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Exodus 10:7

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 10:7 · King James Version

Meaning

Pharaoh's servants in this verse are addressing Pharaoh about the impact that the presence of Moses and the Israelites were having on Egypt. They were concerned that Moses was causing harm and destruction to the land of Egypt by bringing about plagues and disasters. The servants urged Pharaoh to let the Israelite men go so that they may serve the Lord their God and in doing so, hopefully put an end to the suffering that Egypt was experiencing. The servants' question to Pharaoh, "How long shall this man be a snare unto us?", reflects their frustration and impatience with the situation at hand. They believed that allowing the Israelites to leave would bring about relief and possibly prevent further destruction in Egypt. However, Pharaoh's stubbornness and refusal to let the Israelites go ultimately led to more devastation and chaos until he finally relented after the final plague. This verse highlights the ongoing power struggle between Pharaoh and the Lord, with the servants recognizing the futility of resisting the will of God.

Theological Overview

Upon examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it can be understood that Pharaoh's servants were expressing their concern over the worsening situation in Egypt due to the plagues brought about by the God of the Israelites. They saw Moses as a threat to their well-being and urged Pharaoh to let the Israelite men go so that they could serve their God. The concept of serving the Lord their God implies worship and obedience to Him. The phrase "Egypt is destroyed" highlights the devastation that the plagues had brought upon the land, indicating that the situation would only worsen if Pharaoh continued to resist letting the Israelites go. This verse underscores the power struggle between the Egyptian gods and the God of the Israelites, emphasizing the ultimate authority and sovereignty of the latter. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God and the importance of heeding His will.

Exodus 10:7 in other translations

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

World English Bible

Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Yahweh, their God. Don’t you yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”

Douay-Rheims

And Pharao's servants said to him: How long shall we endure this scandal? Iet the men go to sacrifice to the Lord their God. Dost thou not see that Egypt is undone?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then Pharaohs seruants saide vnto him, How long shall he be an offence vnto vs? let the men go, that they may serue the Lord their God: wilt thou first knowe that Egypt is destroyed?