Exodus 10:7

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?

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}?

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?"

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?”

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

Commentary on Exodus 10:7

Exodus 10:7 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the plagues, revealing a significant shift in the internal dynamics of Pharaoh's court. Up to this point, Pharaoh has stubbornly resisted the demands of Moses and Aaron to let the Israelites go. However, the cumulative effect of the devastating plagues – blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, and especially the recent, catastrophic hail and fire (Exodus 9:23-26) – has pushed Egypt to the brink of total ruin.

Context of Exodus 10:7

As Moses prepares to unleash the eighth plague, locusts, Pharaoh's own servants and advisors can no longer endure the suffering. They confront their king, expressing their exasperation and fear. Their words reflect the immense pressure and destruction Egypt is experiencing. This verse highlights the escalating consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart, which God had foretold (Exodus 4:21, Exodus 7:3).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Cost of Stubbornness: Pharaoh's unyielding defiance against God's command has brought his nation to the verge of complete collapse. The servants' plea underscores that the consequences of resisting divine will are not limited to the individual but extend to all under their authority.
  • Recognition of Divine Power: Even Pharaoh's pagan servants acknowledge that "this man" (Moses, and by extension, the God he represents) is the source of their woes. Their question, "How long shall this man be a snare unto us?" indicates a clear understanding that Moses' actions are a trap of divine judgment, leading to their destruction.
  • Egypt's Devastation: The stark declaration, "knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?" emphasizes the profound level of ruin and desolation. The land, economy, and social fabric of Egypt have been severely damaged, impacting even Pharaoh's closest advisors.
  • The Purpose of Release: The servants reiterate the core demand: "let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God." They understand that the plagues will continue until this divine purpose is fulfilled, echoing God's initial instruction to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:16).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "snare" is moqesh (מוֹקֵשׁ), which literally means a "trap" or "gin." It implies something that entangles, ensnares, and leads to destruction or ruin. Pharaoh's servants view Moses not just as a nuisance, but as a fatal trap from which Egypt cannot escape as long as Pharaoh holds the Israelites captive. The phrase "Egypt is destroyed" uses a form of the verb haval (חָבַל), meaning "to be ruined," "spoiled," or "devastated." It paints a picture of a nation that is utterly broken and undone, not necessarily annihilated, but severely crippled and no longer able to function effectively.

Practical Application

Exodus 10:7 offers timeless lessons:

  • Heeding Warnings: The verse serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of ignoring clear warnings, whether from God, wise counsel, or the unfolding consequences of our actions. Pharaoh's stubbornness led to greater suffering for himself and his people.
  • Consequences of Resistance: It illustrates that resisting God's will ultimately leads to ruin, even if it is a slow, painful process. The more one resists, the greater the devastation.
  • The Power of God's Purpose: God's purpose for His people will be fulfilled, regardless of human opposition. Even the most powerful empires cannot thwart His plans for redemption and service.
  • Recognizing Ruin: Sometimes, those around us see the "destruction" in our lives or circumstances more clearly than we do, especially when we are blinded by pride or stubbornness. It is wise to listen to such counsel.

This verse highlights the escalating divine judgment and the dawning realization, even among Pharaoh's court, that continued resistance to God's will was leading to the complete downfall of Egypt.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 18:21 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 8:19 (2 votes)

    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.