to let the Israelites go so they can have their feast. Pharoah’s servants did not want any more destruction in Egypt from the God of Israel. Pharoah then calls for Moses and Aaron to come to see him again.
A feast to the Lord requires the Israelites’ presence of men, women, and children of all ages to attend with their flocks and herds. The requirement for the sacrifices from the Israelites is unknown until they go to where they were to sacrifice. Participation was necessary to guide, direct, and instruct in the business of sacrifice and perform it as heads of their respective families. The former was to be present that they might be trained up the eligible ones and become accustomed to such religious services. Persons of every age, so every sex, had all a concern herein, especially as it was a solemn feast, which all were to partake.
The request to make a three-day journey to worship the Lord was sincere. However, the petition was introduced to the King of Egypt without any assurance that the Israelites would return. Pharoah seemed to have understood this situation. Initially, he denies the request, then changes his mind after the seventh plague. However, when the seventh plague subsided, he granted the request with the condition of leaving their animals behind. Pharaoh knew that by not allowing the animals to go with Moses and the Israelites, there could be no feast.