Exodus 10:28 – “Pharaoh said to Moses, ‘Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.'”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 10:28 captures a moment of intense confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses. After enduring nine devastating plagues, Pharaoh’s frustration and anger reach a boiling point. He commands Moses to leave his presence and warns him never to return, threatening that if Moses sees him again, it will result in his death. This verse illustrates the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and his refusal to submit to God’s will, despite the overwhelming evidence of God’s power.
Pharaoh’s threat is a last-ditch effort to assert his authority over Moses and the situation. However, his words are ultimately empty because the true power lies with God, who is working through Moses. Pharaoh’s declaration also foreshadows the impending final plague, the death of the firstborn, which will force him to let the Israelites go.
Historical Context
The historical context of Exodus 10:28 is crucial to understanding the significance of Pharaoh’s words. By this point, Egypt has been devastated by a series of plagues, each more severe than the last. These plagues were a direct challenge to Pharaoh’s authority and the gods of Egypt, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the one true God. Despite witnessing these miraculous events, Pharaoh remains defiant, unwilling to release the Israelites from slavery.
In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a god-king, and his word was law. His refusal to obey God’s command through Moses is an attempt to maintain his perceived divine authority. However, Pharaoh’s power is rapidly diminishing as God continues to display His sovereignty over all creation. Pharaoh’s threat to kill Moses if he returns is a desperate attempt to regain control, but it only highlights his helplessness in the face of God’s will.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 10:28 highlights the conflict between human pride and divine authority. Pharaoh’s anger and threats stem from his refusal to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that human power is limited, and resisting God’s will leads to judgment. Pharaoh’s hardened heart is an example of what happens when someone continually rejects God’s commands—they become increasingly entrenched in their opposition to God.
This verse also emphasizes the theme of divine protection. Despite Pharaoh’s threat, Moses is under God’s protection. God has called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and no human authority, not even Pharaoh, can thwart God’s plan. This reassures believers that when they are following God’s will, they are under His protection, regardless of the threats or opposition they may face.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 10:28 is a verse filled with tension and drama. Pharaoh’s command for Moses to leave and his threat of death are direct and forceful, reflecting his frustration and desperation. The verse is a turning point in the narrative, as it marks the final encounter between Moses and Pharaoh before the last and most severe plague.
The repetition of the theme of “seeing” is significant in this verse. Pharaoh’s words, “The day you see my face you will die,” emphasize the finality of his decision and the severance of any further negotiations. It underscores the hardened state of his heart and the inevitable judgment that is about to fall on Egypt.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 29:1 – “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” This verse reflects the danger of repeatedly resisting God’s warnings, as seen in Pharaoh’s behavior.
- Hebrews 10:31 – “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” This New Testament verse highlights the seriousness of opposing God, as Pharaoh is about to experience.
- Psalm 2:2-4 – “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” This psalm speaks to the futility of human rulers who oppose God’s will, much like Pharaoh.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 10:28 serves as a warning against hardening one’s heart to God’s will. It challenges believers to remain open and responsive to God’s guidance, recognizing the danger of resisting His commands. The verse also encourages Christians to trust in God’s protection and sovereignty, knowing that no earthly power can thwart God’s plans for their lives.
This verse is a reminder that pride and stubbornness can lead to destructive consequences. Pharaoh’s refusal to humble himself before God resulted in the loss of many lives in Egypt, including his own firstborn. Christians are called to walk in humility, submitting to God’s will rather than clinging to their own agendas.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 10:28, while highlighting God’s judgment, also reflects His love in His desire to bring His people out of bondage. God’s love is shown in His persistence with Pharaoh, giving him multiple opportunities to repent and avoid further devastation. However, God’s love is also just, and He will not allow sin and rebellion to go unpunished indefinitely.
God’s love is seen in His protection of Moses, who is carrying out God’s mission to deliver the Israelites. Despite Pharaoh’s threats, God ensures that His plan will be fulfilled. This verse shows that God’s love includes both mercy and justice, working to bring about His good purposes for His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 10:28 connects to Jesus Christ by illustrating the conflict between human authority and God’s will, a theme that is central to the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. Just as Pharaoh opposed God’s plan to deliver the Israelites, the religious leaders and Roman authorities opposed Jesus and His mission to bring salvation to the world.
Jesus, like Moses, faced threats and opposition, but He remained faithful to His mission, trusting in God’s protection and sovereignty. Jesus’ obedience ultimately led to His death on the cross, but through His resurrection, God’s plan was fulfilled, bringing deliverance not just to Israel, but to all humanity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to examine areas of your life where you may be resisting God’s will?
- What can you learn from Pharaoh’s hardened heart about the dangers of pride and stubbornness?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s protection and sovereignty, even in the face of opposition or threats?
- In what ways does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love, which includes both mercy and justice?
- How does Jesus’ example of obedience in the face of opposition inspire you to follow Him more closely in your own life?
Exodus 10:28 is a powerful reminder of the consequences of resisting God’s will and the importance of trusting in His protection and sovereignty. It challenges us to walk in humility and obedience, following Jesus’ example as we navigate the challenges and opposition we may face in our own lives.