Exodus 10:28

KJV

And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in [that] day thou seest my face thou shalt die.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} said {H559} unto him, Get {H3212} thee from me, take heed {H8104} to thyself, see {H7200} my face {H6440} no more {H3254}; for in that day {H3117} thou seest {H7200} my face {H6440} thou shalt die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh said to them, "Get away from me! And you had better not see my face again, because the day you see my face, you will die!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Depart from me!” Pharaoh said to Moses. “Make sure you never see my face again, for on the day you see my face, you will die.”

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in the day thou seest my face thou shalt die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:28 powerfully captures Pharaoh's ultimate defiance against Yahweh and His prophet, Moses. Following the ninth devastating plague of darkness, Pharaoh issues a furious ultimatum: Moses is banished from his presence, with any future encounter punishable by death. This verse marks the climactic breaking point in the protracted negotiations, signaling the end of appeals and setting the stage for God's final, most devastating judgment upon Egypt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic turning point, immediately following the ninth plague—three days of impenetrable darkness that blanketed Egypt, contrasting sharply with the light in Goshen where the Israelites resided ([Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "The Plague of Darkness")). Despite this overwhelming display of divine power, Pharaoh's heart remained stubbornly hardened. He had summoned Moses, offering a partial concession for Israel to leave, but insisting their livestock remain ([Exodus 10:24](/exodus/10-24 "Pharaoh's Partial Concession")). Moses, under direct divine instruction, vehemently rejected this compromise, declaring that "not a hoof shall be left behind" ([Exodus 10:26](/exodus/10-26 "Moses' Unwavering Stance")). Enraged by Moses' unwavering resolve and the relentless divine pressure, Pharaoh unleashes this ultimate, life-threatening decree. The narrative immediately pivots to Moses' response and God's announcement of the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn ([Exodus 11:1-8](/exodus/11-1-8 "God Announces the Tenth Plague")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a living god, the embodiment of divine authority on earth. His decrees were absolute law, and his presence was considered sacred and awe-inspiring. To be granted an audience, or to "see the face" of Pharaoh, was an immense privilege, reserved for those of high standing or specific diplomatic necessity. Therefore, Pharaoh's command for Moses to "get thee from me" and "see my face no more" under threat of death was the ultimate expression of his absolute authority, his profound contempt for Moses, and his utter rejection of the God of Israel. It signified that all avenues of negotiation were exhausted, and only force and ultimate judgment remained. This context also magnifies the extraordinary courage of Moses, who, empowered by God, stood fearlessly before the most powerful man in the ancient world, even when directly threatened with execution.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human defiance**. Pharaoh's escalating stubbornness, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, highlights the futility of resisting the Almighty. It also reinforces the theme of **God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people** and His determination to deliver them, even in the face of insurmountable human opposition. The verse further emphasizes the **escalation of conflict** between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt, personified by Pharaoh, leading inexorably to the final, decisive demonstration of God's supremacy. This moment also foreshadows the ultimate **redemption through judgment**, as Pharaoh's final act of defiance precipitates the very judgment that will secure Israel's freedom, as seen in the subsequent passages detailing the Passover and the Exodus itself ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and Exodus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:28 captures the raw intensity of the final confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses, a moment of no return that sets the stage for God's ultimate display of power.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Get (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** From H3212, meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)." Here, it is a forceful imperative, "Go!" or "Depart!" It signifies Pharaoh's complete rejection of Moses' presence and his message, moving beyond negotiation to an outright, angry expulsion. It is a command for immediate and permanent removal.
* **See (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, meaning "to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied)." In this context, "see my face" (H6440, _pânîym_) refers to having an audience or being in the presence of Pharaoh. The prohibition "see my face no more" (H3254, _yâçaph_, meaning "to add or augment," often adverbial for "to continue to do a thing" or "any more") is an emphatic, absolute ban on any future interaction, underscoring the finality of Pharaoh's decision to sever all communication with Moses.
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From H4191, meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." This is a direct, unequivocal, and unconditional death threat. In the context of an absolute monarch like Pharaoh, such a decree was not to be taken lightly; it carried the full weight of royal authority and the immediate power of execution, demonstrating the depth of his rage and his desperate attempt to reassert control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me,"**: The verse opens with Pharaoh's immediate, furious command for Moses to depart from his presence. This is not a polite request but a royal decree of expulsion, signaling the end of any pretense of dialogue and the complete breakdown of diplomatic relations. It reflects Pharaoh's utter exasperation and his desire to rid himself of Moses, the source of his torment.
* **"take heed to thyself, see my face no more;"**: Pharaoh issues a stern warning, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the personal danger Moses now faces. The phrase "take heed to thyself" implies a warning to be careful, as Moses' life is now explicitly at stake. The subsequent command to "see my face no more" makes it unequivocally clear that any future attempt at an audience will be considered a capital offense, sealing off any further communication or negotiation.
* **"for in [that] day thou seest my face thou shalt die."**: This is the explicit, unconditional death threat. Pharaoh states the precise condition for Moses' execution: the very act of appearing before him again. This demonstrates Pharaoh's absolute power in his own eyes and his desperate determination to end the confrontation by eliminating the messenger. It reveals the depth of his stubbornness, pride, and delusion, choosing to threaten death rather than yield to God's will and release the Israelites.

#### Literary Devices
The language in Exodus 10:28 is characterized by its **directness** and **confrontational tone**, accurately reflecting the escalating tension between Pharaoh and Moses. Pharaoh's speech is terse and absolute, employing a **hyperbolic threat** of death to underscore the finality of his defiance. This serves as a dramatic **pivot point** in the narrative, intensifying the conflict to its ultimate conclusion and building suspense for the impending final plague. The verse's stark declaration of "thou shalt die" functions as a **foreshadowing device**, ironically hinting at the death that will soon befall Egypt's firstborn, a direct consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to let God's people go.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several profound theological truths. First, it highlights the extreme danger and ultimate futility of **unyielding human stubbornness and pride** in the face of divine revelation. Pharaoh, despite witnessing nine miraculous plagues and experiencing immense suffering, chose to harden his heart further, leading him to a desperate and ultimately self-destructive threat. His defiance serves as a stark warning about the catastrophic consequences of persistent rebellion against God's clear commands and the refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty. Second, it underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering protection** over His chosen servants. Despite Pharaoh's deadly threat, Moses remains unharmed, demonstrating that God's plan and His people are beyond the reach of human power, no matter how formidable. Pharaoh's word, though absolute in Egypt, is ultimately impotent against the Lord of all creation. This confrontation is not merely between Moses and Pharaoh, but between the true God and a false god-king, culminating in the triumph of the former.

* [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"): This verse is a powerful reminder that while Pharaoh hardened his own heart, God also acted to harden it, demonstrating His power and purpose through Pharaoh's obstinacy.
* [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1-2 "God's Protection and Refuge"): This psalm speaks to God's protective nature over those who dwell in His shelter, echoing the divine shield around Moses despite Pharaoh's deadly intentions.
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Resistance"): Paul explicitly references Pharaoh as an example of God raising up someone for the very purpose of displaying His power and making His name known through their resistance, demonstrating God's sovereign control even over human rebellion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Pharaoh's final, desperate threat in Exodus 10:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It serves as a potent reminder of the destructive nature of **unyielding pride and stubbornness**. When we refuse to acknowledge truth, especially divine truth, and cling to our own perceived power or control, we risk hardening our hearts against God's will, leading to increasingly severe consequences in our lives. This verse calls us to cultivate humility and a responsive spirit, always being open to God's leading, even when it challenges our comfort or control. Conversely, it offers immense comfort by showcasing **God's unwavering faithfulness and protective power**. Just as God shielded Moses from Pharaoh's wrath, He promises to protect and provide for His people today, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition or threats. We can trust that God's purposes will prevail, and His hand is upon those who walk in obedience to Him, empowering them to stand firm even when facing the "Pharaohs" of their own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be exhibiting a "Pharaoh-like" stubbornness in my own life, resisting God's clear direction or truth, perhaps out of pride or a desire for control?**
* **How does the assurance of God's protection for Moses, despite a direct death threat, encourage me to step out in faith despite perceived risks or opposition in my own circumstances?**
* **What is one specific area where I need to relinquish control and trust more fully in God's sovereign plan, even when it seems to lead to confrontation or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Did Pharaoh truly intend to kill Moses if he saw him again?**

Answer: Given Pharaoh's absolute power as an ancient monarch and his escalating rage, it is highly probable he fully intended to carry out this threat. In ancient Egypt, a pharaoh's word was law, and he possessed the immediate authority to execute anyone. However, God's sovereignty overrode Pharaoh's intention. Moses did indeed see Pharaoh's face again, as he returned to deliver the message of the tenth plague in [Exodus 11:4-8](/exodus/11-4-8 "Moses' Final Warning to Pharaoh"), and Pharaoh, despite his threat, was unable to strike him down. This demonstrates that God's protection of His servant was absolute and His plan would prevail.

**Why did Pharaoh's heart become so hardened despite all the plagues?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents a dual process: Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart through acts of defiance and refusal to obey God's command ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart"); [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again")). Simultaneously, God also hardened Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")). This divine hardening was not to remove Pharaoh's free will or culpability, but to ensure that Pharaoh's stubbornness would serve God's greater purpose—to display His mighty power to Egypt and the world, and to bring about Israel's deliverance in a way that left no doubt about His supremacy and glory ([Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh")).

**How did Moses respond to such a direct death threat?**

Answer: Moses' immediate response is not explicitly detailed in Exodus 10:28 itself, but the narrative immediately shifts to God's revelation of the final, most devastating plague. Moses, undeterred by Pharaoh's threat, then delivers God's final, terrifying message regarding the death of the firstborn ([Exodus 11:4-8](/exodus/11-4-8 "Moses Delivers the Final Warning")). This demonstrates Moses' profound faith and courage, knowing that God's protection was greater than any human threat. He did not flee but continued to obey God's command, embodying the trust described in [Hebrews 11:27](/hebrews/11-27 "Moses' Faith and Endurance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:28, with its portrayal of Pharaoh's ultimate defiance and death threat against God's chosen deliverer, finds profound echoes and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pharaoh, as the embodiment of worldly power and rebellion against God, foreshadows the spiritual "Pharaohs" of sin, death, and Satan that hold humanity in bondage. Just as Pharaoh threatened Moses with death for daring to challenge his tyrannical rule and demand freedom for God's people, so too did the powers of this world—religious and political—conspire to put Jesus to death for challenging their authority and proclaiming God's kingdom. The chief priests and Pharisees feared His influence, saying, "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation" ([John 11:48](/john/11-48 "The Plot to Kill Jesus")). However, the ultimate fulfillment lies in the **triumph of God's true Deliverer over the forces of death**. Pharaoh's empty threat against Moses is a pale shadow of the true victory achieved by Christ. While Pharaoh sought to prevent freedom through death, Jesus willingly faced death on the cross, not as a victim, but as the conquering King. His death and resurrection broke the power of sin and death, freeing humanity from its ultimate bondage, as [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Frees from Fear of Death") states, "that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil." Where seeing Pharaoh's face meant death, seeing the "face" of Jesus—that is, believing in Him and encountering His presence—brings eternal life and freedom from condemnation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Christ is the ultimate Moses, who, undeterred by the threats of the world, led His people out of the slavery of sin into the glorious liberty of the children of God, not by plagues, but by His own sacrificial love and resurrection power, securing a new and eternal exodus for all who believe ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Freedom from Bondage")).

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

Amos 7:13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.