Exodus 8:29

And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms [of flies] may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Behold, I go out {H3318} from thee, and I will intreat {H6279} the LORD {H3068} that the swarms {H6157} of flies may depart {H5493} from Pharaoh {H6547}, from his servants {H5650}, and from his people {H5971}, to morrow {H4279}: but {H7535} let not Pharaoh {H6547} deal deceitfully {H2048} any more {H3254} in not {H1115} letting the people {H5971} go {H7971} to sacrifice {H2076} to the LORD {H3068}.

Moshe said, "All right, I am going away from you, and I will intercede with ADONAI; so that tomorrow, the swarms of insects will leave Pharaoh, his servants and his people. Just make sure that Pharaoh stops playing games with the people by preventing them from going and sacrificing to ADONAI."

β€œAs soon as I leave you,” Moses said, β€œI will pray to the LORD, so that tomorrow the swarms of flies will depart from Pharaoh and his officials and his people. But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go and sacrifice to the LORD.”

And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will entreat Jehovah that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to-morrow: only let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 8:29

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the plagues upon Egypt, specifically following the fourth plague – the swarms of flies. Pharaoh, under duress from the overwhelming infestation, had just conceded to Moses' demand for the Israelites to leave and sacrifice to the LORD, but with conditions. As soon as the plague was lifted, Pharaoh, as noted in Exodus 8:15, hardened his heart and refused to let the people go. Moses' words in verse 29 are a direct response to this pattern of deceit, offering to intercede again while issuing a firm warning against further treachery. This sets the stage for the escalating divine judgment and Pharaoh's increasing stubbornness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intercession: Moses acts as a mediator, promising to "intreat the LORD" on Pharaoh's behalf. This highlights Moses' unique role as God's chosen servant and the channel through whom divine power is expressed and withdrawn.
  • Pharaoh's Deceit and Stubbornness: The verse directly confronts Pharaoh's repeated pattern of making promises under pressure only to break them once relief is granted. Moses warns him, "let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more," underscoring the king's lack of integrity and his resistance to God's will. This theme of a hardened heart is central to the Exodus narrative.
  • God's Sovereignty and Patience: Despite Pharaoh's treachery, God, through Moses, continues to demonstrate His power to both send and remove the plagues. This also reveals God's patient yet firm dealings with humanity, giving opportunities for repentance even in the face of defiance.
  • Purpose of Deliverance: The ultimate goal for the Israelites is clear: "to sacrifice to the LORD." This was not merely about freedom from slavery, but freedom for worship and service, establishing a covenant relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "intreat the LORD" translates the Hebrew verb 'athar (Χ’ΦΈΧͺΦ·Χ¨), which means to pray earnestly, supplicate, or intercede. It signifies a fervent and effective prayer, emphasizing Moses' direct access to God. The phrase "deal deceitfully" comes from the Hebrew root hΓ’lal (Χ”ΦΈΧœΦ·Χœ), which in this context carries the sense of acting treacherously, mocking, or profaning. It vividly describes Pharaoh's insincere promises and his repeated breaking of agreements, treating God's commands with contempt.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:29 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Integrity in Promises: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of keeping one's word, especially in agreements made under duress or in response to divine conviction. Breaking promises, like Pharaoh did, leads to greater consequence and erodes trust.
  • Consequences of Stubbornness: Pharaoh's continuous hardening of his heart illustrates the escalating negative consequences of resisting God's will. Delaying obedience or responding with insincerity only prolongs suffering and invites more severe judgment.
  • The Power of Prayer: Moses' role in interceding for Pharaoh highlights the efficacy of prayer. We are called to pray for those in authority, even those who oppose God, trusting that God hears and answers according to His sovereign plan.
  • Freedom for Worship: The Israelites' ultimate purpose was to worship God. Similarly, our freedom in Christ is not merely for personal liberty but for the purpose of serving, honoring, and worshipping the Lord in spirit and truth.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 8:15

    But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Exodus 8:8

    Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 42:20

    For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].

  • Jeremiah 42:21

    And [now] I have this day declared [it] to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any [thing] for the which he hath sent me unto you.

  • Psalms 66:3

    Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

  • Galatians 6:7

    Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

  • Psalms 78:34

    When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.
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