In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the journey of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt, showing that Moses’ troubles did not end with Pharaoh but continued with the people themselves, who remained slaves inwardly though freed outwardly.

Main Idea

The journey from Goshen to Canaan symbolizes man’s spiritual journey from the slavery of sin to the freedom of communion with God. Just as God freed His people from Pharaoh, He also desires to free the heart from the inner Pharaoh — passions, rebellion, and unbelief.

Core Points

• After deliverance from Pharaoh, Moses faced a complaining and ungrateful people who quickly forgot God’s mercies.

• The Israelites were freed from external slavery but not from inner bondage — the slavery of desires, pride, and disbelief.

• The true enemy is not external Pharaoh but the Pharaoh within the heart.

• God Himself led them — by a cloud by day and fire by night — yet they were never content.

• Despite all miracles like manna and water from the rock, they kept murmuring instead of giving thanks.

• Moses is a model of patience, enduring a stubborn people for forty years and interceding for them before God.

• Pharaoh drowned in the Red Sea, but Satan did not — he continues to fight from within, through thought, will, and desire.

• Longing for past sin after deliverance shows a weak and unhealed soul.

Spiritual Interpretation

Every person lives between Goshen (bondage) and Canaan (promise).
Some remain in a spiritual wilderness — neither fully free nor fully enslaved — because they have not yet purified their hearts from complaint and disbelief.
True freedom begins within, through faith, gratitude, and repentance.

Practical Application

His Holiness urges believers to learn from Moses to be patient, thankful, and steadfast in faith amid trials.
One must walk with God not only with one’s feet but with one’s heart.
Nostalgia for sin is spiritual weakness; healing comes through prayer, faith, and trust in God’s promises.For better translation support, please contact the center.