Exodus 10:24 - Exposition

Only let your flocks and your herds be stayed . The pitch darkness is more than Pharaoh can bear. On the third day of its duration probably, he sends a messenger who succeeds in finding Moses, and conducting him to the monarch's presence. He has made up his mind to yield another point—that on which he insisted so strongly at the last interview ( Exodus 10:10 , Exodus 10:11 )—he will let the Israelites go with their families— only, their flocks and herds must remain behind. This will be, he considers, a sufficient security for their return; since without cattle they would be unable to support life for many days in the wilderness. Your little ones . Rather, "your families."