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 10:7KJVWhat does Exodus 10:7 mean?
Exodus 10:7 shows Pharaoh’s own officials urging him to let the Israelites go, warning that continued refusal is ruining Egypt. They see Moses as a “snare” or trap, and plead for Pharaoh to allow the men to leave and serve their God, pointing out the obvious destruction Egypt is suffering.
Pharaoh’s servants are speaking directly to him, expressing frustration and fear as Egypt suffers through the plagues. They recognize that Moses’ demands cannot be ignored without severe consequences, and they question Pharaoh’s stubbornness. This verse highlights a turning point where even Pharaoh’s inner circle sees the cost of resisting Moses and the God of Israel.
The Hebrew behind Exodus 10:7
- “Snare” (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh): This word means a trap or something that catches and endangers. Pharaoh’s officials see Moses not just as a nuisance, but as a real danger to Egypt’s well-being.
- “Destroyed” (חָרַב, charav): This word means to be ruined or laid waste. The officials are not exaggerating; they see Egypt as already devastated by the plagues, not just threatened.
Why Exodus 10:7 matters
- This verse shows that Pharaoh’s resistance is not just his own stubbornness; even his closest advisors are desperate for him to change course, revealing the seriousness of Egypt’s crisis.
- The officials’ plea marks a shift in the narrative, showing that the plagues have broken the resolve of Egypt’s leadership, not just its common people.
- The verse highlights the growing recognition of God’s power, as the officials refer to “the LORD their God” (יְהוָה, YHWH), acknowledging the God of Israel’s role in Egypt’s troubles.