And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.
And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.
And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the Lord your God: but who are they that shall go?
And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the Lord.
And he said unto them, Let the Lord be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you.
Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the Lord; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.
And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you.
Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the Lord your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the Lord.
And the Lord turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.
Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither.
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.
And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.
Exodus 10 recounts the relentless confrontation between God and Pharaoh, showcasing God's unwavering power and Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to yield. This chapter reveals not only the magnitude of God's judgment upon Egypt but also His intention to demonstrate His glory to Israel and future generations. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of resisting His will. This chapter serves as a crucial turning point in the Exodus narrative, emphasizing the cost of pride and the ultimate triumph of divine power. Let's delve into the details of Exodus 10 and unpack its profound message.
God's Purpose Revealed (Exodus 10:1-2)
Exodus 10:1-2 highlights a crucial element often overlooked in the narrative of the plagues. God explicitly states that He hardened Pharaoh's heart to display His signs and wonders. However, the miracles were not solely for the Egyptians' sake. They were also intended for the Israelites. God wanted future generations to recount how He powerfully judged their enemies, fostering reverence and trust in Him. This concept is timeless. Christian parents are called to pass on their faith, ensuring their children know, trust, and live in light of God's grace and power. This echoes the call in Ephesians 6:4, urging parents to nurture their children in the Lord.
The Question of Humility (Exodus 10:3)
Through Moses, God directly confronts Pharaoh's stubbornness, asking, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?" (Exodus 10:3). God already knew the answer. Pharaoh would eventually bow. The real question was how much destruction and sorrow he would inflict upon himself and his people before surrendering. This poses a challenge relevant to us all. The true King will ultimately prevail. The choice lies in whether we submit to His agenda and experience blessing or resist and endure misery.
The Plague of Locusts Foretold (Exodus 10:4-7)
The eighth plague, a devastating swarm of locusts, is announced, threatening to consume what remained of Egypt's crops after the hail (Exodus 10:4-5). This time, Pharaoh's advisors, witnessing the devastation, pleaded with him to release the Israelites. "How long," they asked, "will this man be a snare to us? ... Don't you realize yet that Egypt is devastated?" (Exodus 10:7). Their desperate plea underscores the extent of the damage and the king's blindness. Pharaoh's arrogance blinded him to the crumbling nation around him. This serves as a cautionary tale: arrogance, whether in leadership or personal life, can prevent us from seeing the obvious consequences of our actions.
Compromise Rejected (Exodus 10:8-11)
Pharaoh attempts another compromise, allowing only the able-bodied men to go and offer sacrifices (Exodus 10:8-11). This was a calculated move. He likely believed the men would be unwilling to abandon their families. Pharaoh was essentially saying, "That's all you're getting." However, he failed to grasp that he was already destined to lose. God demanded complete obedience, not partial concessions.
Locusts Descend (Exodus 10:12-20)
Moses extends his staff, and an east wind brings the locusts upon the land (Exodus 10:12-13). The sheer magnitude of the swarm was unprecedented, an "ominous...cloud of marching, chewing soldiers" (Exodus 10:14), devouring every plant until nothing green remained (Exodus 10:15). In desperation, Pharaoh confesses his sin, asks for forgiveness, and begs Moses to intercede with God (Exodus 10:16-17). Moses prays, God removes the locusts, and predictably, Pharaoh reneges on his promise (Exodus 10:18-20). This cycle of temporary repentance followed by renewed defiance reveals the depth of Pharaoh's hardened heart.
The Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21-23)
Without warning, the ninth plague descends: a thick darkness covering the land of Egypt for three days (Exodus 10:21-22). The darkness was so oppressive that the Egyptians were unable to move. In stark contrast, the Israelites had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:23). This miraculous distinction highlights God's protection over His people and the futility of opposing Him.
Another Failed Bargain (Exodus 10:24-29)
Pharaoh makes another half-hearted attempt, offering to let the families go but demanding that the flocks and herds remain (Exodus 10:24). Moses refuses, understanding that partial obedience is disobedience. He insists that all the livestock must accompany them, as they would not know what sacrifices were required until they reached the wilderness (Exodus 10:25-26). Enraged, Pharaoh threatens Moses with death should he ever appear before him again (Exodus 10:28). Moses agrees, knowing that their final encounter is ordained by God (Exodus 10:29).
Exodus 10 vividly portrays the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh. It showcases God's unwavering power, Pharaoh's stubborn resistance, and the devastating consequences of defying the Almighty. More than a historical account, this chapter delivers a timeless message about the importance of humility, obedience, and the ultimate triumph of God's will. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we are not stubbornly resisting God's leading in our lives. The story of Exodus 10 serves as both a warning and a source of hope, reminding us that God's power is unmatched and His promises are unfailing.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the Lord.
And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.
And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the Lord your God: but who are they that shall go?
And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the Lord.
And he said unto them, Let the Lord be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you.
Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the Lord; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.
And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you.
Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the Lord your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the Lord.
And the Lord turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the Lord our God.
Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the Lord our God; and we know not with what we must serve the Lord, until we come thither.
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.
And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.
Exodus 10 recounts the relentless confrontation between God and Pharaoh, showcasing God's unwavering power and Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to yield. This chapter reveals not only the magnitude of God's judgment upon Egypt but also His intention to demonstrate His glory to Israel and future generations. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of resisting His will. This chapter serves as a crucial turning point in the Exodus narrative, emphasizing the cost of pride and the ultimate triumph of divine power. Let's delve into the details of Exodus 10 and unpack its profound message.
God's Purpose Revealed (Exodus 10:1-2)
Exodus 10:1-2 highlights a crucial element often overlooked in the narrative of the plagues. God explicitly states that He hardened Pharaoh's heart to display His signs and wonders. However, the miracles were not solely for the Egyptians' sake. They were also intended for the Israelites. God wanted future generations to recount how He powerfully judged their enemies, fostering reverence and trust in Him. This concept is timeless. Christian parents are called to pass on their faith, ensuring their children know, trust, and live in light of God's grace and power. This echoes the call in Ephesians 6:4, urging parents to nurture their children in the Lord.
The Question of Humility (Exodus 10:3)
Through Moses, God directly confronts Pharaoh's stubbornness, asking, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?" (Exodus 10:3). God already knew the answer. Pharaoh would eventually bow. The real question was how much destruction and sorrow he would inflict upon himself and his people before surrendering. This poses a challenge relevant to us all. The true King will ultimately prevail. The choice lies in whether we submit to His agenda and experience blessing or resist and endure misery.
The Plague of Locusts Foretold (Exodus 10:4-7)
The eighth plague, a devastating swarm of locusts, is announced, threatening to consume what remained of Egypt's crops after the hail (Exodus 10:4-5). This time, Pharaoh's advisors, witnessing the devastation, pleaded with him to release the Israelites. "How long," they asked, "will this man be a snare to us? ... Don't you realize yet that Egypt is devastated?" (Exodus 10:7). Their desperate plea underscores the extent of the damage and the king's blindness. Pharaoh's arrogance blinded him to the crumbling nation around him. This serves as a cautionary tale: arrogance, whether in leadership or personal life, can prevent us from seeing the obvious consequences of our actions.
Compromise Rejected (Exodus 10:8-11)
Pharaoh attempts another compromise, allowing only the able-bodied men to go and offer sacrifices (Exodus 10:8-11). This was a calculated move. He likely believed the men would be unwilling to abandon their families. Pharaoh was essentially saying, "That's all you're getting." However, he failed to grasp that he was already destined to lose. God demanded complete obedience, not partial concessions.
Locusts Descend (Exodus 10:12-20)
Moses extends his staff, and an east wind brings the locusts upon the land (Exodus 10:12-13). The sheer magnitude of the swarm was unprecedented, an "ominous...cloud of marching, chewing soldiers" (Exodus 10:14), devouring every plant until nothing green remained (Exodus 10:15). In desperation, Pharaoh confesses his sin, asks for forgiveness, and begs Moses to intercede with God (Exodus 10:16-17). Moses prays, God removes the locusts, and predictably, Pharaoh reneges on his promise (Exodus 10:18-20). This cycle of temporary repentance followed by renewed defiance reveals the depth of Pharaoh's hardened heart.
The Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21-23)
Without warning, the ninth plague descends: a thick darkness covering the land of Egypt for three days (Exodus 10:21-22). The darkness was so oppressive that the Egyptians were unable to move. In stark contrast, the Israelites had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:23). This miraculous distinction highlights God's protection over His people and the futility of opposing Him.
Another Failed Bargain (Exodus 10:24-29)
Pharaoh makes another half-hearted attempt, offering to let the families go but demanding that the flocks and herds remain (Exodus 10:24). Moses refuses, understanding that partial obedience is disobedience. He insists that all the livestock must accompany them, as they would not know what sacrifices were required until they reached the wilderness (Exodus 10:25-26). Enraged, Pharaoh threatens Moses with death should he ever appear before him again (Exodus 10:28). Moses agrees, knowing that their final encounter is ordained by God (Exodus 10:29).
Exodus 10 vividly portrays the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh. It showcases God's unwavering power, Pharaoh's stubborn resistance, and the devastating consequences of defying the Almighty. More than a historical account, this chapter delivers a timeless message about the importance of humility, obedience, and the ultimate triumph of God's will. It encourages us to examine our own hearts, ensuring we are not stubbornly resisting God's leading in our lives. The story of Exodus 10 serves as both a warning and a source of hope, reminding us that God's power is unmatched and His promises are unfailing.