Exodus 10:26

KJV

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our cattle {H4735} also shall go {H3212} with us; there shall not an hoof {H6541} be left behind {H7604}; for thereof must we take {H3947} to serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}; and we know {H3045} not with what we must serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}, until we come {H935} thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our livestock will also go with us - not a hoof will be left behind - because we must choose some of them to worship ADONAI our God, and we don't know which ones we will need to worship ADONAI until we get there."

Berean Standard Bible

Even our livestock must go with us; not a hoof will be left behind, for we will need some of them to worship the LORD our God, and we will not know how we are to worship the LORD until we arrive.”

American Standard Version

Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not a hoof be left behind: for thereof must we take to serve Jehovah our God; and we know not with what we must serve Jehovah, until we come thither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:26 encapsulates Moses' resolute refusal of Pharaoh's partial concessions, asserting God's absolute claim over Israel and all their possessions. This verse underscores the principle of total dedication and unwavering trust in God's future guidance, emphasizing that the Israelites' freedom and their worship of Yahweh must be complete and unreserved, with nothing withheld from divine service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical juncture in the escalating divine-human conflict between Yahweh, represented by Moses, and Pharaoh, the embodiment of Egyptian power. It occurs immediately after the devastating plague of locusts, detailed in [Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1-20 "The Plague of Locusts"), and follows Pharaoh's desperate attempts to negotiate a partial release for Israel. Pharaoh had initially offered to allow only the men to leave, a proposal firmly rejected by Moses in [Exodus 10:10-11](/exodus/10-10-11 "Pharaoh's First Compromise"). After the locusts, Pharaoh softened slightly, suggesting that the men and children could depart, but insisted that the flocks and herds remain in Egypt, as recorded in [Exodus 10:24](/exodus/10-24 "Pharaoh's Second Compromise"). Moses' uncompromising response in [Exodus 10:26](/exodus/10-26 "Moses' Uncompromising Stance for Total Liberation") directly refutes this final compromise, setting the stage for the ninth plague, the plague of darkness, which immediately follows in [Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "The Plague of Darkness"). This progression highlights the divine insistence on absolute freedom for Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, livestock represented a nation's wealth, means of sustenance, and, crucially for Israel, the primary medium for religious sacrifice. Pharaoh's repeated attempts to retain Israel's animals were not merely economic; they were a strategic move to maintain leverage and ensure the Israelites' eventual return, as they would be unable to perform the required sacrifices to their God without their herds. For Moses, the demand for "not an hoof" to be left behind was a profound theological statement. It underscored Yahweh's absolute ownership and comprehensive claim over His people and all their possessions. This declaration asserted that Israel's identity, worship, and future were entirely distinct from Egypt, necessitating a complete and irreversible break from Egyptian dominion and influence. It also resonated with the concept of divine ownership, where God, as the deliverer, has an inherent right to all that belongs to His liberated people, especially that which is consecrated for His worship.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:26 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Uncompromising Will**, demonstrating that God's plan for His people's liberation is absolute and not subject to human negotiation. Furthermore, it highlights the theme of **Total Dedication and Worship**, emphasizing that Israel's entire existence—their resources, labor, and very being—was to be consecrated to God's purposes, transitioning from serving Pharaoh to serving Yahweh. This verse also foreshadows the **Covenant Requirements** that would soon be established at Mount Sinai, where specific instructions for sacrifices and worship would necessitate the full availability of their livestock. The refusal to leave anything behind also reinforces the theme of **Comprehensive Liberation**, indicating that true freedom from bondage encompasses every aspect of life, not just physical departure, as seen throughout the narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt, culminating in their journey to the promised land described in [Exodus 13](/exodus/13 "The Journey to the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Moses' declaration in [Exodus 10:26](/exodus/10-26 "Moses' Uncompromising Stance") is a masterclass in divine negotiation, revealing profound theological truths through its uncompromising stance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cattle (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** From H4735, meaning "something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition." In this context, "cattle" represents the entirety of Israel's movable wealth and the means by which they would perform their religious duties. Moses' insistence that their *miqneh* must go with them signifies that their economic independence and their ability to worship God were inseparable from their freedom. It's not just about animals, but about the complete resources necessary for their new life and worship.
* **Hoof (Hebrew, _parçâh'_):** From H6541, meaning "a claw or split hoof." While literally referring to an animal's foot, "not an hoof be left behind" is a powerful Hebrew idiom for absolute totality. It signifies that not even the smallest, most insignificant part of their possessions, represented by a single hoof, could be withheld. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's demand for their departure and dedication, leaving no room for compromise or partial obedience.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** From H5647, a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc." This crucial word carries a dual meaning: "to labor" or "to be enslaved," and "to worship" or "to perform religious service." Moses' insistence that they must take their cattle "to serve the LORD our God" highlights that Israel's entire existence—their labor, their resources, and their very being—was to be dedicated to God's purposes, encompassing both practical duties and spiritual devotion. They were transitioning from serving Pharaoh to serving Yahweh.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially." The phrase "we know not" (Hebrew: *lo' yadaʻnu*) does not imply ignorance or uncertainty about God's power or ultimate will, but rather a profound trust in God's future instruction and provision. It acknowledges that the specific requirements for worship and sacrifice would be revealed by God Himself at a later time. Israel needed to be fully equipped and ready to obey whatever God commanded, without pre-determining the method or quantity of their service.

#### Verse Breakdown
The verse can be broken down into two main clauses, each conveying a vital aspect of Moses' message:

* **"Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind;"**
* This opening clause is a direct, emphatic refusal of Pharaoh's compromise. Moses asserts that the livestock, an essential component of Israel's wealth and sacrificial system, must accompany them. The hyperbolic "not an hoof" underscores the absolute nature of this demand—no partial obedience, no compromise, no leaving anything behind that belongs to God's people and is consecrated for His use. This highlights the totality of their liberation and the comprehensive nature of their commitment to God, signifying that their complete identity and means of worship must be removed from Egyptian control.

* **"for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither."**
* This second clause provides the divine rationale for the uncompromising demand. The cattle are not merely for sustenance but are integral to their worship and service to Yahweh. The phrase "we know not with what we must serve" expresses Israel's dependence on God's future revelation. They could not pre-empt God's instructions regarding the type or quantity of sacrifices. Therefore, they needed all their livestock available, ready to be offered as God commanded, once they arrived at the designated place of worship (likely Mount Sinai). This demonstrates a posture of humble readiness, complete trust in God's sovereign leading, and a willingness to obey His commands as they are revealed, even if the specifics are not yet known.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 10:26 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the phrase "there shall not an hoof be left behind." This is an intentional overstatement, emphasizing the absolute and complete nature of the demand for Israel's departure and the totality of their possessions. It underscores that no part, however small or seemingly insignificant, could be withheld from God's claim. Additionally, the passage utilizes **Direct Assertion**, as Moses speaks with an unyielding and authoritative tone, reflecting God's own uncompromising will. There is no room for negotiation or debate once God's terms are laid out, showcasing the divine authority behind Moses' words. Finally, there is an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the need for all their livestock for future service subtly points towards the elaborate sacrificial system that would be instituted at Sinai, requiring various types and quantities of animals for worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse teaches several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology. It powerfully articulates the principle of **Total Devotion and Uncompromising Obedience**, demonstrating that God demands complete surrender and the dedication of all possessions and resources for His service. There can be no partial obedience or compromise when it comes to serving the Lord; just as Israel could not serve Yahweh while leaving part of their means of worship in Egypt, believers are called to offer their whole lives to God. The statement "we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither" reveals a deep trust in God's future instruction and provision, highlighting **God's Sovereignty and Provision**. It acknowledges that the specifics of worship and sacrifice would be revealed by God Himself, requiring Israel to be fully equipped and ready to obey without pre-determining the method. God is sovereign over the details of His service and will provide clarity in His time. This passage also underscores the concept of **Comprehensive Liberation**, where true freedom from Pharaoh's oppressive rule meant a complete break, taking everything that belonged to Israel out of Egyptian influence. This foreshadows the comprehensive freedom God offers His people from spiritual bondage, where every aspect of life is brought under His lordship.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")
* [Deuteronomy 10:12-13](/deuteronomy/10-12-13 "What Does the Lord Require?")
* [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "If the Son Sets You Free")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:26 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder for believers today, challenging us to examine the depth and totality of our commitment to God. Just as God demanded every "hoof" from Israel, He calls for our whole lives—our time, talents, resources, affections, and future aspirations—not just a convenient portion. We cannot truly serve God while holding back significant areas of our lives for ourselves, our comfort, or the world's allure. This verse compels us to ask: What "hooves" are we still holding back from God's full claim on our lives? Are there areas where we are attempting to negotiate with God, offering partial obedience instead of wholehearted surrender?

Furthermore, Israel's declaration, "we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither," beautifully illustrates the necessity of **trust in God's leading**. We often do not know the full scope or specific details of God's plan for our lives or how He will call us to serve. Yet, like Israel, we are called to trust His guidance, being prepared to use all we have as He directs, knowing He will reveal His will in due time and provide all that is necessary. Are you willing to step out in faith, even when the exact details of God's plan are not yet clear, trusting that He will make His requirements known? Finally, the complete separation from Egypt, including all their possessions, highlights the importance of **separation from worldly systems and influences**. For true spiritual freedom and effective service, we must be willing to make a complete break from anything that would hinder our devotion to God, bringing all our "possessions"—our lives, resources, and very being—under His lordship. What worldly influences or attachments might be preventing your full devotion to God, subtly holding back a "hoof" from His complete claim?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I still holding back from God, offering only partial commitment instead of total surrender?**
* **Am I truly trusting God with the unknown aspects of my future and how He will call me to serve, or am I trying to pre-determine the specifics?**
* **What worldly influences or attachments might be hindering my full devotion and service to God, preventing a complete break from "Egypt"?**

### FAQ
**Why was livestock so important for Israel's departure?**

Answer: Livestock was crucial for several interconnected reasons. Economically, they represented a primary source of wealth and sustenance in an agrarian society, providing food, milk, wool, and labor. Religiously, they were absolutely essential for the various sacrifices and offerings required by the Mosaic Law, which God would soon institute at Mount Sinai. Without their herds, the Israelites would be unable to perform the acts of worship and atonement commanded by Yahweh. Furthermore, leaving them behind would have left Israel economically dependent on Egypt and religiously compromised, unable to fully worship Yahweh as He would command, thus undermining the very purpose of their liberation.

**Does "we know not with what we must serve" imply uncertainty about God's will?**

Answer: No, it does not imply uncertainty about God's ultimate will or power. Instead, it demonstrates a posture of humble trust and readiness to obey. Moses and Israel knew they were to serve the LORD, but the specific *means* and *methods* of that service (e.g., the precise types and quantities of animals for various sacrifices, the location of worship) had not yet been revealed. This phrase highlights their complete dependence on God's future revelation and their readiness to obey whatever He commanded, whenever He commanded it, requiring all their resources to be available for His service. It's a statement of faith, not ignorance.

**If God is sovereign, why did Moses have to negotiate so forcefully with Pharaoh?**

Answer: While God is indeed sovereign and could have simply taken Israel out of Egypt without any negotiation, He chose to use Moses as His instrument to demonstrate His power, justice, and faithfulness to both Egypt and Israel. The prolonged negotiations, the escalating plagues, and Moses' unwavering stance were all part of God's deliberate plan to reveal His glory, establish His covenant with Israel, and show the futility of resisting His divine will. Moses' firmness was not a sign of God's weakness, but a reflection of God's own uncompromising nature and His determination to liberate His people completely, leaving no doubt about His supreme authority over all earthly powers. This process served to educate Israel about their God and to judge the gods of Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:26, with its emphasis on total dedication and the comprehensive nature of liberation, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The demand for all of Israel's livestock, with "not an hoof" held back for the service of the Lord, powerfully prefigures the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which were partial and had to be repeated, Christ offered Himself entirely, holding nothing back, to accomplish our salvation, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). His death on the cross was the ultimate act of "serving the LORD" by fulfilling God's righteous demands and providing a singular, definitive atonement for sin. In Him, the entire "flock" of humanity is redeemed, with "not an hoof" of sin's power or consequence left unaddressed.

Furthermore, just as Israel's liberation from Egypt required a complete break, Christ offers a comprehensive freedom from the bondage of sin and death, as we see in [Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Freed from Sin"). His call to discipleship echoes Moses' demand for total dedication: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me," a principle Jesus taught in [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "The Cost of Discipleship"). Following Christ means bringing every aspect of our lives—our resources, talents, time, and desires—under His lordship, holding nothing back. We, like Israel, may "know not" all the specifics of our journey with Christ, but we trust that He will reveal His will and provide all that is necessary for us to "serve the LORD our God" in spirit and truth. The purpose of taking the cattle was for future worship and sacrifice. In Christ, the need for animal sacrifices is fulfilled, as He is both the perfect High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice. He establishes a new covenant where worship is no longer tied to a physical temple or animal offerings, but is offered "in spirit and and truth," as Jesus taught the Samaritan woman in [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "Worship in Spirit and Truth"). Our "cattle"—our very lives—are now presented as living sacrifices to God through Christ, fully consecrated and available for His service, awaiting His ongoing revelation of how we are to serve Him in the new creation, a concept powerfully articulated in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:5

And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Exodus 12:32

Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Hosea 5:6

They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the LORD; but they shall not find [him]; he hath withdrawn himself from them.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Isaiah 60:5

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Isaiah 60:10

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.