Exodus 10:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you are asking." And they were driven out from Pharaoh 's presence.

NIV: No! Have only the men go and worship the Lord, since that’s what you have been asking for." Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh’s presence.

NASB: Not so! Go now, but only the men among you, and serve the Lord, since that is what you desire.' So they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

CSB: No, go—just able-bodied men—worship the Lord, since that’s what you want." And they were driven from Pharaoh’s presence.

NLT: Never! Only the men may go and worship the Lord, since that is what you requested.' And Pharaoh threw them out of the palace.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Not so! Go now, you who are men, and serve the Lord, for that is what you desired.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

Pharaoh is willing to negotiate for the release of some Hebrew slaves (Exodus 10:7). His nation has been devastated by seven plagues (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24). Even so, he refuses to accept the command from God that all of the people be let go (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1, 13, 10:3). His offer to let only a few leave for worship (Exodus 10:8) was rejected (Exodus 10:9). The king's response is arrogant and bitter (Exodus 10:10).

After his sneering response, Pharaoh makes his only offer: to let the Israelite men go for worship. He knows that if all the people leave, no one will return. This is the only request he will consider. As far as Pharoah is concerned, Moses is asking for the men to be released to prevent the next plague (Exodus 10:4–6). Apparently without waiting for an answer, the king has Moses and Aaron removed from his presence.

It will not be long before Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron back, this time to beg for mercy (Exodus 10:16–17).

Exodus 10:1–11 sets up the eighth of ten plagues which God has sent to prove His power to all generations. Moses once again delivers the Lord's command that Egypt release the Hebrew slaves. But Pharaoh is even more stubborn than usual, as God's punishment for his constant disobedience. By now, even Pharaoh's advisors recognize the power they are facing. They encourage negotiation. Pharaoh agrees to let only the male Hebrews leave for worship—then sends Moses away when this is not accepted.

Moses warns Pharaoh that an eighth plague will come if the Hebrew slaves are not set free. This will be the worst locust invasion the nation will ever see. Pharaoh's advisors beg him to negotiate. He offers to release only Israelite men, which Moses rejects. The locust plague eradicates everything that survived the earlier hailstorm. Pharaoh pleads for relief, only to break his promise once again when the danger has passed. Next come three days of intense darkness. Pharaoh once again tries to arrange a partial release. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh threatens to kill him if he ever comes back.

Seven times, God has sent supernatural judgment against the nation of Egypt (Exodus 7—9). Each time, Pharaoh has refused to obey God's command to release the Israelite slaves. As a result, God will no longer give Pharaoh the ability to repent (Proverbs 29:1). Despite an epic, devastating locust invasion and three days of darkness, Pharaoh still refuses to submit. Rather, he threatens Moses with death. This will lead Moses to predict the last and worst of the ten plagues (Exodus 11). The tragic death of Egypt's firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12) will finally lead to Israelite freedom.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 4/16/2025 7:58:41 AM