Old Testament
Exodus 10:7
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Pharaoh's officials said to him, "How long are we going to let this man be a trap for us? Let the people go so they can worship the LORD their God. Don't you realize Egypt is already ruined?"
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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?
What Exodus 10:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Pharaoh's advisors are expressing their frustration and fear about the ongoing plagues affecting Egypt. They recognize that Moses, the leader of the Israelites, is causing significant trouble for the nation. The officials are urging Pharaoh to let the Israelites go so they can worship their God. They see the devastation around them and understand that continuing to resist is only making things worse. Their plea highlights the urgency of the situation, as they realize that Egypt is on the brink of collapse. This conversation reveals the tension between Pharaoh's stubbornness and the growing awareness among his own people of the dire consequences of his decisions. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, we need to listen to wise counsel, especially when the stakes are high. Ignoring the signs can lead to greater ruin, both personally and collectively. The officials' words reflect a turning point, where the realization of the need for change becomes undeniable.
How to apply Exodus 10:7 to your life
When faced with difficult decisions, it's important to seek wise counsel and consider the consequences of our actions. Ignoring advice can lead to greater problems. Reflect on your own life: are there areas where you need to listen to those around you for guidance and support? Make a change today if needed.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1–20)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying Exodus 10:7
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:7 reveal about Pharaoh's leadership?
Exodus 10:7 highlights Pharaoh's stubbornness and the growing concern among his advisors regarding the consequences of his decisions. The officials recognize that Moses is a significant threat to Egypt's stability and urge Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. This moment underscores the importance of listening to wise counsel, especially in leadership, as ignoring sound advice can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Why did Pharaoh's officials want the Israelites to be freed?
Pharaoh's officials wanted the Israelites to be freed so they could worship the LORD their God. They understood that the ongoing plagues were devastating Egypt and that continuing to resist Moses and the Israelites was only worsening their situation. Their plea reflects a sense of urgency and a recognition that allowing the Israelites to leave could be a path to alleviating the suffering in Egypt.
What can we learn from the plea of Pharaoh's officials in this verse?
The plea of Pharaoh's officials in Exodus 10:7 teaches us the importance of heeding wise counsel and recognizing the signs of impending crisis. It serves as a reminder that stubbornness can lead to greater ruin, and that sometimes, making difficult decisions is necessary for the greater good. This moment encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are ignoring valuable advice from those around us.
How does Exodus 10:7 illustrate the theme of consequences?
Exodus 10:7 illustrates the theme of consequences by showing how Pharaoh's refusal to listen to his advisors is leading to the destruction of Egypt. The officials' acknowledgment that Egypt is already ruined emphasizes that actions have repercussions. This moment serves as a warning about the importance of recognizing when a situation is dire and the need for change to avoid further disaster.
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