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Translation
Young's Literal Translation
And he goeth out from Pharaoh, and maketh supplication unto Jehovah,
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Commentary on Exodus 10 verses 12–20
12 ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.
13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.
17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.
19 And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
Here is, I. The invasion of the land by the locusts - God's great army, Joe 2:11. God bids Moses stretch out his hand (Exo 10:12), to beckon them, as it wee (for they came at a call), and he stretched forth his rod, Exo 10:13. Compare Exo 9:22 23. Moses ascribes it to the stretching out, not of his own hand, but the rod of God, the instituted sign of God's presence with him. The locusts obey the summons, and fly upon the wings of the wind, the east wind, and caterpillars without number, as we are told, Psa 105:34, Psa 105:35. A formidable army of horse and foot might more easily have been resisted than this host of insects. Who then is able to stand before the great God?
II. The desolations they made in it (Exo 10:15): They covered the face of the earth, and ate up the fruit of it. The earth God has given to the children of men; yet, when God pleases, he can disturb their possession and send locusts and caterpillars to force them out. Herbs grow for the service of man; yet, when God pleases, those contemptible insects shall not only be fellow-commoners with him, but shall plunder him, and eat the bread out of his mouth. Let our labour be, not for the habitation and meat which thus lie exposed, but for those which endure to eternal life, which cannot be thus invaded, nor thus corrupted.
III. Pharaoh's admission, hereupon, Exo 10:16, Exo 10:17. He had driven Moses and Aaron from him (Exo 10:11), telling them (it is likely) he would have no more to do with them. But now he calls for them again in all haste, and makes court to them with as much respect as before he had dismissed them with disdain. Note, The day will come when those who set at nought their counsellors, and despise all their reproofs, will be glad to make an interest in them and engage them to intercede on their behalf. The foolish virgins court the wise to give them of their oil; and see Psa 141:6. 1. Pharaoh confesses his fault: I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. He now sees his own folly in the slights and affronts he had put on God and his ambassadors, and seems at least, to repent of it. When God convinces men of sin, and humbles them for it, their contempt of God's ministers, and the word of the Lord in their mouths, will certainly come into the account, and lie heavily upon their consciences. Some think that when Pharaoh said, "The Lord your God," he did in effect say, "The Lord shall not be my God." Many treat with God as a potent enemy, whom they are willing not to be at war with, but care not for treating with him as their rightful prince, to whom they are willing to submit with loyal affection. True penitents lament sin as committed against God, even their own God, to whom they stand obliged. 2. He begs pardon, not of God, as penitents ought, but of Moses, which was more excusable in him, because, by a special commission, Moses was made a god to Pharaoh, and whosesoever sins he remitted they were forgiven; when he prays, Forgive this once, he, in effect, promises not to offend in like manner any more, yet seems loth to express that promise, nor does he say any thing particularly of letting the people go. Note, Counterfeit repentance commonly cheats men with general promises and is loth to covenant against particular sins. 3. He entreats Moses and Aaron to pray for him. There are those who, in distress, implore the help of other persons' prayers, but have no mind to pray for themselves, showing thereby that they have no true love to God, nor any delight in communion with him. Pharaoh desires their prayers that this death only might be taken away, not this sin: he deprecates the plague of locusts, not the plague of a hard heart, which yet was much the more dangerous.
IV. The removal of the judgment, upon the prayer of Moses, Exo 10:18, Exo 10:19. This was, 1. As great an instance of the power of God as the judgment itself. An east wind brought the locusts, and now a west wind carried them off. Note, Whatever point of the compass the wind is in, it is fulfilling God's word, and turns about by his counsel. The wind bloweth where it listeth, as it respects any control of ours; not so as it respects the control of God: he directeth it under the whole heaven. 2. It was as great a proof of the authority of Moses, and as firm a ratification of his commission and his interest in that God who both makes peace and creates evil, Isa 45:7. Nay, hereby he not only commanded the respect, but recommended himself to the good affections of the Egyptians, inasmuch as, while the judgment came in obedience to his summons, the removal of it was in answer to his prayers. He never desired the woeful day, though he threatened it. His commission indeed ran against Egypt, but his intercession was for it, which was a good reason why they should love him, though they feared him. 3. It was also as strong an argument for their repentance as the judgment itself; for by this it appeared that God is ready to forgive, and swift to show mercy. If he turn away a particular judgment, as he did often from Pharaoh, or defer it, as in Ahab's case, upon the profession of repentance and the outward tokens of humiliation, what will he do if we be sincere, and how welcome will true penitents be to him! O that this goodness of God might lead us to repentance!
V. Pharaoh's return to his impious resolution again not to let the people go (Exo 10:20), through the righteous hand of God upon him, hardening his heart, and confirming him in his obstinacy. Note, Those that have often baffled their convictions, and stood it out against them, forfeit the benefit of them, and are justly given up to those lusts of their own hearts which (how strong soever their convictions) prove too strong for them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–20. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 10:18 captures Moses' immediate and faithful response to Pharaoh's desperate plea for relief from the devastating locust plague. The verse succinctly portrays Moses departing from the king's presence to earnestly intercede with the LORD, highlighting his pivotal role as God's chosen mediator and underscoring the direct efficacy of prayer in the unfolding drama of divine judgment and human stubbornness.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed at a pivotal moment within the narrative of the ten plagues, specifically following the eighth plague of locusts. Immediately preceding it, Exodus 10:17 records Pharaoh's uncharacteristic, albeit temporary and fear-driven, confession of sin and his urgent request for Moses and Aaron to "intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only." Moses' action in this verse is a direct and swift fulfillment of that desperate request, showcasing his obedience not only to God's command but also to the plea of his oppressor. The subsequent verse, Exodus 10:19 details the LORD's immediate and powerful response to Moses' intercession, demonstrating the clear and direct link between Moses' prayer and God's miraculous intervention. This sequence powerfully underscores the dynamic interplay between human supplication and divine action in the Exodus narrative.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, it was common for kings to serve as chief mediators between their people and the gods, or to employ priests and prophets for such roles. Pharaoh's request for Moses to "intreat the LORD" is a significant concession, implicitly acknowledging Moses' unique standing as a prophet of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and recognizing Yahweh's supreme power over the Egyptian deities and natural phenomena. The act of "entreating" a deity involved formal, often solemn, supplication to avert divine wrath or secure blessings. Pharaoh's plea, coming after eight devastating plagues, reflects a cultural understanding of divine judgment and the desperate need for a powerful intercessor. Despite his immense power and divine claims, Pharaoh is reduced to pleading with Moses, highlighting the dramatic reversal of power dynamics orchestrated by God. This moment also subtly reinforces the ancient concept of a covenant relationship, where a mediator (Moses) stands between the offended deity (Yahweh) and the offending party (Pharaoh and Egypt).
Key Themes: Exodus 10:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty over creation and judgment, as He is the one who sends and removes the plagues, demonstrating His control over the natural world and His direct involvement in human affairs to accomplish His redemptive purposes. Secondly, it underscores the efficacy and importance of intercessory prayer, revealing God's responsiveness to the earnest pleas of His chosen servant, even on behalf of an unrepentant oppressor. This theme is crucial throughout the wilderness wanderings, as seen in Moses' repeated intercession for Israel (e.g., Exodus 32:11-14). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes Moses' crucial role as a divinely appointed mediator between God and humanity, a role that prefigures the ultimate mediator. Moses faithfully carries out his prophetic duty, praying for an oppressor, which highlights the compassionate nature of God's chosen servants and their willingness to extend mercy even when justice seems warranted. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of Pharaoh's hardening heart, as his temporary plea for mercy quickly gives way to renewed defiance once the pressure is lifted, a pattern seen repeatedly in the plague cycle (e.g., Exodus 10:20).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 10:18, though concise, employs several powerful Literary Devices. Its Directness and declarative nature create a sense of immediacy and efficiency, highlighting Moses' swift obedience and the direct cause-and-effect relationship between his action and God's response. The verse functions as a Pivot Point in the narrative, moving from Pharaoh's desperate plea to Moses' intercession, which then leads directly to God's removal of the plague. This sequence emphasizes the critical role of the mediator. Furthermore, there is an implied Contrast between the human sphere of Pharaoh's court and the divine sphere accessed through Moses' prayer. Moses' "going out from Pharaoh" and immediately "entreating the LORD" juxtaposes human powerlessness with divine omnipotence, showcasing where true authority and the solution to the crisis ultimately lie. This stark contrast reinforces the theological message that only Yahweh can control the forces of nature and deliver from judgment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several profound theological truths. First, it reveals God's profound responsiveness to prayer, particularly intercessory prayer. Despite Pharaoh's persistent rebellion, his repeated hardening of heart, and the just nature of the plagues, God hears and acts upon Moses' earnest plea, demonstrating His willingness to extend mercy even to those who oppose Him and providing further opportunity for repentance. Second, it underscores Moses' crucial role as a faithful mediator between a holy God and a rebellious humanity, a role that profoundly prefigures the ultimate mediator. Moses faithfully carries out his prophetic duty, praying for an oppressor, which highlights the compassionate nature of God's chosen servants and their willingness to seek God's favor for others. Third, it reaffirms God's absolute sovereignty over creation and judgment. The LORD is the one who sends and removes the plagues, demonstrating His complete control over the natural world and His direct involvement in human affairs to accomplish His redemptive purposes, ultimately for His glory and the liberation of His people.
The theme of intercession connects this verse to the broader biblical narrative of God's people appealing to Him on behalf of others, foreshadowing the ultimate intercessor:
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:18 offers a timeless and profound lesson on the power and importance of prayer, particularly intercessory prayer. Moses' immediate and earnest appeal to God, even on behalf of a tyrannical ruler who had repeatedly defied God and oppressed His people, challenges us to cultivate a similar spirit of compassion, obedience, and unwavering faith. It reminds us that our prayers are not in vain; God hears and responds, often in powerful and direct ways, demonstrating His sovereign control and His willingness to extend mercy. This verse encourages believers to pray for all people—for leaders, for those who oppose us, for those who are lost in rebellion against God, and for those in desperate need—trusting in God's sovereign power to work in every situation, even the most seemingly hopeless. It also highlights the call to act faithfully in our roles as God's representatives, demonstrating His character of love and mercy, even when it requires humility and compassion towards those who may not seem to deserve it. Our intercession can be a vital conduit for God's grace in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses pray for Pharaoh, his oppressor?
Answer: Moses prayed for Pharaoh primarily because God had commanded him to deliver the plagues and then to remove them upon Pharaoh's request, demonstrating God's power and giving Pharaoh repeated opportunities to repent. Moses, as God's faithful servant and prophet, consistently obeyed the LORD's instructions, even when those instructions involved showing a measure of mercy to an oppressor. His intercession was not an endorsement of Pharaoh's actions but an act of obedience to God and a demonstration of the divine compassion that extends even to the wicked, providing a window for repentance. It also served to further highlight God's sovereignty over the plagues, as their removal was clearly tied to divine intervention, not Pharaoh's own power or any Egyptian deity.
Did Pharaoh's repentance in Exodus 10:17 indicate true change of heart?
Answer: While Pharaoh's words in Exodus 10:17 sound like a confession ("I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you"), his subsequent actions consistently reveal that his "repentance" was superficial and situational, driven by the immediate pressure of the plague rather than a genuine change of heart. As soon as the locusts were removed, his heart hardened again, as explicitly stated in Exodus 10:20. This pattern of temporary contrition followed by renewed rebellion is a recurring theme throughout the plague narratives (e.g., Exodus 8:15), highlighting the crucial difference between fear-driven regret and true, transformative repentance that leads to a change of behavior and allegiance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:18, with Moses acting as an intercessor, powerfully prefigures the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect mediator. Moses, as a prophet and divinely appointed mediator, stood between a holy God and a rebellious Pharaoh, pleading for temporary mercy and relief from judgment. This crucial role is ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who is the Great High Priest (as described in Hebrews 4:14-16) and the one true Mediator between God and humanity (as affirmed in 1 Timothy 2:5). Unlike Moses, whose intercession was for temporary physical relief and for an unrepentant king, Jesus' intercession is for the eternal salvation of all who believe and for the ongoing sanctification of His people. He not only prays for His followers but also for those who persecute Him, famously praying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" while on the cross (Luke 23:34). This echoes Moses' willingness to pray for his oppressor, but Jesus' prayer carries ultimate redemptive power, securing forgiveness and reconciliation. Furthermore, Jesus' intercession is not limited to a specific crisis but is ongoing; He "always lives to intercede" for those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). Moses' prayer brought temporary physical relief; Christ's intercession, rooted in His atoning death and resurrection, brings eternal spiritual deliverance from sin, death, and their consequences, securing our place in God's presence. Thus, Moses' act in Exodus 10:18 serves as a shadow, pointing forward to the perfect, compassionate, and eternally effective intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.