“And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: but who are they that shall go?”
Context: Exodus 10 is part of the narrative of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt in order to secure the liberation of the Israelites from their slavery. By this point, several plagues had already occurred, and Pharaoh’s heart had been hardened repeatedly, refusing to let the Israelites go.
The Request to Serve God: In this verse, we see Pharaoh acknowledging the power of the Lord and recognizing that Moses and Aaron were representatives of the Israelites’ God. He tells them to go and serve the Lord, indicating a temporary permission to worship and offer sacrifices.
Pharaoh’s Question: However, Pharaoh adds a question, asking, “but who are they that shall go?” Pharaoh wanted to know who exactly Moses intended to take with him to worship the Lord. He was likely trying to maintain some control and limit the number of people leaving, thereby keeping a hold on the Israelites.
The Implications: Pharaoh’s question reveals his attempt to negotiate the terms of the Israelites’ freedom. Instead of granting them complete liberty, he sought to impose restrictions and limit their ability to worship God. Pharaoh wanted to retain some measure of control over the situation.
God’s Purpose: This verse highlights God’s purpose in the Exodus narrative. God desired the Israelites’ complete freedom, not just a temporary release to worship. He wanted Pharaoh to recognize His authority and power, and He used the plagues to demonstrate His sovereignty over the false gods of Egypt.
Application: The story of the Exodus teaches us about God’s faithfulness to His promises and His commitment to liberate His people. It also reminds us that worldly powers and authorities may try to hinder our worship and obedience to God. However, like Moses and Aaron, we should remain steadfast in our commitment to serve the Lord, even in the face of opposition.
In summary, Exodus 10:8 depicts Pharaoh’s conditional permission for Moses and Aaron to go and serve the Lord. Pharaoh’s question reflects his desire to maintain control over the situation, whereas God’s purpose was to secure the complete freedom of the Israelites. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and our responsibility to worship and obey Him, even in challenging circumstances.
