Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When he had worked wonderfully among them, didn't they let the people go, and they departed?
"Ancient religious protocol mandated that the worshiper not approach his god(s) empty-handed (cf. Exodus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:16)." [Note: Youngblood, p. 604.] 