Exodus 10:7

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh's {H6547} servants {H5650} said {H559} unto him, How long shall this man be a snare {H4170} unto us? let the men {H582} go {H7971}, that they may serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}: knowest {H3045} thou not yet {H2962} that Egypt {H4714} is destroyed {H6}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh's servants said to him, "How much longer must this fellow be a snare for us? Let the people go and worship ADONAI their God. Don't you understand yet that Egypt is being destroyed?"

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh’s officials asked him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is in ruins?”

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:7 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the plagues, as Pharaoh's own high-ranking officials, witnessing the catastrophic devastation wrought upon Egypt, collectively confront their monarch. They urgently plead for the release of the Israelite men, recognizing Moses and the God he represents as an inescapable "snare" that has plunged their nation into an undeniable state of ruin. This verse vividly portrays the escalating pressure on Pharaoh, the crumbling of his absolute authority, and the dawning, albeit reluctant, acknowledgment within his court of Yahweh's overwhelming power and unwavering purpose to liberate His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a dramatic interjection within the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh. It immediately follows Moses's dire warning of the impending plague of locusts, which would consume any vegetation spared by the previous, devastating hail (see [Exodus 10:1-6](/exodus/10-1 "Moses warns Pharaoh of the locust plague")). The servants' unprecedented plea interrupts Pharaoh's typical pattern of solitary decision-making and signifies a critical internal shift within the Egyptian court. Their desperate appeal directly precedes Pharaoh's attempt at a partial concession, offering to release only the Israelite men, a proposal Moses firmly rejects, leading directly to the implementation of the locust plague (see [Exodus 10:8-11](/exodus/10-8-11 "Pharaoh's partial offer and Moses's refusal")). This moment underscores the mounting pressure on Pharaoh from both divine judgment and internal dissent.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was considered a divine being, a living god, whose authority was absolute and unquestionable. His word was law, and his decisions were rarely, if ever, openly challenged by his advisors or servants, especially on matters of national policy or divine will. For Pharaoh's high-ranking officials to collectively and publicly declare that Egypt was "destroyed" and to openly question his judgment ("How long shall this man be a snare unto us?") was an extraordinary act of desperation and defiance. This unprecedented challenge highlights the immense and crippling impact of the preceding plagues, which had systematically eroded Pharaoh's prestige, the nation's economy, and the very fabric of Egyptian society. The concept of a "snare" (Hebrew: *môwqêsh*) would have been readily understood in a culture reliant on hunting, implying a fatal trap from which there was no escape, perfectly illustrating Egypt's entanglement in God's judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. It emphasizes the theme of **God's sovereignty over all creation and human rulers**, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly king is ultimately subject to the will of Yahweh (see [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh")). The verse also highlights the **inevitable consequences of resisting divine will**, showing how Pharaoh's hardened heart and stubborn defiance lead not only to personal suffering but to widespread national ruin and devastation (see [Exodus 7:3-5](/exodus/7-3-5 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart to display His wonders")). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His redemptive purpose**. The plagues, severe as they were, were not arbitrary acts but purposeful judgments designed to liberate Israel so they could fulfill their divine calling to "serve the LORD their God" (see [Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Israel, God's firstborn son")). The servants' plea, echoing God's own demand, underscores the unstoppable nature of God's plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:7 captures a moment of profound desperation and dawning realization within Pharaoh's court, revealing the cumulative impact of God's judgments and the breaking point of the Egyptian leadership.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **snare (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** From H4170, meaning "a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose); be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap." Pharaoh's servants use this term to describe Moses (and by extension, the God he represents) as a destructive trap from which Egypt cannot escape. It implies a fatal entanglement leading to ruin, a situation from which their nation is unable to extricate itself.
* **knowest (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition...)." This verb highlights the servants' exasperation with Pharaoh's apparent blindness or willful ignorance. They are essentially asking, "Are you still unable to perceive the reality of our situation? Have you not yet come to the knowledge or understanding of what is happening?"
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6, meaning "properly, to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy); break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee." This word, used by the servants, describes the state of Egypt. While not implying complete annihilation, it signifies a profound and irreversible state of ruin, devastation, and functional collapse—economically, socially, and politically.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh's servants said unto him,"**: This opening phrase signifies a dramatic shift in the power dynamic within Pharaoh's court. Up to this point, Pharaoh has maintained absolute control, making all decisions, often in defiance of God's commands. The collective voice of his high-ranking officials, openly addressing him with such urgency, indicates that the cumulative effects of the plagues have created an unbearable crisis, compelling them to break protocol and challenge their divine ruler.
* **"How long shall this man be a snare unto us?"**: This rhetorical question expresses extreme frustration and desperation. The servants no longer view Moses as a mere human adversary but as an instrument of divine judgment, a "snare" or trap that is systematically dismantling their nation. The use of "us" emphasizes that the suffering is widespread, affecting the entire Egyptian populace and leadership, not just Pharaoh personally. They are implicitly asking Pharaoh to recognize the source of their entanglement and release them from this destructive predicament.
* **"let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God:"**: This is a direct plea for the release of the Israelite men, echoing God's original demand to Pharaoh (see [Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "God's command to let Israel go to serve Him")). The servants, despite their pagan worldview, have grasped the core theological demand: the Israelites must be allowed to worship their God. The Hebrew word for "serve" (*ʻâbad*) encompasses both physical labor and spiritual worship, highlighting the Israelites' intended purpose and the reason for their liberation.
* **"knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?"**: This is a blunt, rhetorical challenge to Pharaoh's perception and judgment, bordering on accusation. The servants are expressing incredulity that Pharaoh still fails to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The declaration that Egypt is "destroyed" (*ʼâbad*) signifies a state of profound and irreversible damage, economic collapse, and social disarray, rather than literal annihilation. It functions as a hyperbolic statement emphasizing the catastrophic extent of the plagues' impact, implying Pharaoh is either willfully blind or dangerously out of touch with the reality of his kingdom's demise.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 10:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the urgency and desperation of the moment. The most prominent are **rhetorical questions** ("How long shall this man be a snare unto us?" and "knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?"). These questions are not posed to elicit information but to express the servants' intense frustration, exasperation, and incredulity at Pharaoh's continued stubbornness. They serve to highlight the obviousness of the situation from their perspective and to implicitly challenge Pharaoh's judgment and leadership. The declaration "Egypt is destroyed" functions as **hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration not meant to be taken literally (Egypt was not completely wiped off the map) but to emphasize the extreme and devastating extent of the ruin brought upon the land. This vivid overstatement underscores the catastrophic impact of the plagues and the dire state of the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates several enduring theological truths. First, it underscores God's **absolute sovereignty over all nations and rulers**, demonstrating that even the most powerful human empire and its seemingly invincible leader are ultimately subject to His divine will and judgment. Second, it highlights the **inevitable and devastating consequences of resisting divine will**. Pharaoh's stubbornness, initially a personal defiance, has cascaded into widespread national ruin, illustrating that rebellion against God brings not only personal suffering but also collective devastation. Third, it reveals God's **unwavering commitment to His redemptive purpose** for His people. The plagues, though destructive, serve the ultimate goal of liberating Israel so they can fulfill their calling to "serve the LORD their God." The servants' desperate plea, echoing God's own demand, shows that God's purpose will be achieved, even if it means breaking the strongest human resistance and bringing an entire empire to its knees.

* **God's Sovereignty and Judgment:** [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh") declares God raised Pharaoh up to display His power throughout the earth.
* **Consequences of Stubbornness:** [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Consequences of stubbornness") warns, "He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
* **God's Purpose in Hardening Hearts:** [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's purpose in Pharaoh's stubbornness") explicitly references Pharaoh, stating, "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:7 offers timeless and profound lessons for contemporary life. It serves as a potent reminder of the inherent dangers of **stubbornly resisting clear warnings**, whether these warnings come from God's revealed Word, the wise counsel of others, or the natural, undeniable consequences of our own actions. Like Pharaoh, we can become so deeply entrenched in our pride, self-will, or perceived autonomy that we fail to acknowledge or even see the "destruction" our choices are bringing upon ourselves, our relationships, and our spiritual well-being. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility, a willingness to listen, and the courage to change course, especially when those around us, who may possess a clearer or more objective perspective, point out the ruin we are causing. Furthermore, it offers profound reassurance that God's ultimate purposes will invariably prevail, regardless of the strength or persistence of human opposition. This truth encourages us to align our lives with His divine will, pursuing His purposes with diligence and trust, rather than futilely fighting against the tide of His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be stubbornly resisting a clear warning or divine leading, similar to Pharaoh's defiance?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness to wise counsel and constructive criticism, especially when it challenges my own deeply held perspectives or desires?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "serve the LORD my God" in my daily life today, and am I allowing anything to become a "snare" that hinders me from that ultimate purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh's servants speak up only now, after so many plagues?**

Answer: The cumulative effect of the preceding seven plagues had pushed Egypt to an unprecedented breaking point. While earlier plagues were severe, the recent plague of hail (see [Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18-26 "The Plague of Hail")) was particularly catastrophic, destroying not only crops and livestock but also killing people in the fields, signaling an unparalleled level of national ruin and economic devastation. The servants' desperate plea reflects the breaking point of the nation's economy, its social fabric, and the very viability of the kingdom, leading them to prioritize survival over Pharaoh's pride or political considerations. They could no longer ignore the undeniable evidence of God's power.

**Was Egypt literally "destroyed" as the servants claimed?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word *ʼâbad* (H6), translated as "destroyed," means "ruined," "spoiled," or "devastated," not annihilated or wiped off the map. The servants' statement is an expression of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and crippling damage inflicted upon the land, its economy, and its people. While not literally rendered non-existent, Egypt was severely crippled and no longer able to function effectively or maintain its former glory and prosperity. The phrase conveys the depth of their despair and the severity of the national crisis.

**Does this verse imply that God uses destruction to achieve His will?**

Answer: Yes, in this specific context, God uses severe judgment and "destruction" (meaning ruin or devastation) as a means to break Pharaoh's hardened will and liberate His people. The plagues were not random acts of cruelty but purposeful judgments designed to demonstrate God's power, humble Egypt, and compel Pharaoh to release Israel so they could fulfill their divine purpose (see [Exodus 7:4-5](/exodus/7-4-5 "God's purpose in the plagues")). This demonstrates that while God is merciful, He also justly uses judgment to accomplish His redemptive plans, uphold His sovereignty, and bring about His ultimate will for His creation and His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:7, though deeply rooted in an Old Testament narrative of physical liberation from earthly bondage, finds profound spiritual fulfillment and amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's stubborn resistance to God's clear will foreshadows humanity's inherent rebellion against God's righteous reign, a rebellion that brings spiritual "destruction" or ruin upon us, manifesting as separation from God and bondage to sin (see [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The wages of sin is death")). Just as Moses was God's chosen instrument to free Israel from the literal "snare" of Egyptian slavery, Jesus is the ultimate Liberator who sets humanity free from the far greater "snare" of sin, spiritual death, and the dominion of Satan (see [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed")). The "destruction" of Egypt's power and economy through the plagues points to the decisive victory of God's power over all opposing forces through Christ's death and glorious resurrection. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus decisively disarmed the spiritual powers of darkness (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")), breaking the "snare" that held humanity captive. His mission, like God's ultimate purpose for Israel, is to enable people to "serve the LORD their God," not through physical servitude, but through spiritual worship, obedience, and a life of true freedom and purpose found in the new covenant established through His blood (see [Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.") and [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Christ purifies our conscience to serve the living God")).

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

1 Samuel 18:21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Exodus 23:33

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Proverbs 29:6

¶ In the transgression of an evil man [there is] a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice.

Exodus 8:19

Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.