Exodus 10:8 – “Then Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. ‘Go, worship the Lord your God,’ he said. ‘But tell me who will be going.’”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 10:8 captures a moment of negotiation between Pharaoh and Moses. After the mounting pressure of the plagues, Pharaoh seems to be relenting, at least partially. He calls Moses and Aaron back to him and grants them permission to worship the Lord, but with a condition—he wants to know who will be going. This verse highlights Pharaoh’s attempt to maintain control over the situation, even as he begins to give in to God’s demands.
Pharaoh’s question, “But tell me who will be going,” suggests that he is still not fully committed to letting the Israelites go. He might be willing to let some of them go temporarily, but he is not ready to release the entire nation, especially not the women and children, who represented the future of Israel. Pharaoh’s reluctance to fully obey God’s command shows his continued resistance and desire to control the outcome.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is set during the series of plagues that God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. By this point, Egypt has already endured several devastating plagues, and the threat of a plague of locusts is looming. Pharaoh, who had previously been unyielding, is beginning to show signs of weakening. However, his question to Moses and Aaron indicates that he is still trying to negotiate and set terms for the Israelites’ departure.
In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was seen as the ultimate authority, and his decisions were law. This makes his hesitation to fully comply with God’s command all the more significant. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence of God’s power, Pharaoh struggles to relinquish control, reflecting his pride and stubbornness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 10:8 highlights the human tendency to resist fully surrendering to God’s will. Pharaoh’s question reflects a partial obedience—a willingness to comply, but only on his own terms. This verse serves as a reminder that God desires complete obedience, not just partial compliance. It also illustrates the danger of trying to negotiate with God or set conditions on our obedience.
Pharaoh’s reluctance to let the entire Israelite community go also points to a deeper issue of trust. He does not trust God, nor does he trust that releasing the Israelites will lead to anything good for Egypt. This lack of trust is a common theme throughout the Bible, where people often struggle to fully trust in God’s plans and purposes.
Literary Analysis
In terms of literary structure, Exodus 10:8 serves as a moment of tension in the ongoing dialogue between Pharaoh and Moses. The verse captures a key turning point where Pharaoh begins to give in but still tries to maintain some control over the situation. The dialogue between Pharaoh and Moses is carefully crafted to show the gradual breakdown of Pharaoh’s resolve and the persistent demand from God for total obedience.
The phrase “But tell me who will be going” adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to the narrative, leaving the reader wondering how Moses will respond and what Pharaoh’s reaction will be. It also serves to highlight Pharaoh’s continuing resistance, despite the mounting evidence of God’s power.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” This verse echoes the theme of full obedience to God, without trying to serve or please others at the same time.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – “But Samuel replied, ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’” This verse underscores the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands.
- James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse emphasizes the need for total submission to God, without holding back or negotiating terms.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 10:8 is a reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God. It challenges believers to examine their own lives and see if there are areas where they are trying to negotiate with God or set conditions on their obedience. The verse calls Christians to fully trust in God’s plans, even when it means letting go of control and submitting entirely to His will.
This verse also serves as a caution against the temptation to only partially obey God. Just as Pharaoh tried to control who would go to worship, we might be tempted to obey God in some areas of our lives while holding back in others. True obedience requires surrendering all aspects of our lives to God, trusting that His ways are best.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 10:8 reflects God’s patience and desire for Pharaoh to fully surrender to His will. Even as Pharaoh continues to resist, God gives him opportunities to repent and obey. This shows God’s love and mercy, as He does not immediately bring judgment but allows time for change. God’s love is persistent, continually calling people to fully trust and obey Him, knowing that true freedom and blessing come from complete surrender.
God’s insistence on total obedience is not out of a desire to control, but out of love. He knows that partial obedience leads to confusion, conflict, and ultimately, failure. By calling for full obedience, God is guiding us toward the best possible outcome for our lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 10:8 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus calls His followers to complete obedience and surrender. Just as Pharaoh was asked to fully release the Israelites, Jesus calls His disciples to leave everything behind and follow Him (Luke 14:33). Jesus emphasized the importance of total commitment to God, warning against half-hearted obedience or trying to serve both God and worldly desires.
Moreover, Jesus Himself exemplified perfect obedience to the Father’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His submission to the Father’s plan, even to the point of death, serves as the ultimate model for us. Through His obedience, Jesus brought salvation to all who believe, demonstrating the power and blessing that comes from fully following God’s will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you are trying to negotiate with God or set conditions on your obedience?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of full trust and submission to God’s will?
- How can you practice complete obedience to God in your daily life, even when it means letting go of control?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to examine your own commitment to following God’s commands?
- How does Jesus’ example of obedience in the Gospels inspire you to fully surrender to God’s plans for your life?
Exodus 10:8 is a powerful reminder of the need for complete obedience and trust in God. It challenges us to let go of our attempts to control our circumstances and to fully submit to God’s will, knowing that He is trustworthy and His plans are for our good. This verse invites us to follow the example of Christ, who surrendered fully to the Father’s will and brought life and salvation to the world.