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?

Exodus 10:7 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of the ten plagues, when God pressed Egypt to release the Israelites from slavery. By this time, several plagues had already struck the land, yet Pharaoh kept refusing to let the people go. His own officials now speak to him, urging him to change course. They were his courtiers and counsellors, and they had begun to dread the consequences of his stubbornness.

Meaning

The servants call Moses a “snare,” meaning a trap or a cause of ruin. They see that his presence and his words bring disaster upon Egypt. Their question, “How long shall this man be a snare unto us?” shows that they understand the danger of continued resistance. They then advise Pharaoh to let the men go so that they may serve the LORD their God. This is not a surrender of faith; it is a practical plea born from the devastation around them. Their final words, “knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?” reveal how severe the plagues had become. The land was already ruined, and the officials recognized that further stubbornness would only bring more harm. Their concern was for the good of the whole country, which they had at heart.

Biblical connections

The immediate context continues in Exodus 10:8-9, where Pharaoh offers a partial release, asking who would go. Moses insists that all the people, with their children and flocks, must go to celebrate a festival to the Lord. This shows that God desired complete freedom for His people, not a temporary or limited departure. The servants’ plea also echoes the broader biblical truth that God’s purposes cannot be stopped by human power. Even those who do not worship Him can see the evidence of His might. The plagues demonstrated God’s power and His faithfulness to His promise of deliverance.

Application

Pharaoh’s servants teach us that wise counsel can come from unexpected places. They were not Israelites, yet they saw the futility of fighting against God. Their words challenge us to listen to sound advice, even when it is hard to accept. They also remind us that stubborn pride can blind us to obvious truth. Pharaoh ignored the warnings of his own advisors, and his kingdom suffered. In our own lives, we should be quick to recognize when we are resisting God’s will and be willing to yield before the cost becomes greater. Even those in positions of authority can recognize the truth of God’s power, yet still fail to fully submit to Him.

Reflection

The servants’ question, “How long shall this man be a snare unto us?” can turn inward. How long do we allow anything to become a snare in our relationship with God? The verse also shows that God uses even the words of unbelievers to accomplish His purposes. Their plea for release was part of the path to Israel’s deliverance. This encourages us to trust that God is at work, even through difficult circumstances and unlikely voices. He remains faithful to His promises, and He will bring His people to freedom in His time.