Exodus 10:11 - Exposition

Go now ye that are men . Or, "ye that are adult males." The word is different from that used in Exodus 10:7 , which includes women and children. And serve the Lord; for that ye did desire . Pharaoh seems to argue that the request to "serve the Lord" implied the departure of the men only, as if women and children could not offer an acceptable service. But he must have known that women and children attended his own national festivals. (See the comment on Exodus 10:9 .) Probably, he knew that his argument was sophistical. And they were driven out . Literally, "One drove them out." Pharaoh's manifest displeasure was an indication to the court officials that he wished the interview ended, and as the brothers did not at once voluntarily quit the presence, an officer thrust them out. This was an insult not previously offered them, and shows how Pharaoh's rage increased as he saw more and more clearly that he would have to yield and allow the departure of the entire nation.