What is the meaning of Exodus 10:11? No Pharaoh’s first word is abrupt. His heart is still hard even after seven plagues (Exodus 9:34–35). Earlier refusals—“Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him?” (Exodus 5:2)—now rise again. • This “No” resists God’s clear command reiterated through Moses in Exodus 3:18; 8:1; 9:1. • Each refusal heightens the contrast between Pharaoh’s stubborn will and the LORD’s sovereign purpose (Romans 9:17). only the men may go Pharaoh proposes a compromise: adult males may leave, women and children stay. • By keeping families behind, Pharaoh retains hostages, ensuring Israel’s return (Exodus 10:24). • The enemy often offers partial freedom—anything less than total obedience. Moses discerns the trap, as Joshua later does when he declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Scripture presents worship as a family affair (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 78:4). Limiting it to men contradicts God’s design. and worship the LORD Pharaoh is willing to let worship happen—on his terms. • True worship requires going where and how God directs (John 4:24). • Earlier, Pharaoh had said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within this land” (Exodus 8:25). Now he offers distance but restricts participants. Each offer is still disobedience in disguise. • The LORD’s call was corporate: “We must hold a feast to the LORD” (Exodus 10:9), involving young, old, sons, daughters, flocks, and herds. since that is what you have been requesting Pharaoh twists Moses’ words, pretending that only men were ever mentioned. • A half-truth serves as a denial; Satan used the same tactic in Genesis 3:1, questioning and reshaping God’s word. • Moses had repeatedly stated the full scope (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:27). Pharaoh’s revision shows he hears but refuses to heed. And Moses and Aaron were driven from Pharaoh’s presence Negotiation over. Court officials expel the prophets. • Hard hearts often push away God’s messengers (Acts 7:57). • Their dismissal cues the eighth plague: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand…’” (Exodus 10:12). God’s plan moves forward untouched by Pharaoh’s fury. • Moses and Aaron leave empty-handed in appearance, yet they carry the authority of the LORD (Exodus 10:3). summary Exodus 10:11 reveals a counterfeit offer of obedience. Pharaoh’s “only the men” proposal seeks control, not surrender. True worship demands total release—every person, every possession, every heartbeat—into the LORD’s hands. Partial freedom is still bondage; partial obedience is still rebellion. God will accept nothing less than the complete obedience He soon secures through the Exodus. |
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