Exodus 10:21-29 - Exposition

1 . In its extent, covering as it did "all the land d Egypt;"

2 . In its intensity—"they saw not one another" ( Exodus 10:23 )—"darkness which may be felt" ( Exodus 10:21 );

3 . In its circumscription, extending, as it did, to all Egypt except only the land of Goshen ( Exodus 10:23 ). These circumstances made Pharaoh at once recognise its heaven-sent character, and request its removal of Moses, whom he sought to persuade by conceding the departure of the Israelites with their families. He marred, however, the whole grace of this concession by a proviso that they should leave behind them their flocks and herds, viewing these as, equally with their families, a security for their return. Moses therefore indignantly rejected his offer—the flocks and the herds should go with them—he would not have a hoof left behind—they did not know what sacrifices would be required at the feast which they were about to keep, or how many ( Exodus 10:25 , Exodus 10:26 )—therefore they must take all. Pharaoh, greatly angered, forthwith broke up the conference ( Exodus 10:28 ), but not, as it would seem, before Moses, equally displeased, had announced the tenth plague, and the results which would follow it ( Exodus 11:4-8 ).