Exodus 11:8
And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
Exodus 11:8 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Moses is speaking to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, during the time of the ten plagues. Pharaoh's servants and people are foreseen to come to Moses, acknowledging his superiority and requesting that he and his followers leave Egypt. It illustrates the power struggle between Moses, as the representative of God, and Pharaoh, who is stubbornly resisting the authority of God. The verse showcases Moses' determination and anger towards Pharaoh's continuous defiance of God's will. Despite the intense confrontation, Moses maintains his composure and eventually leaves Pharaoh's presence, showing his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's command. This moment signifies the culmination of the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh, leading to the ultimate liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the theme of divine authority and the power of God over earthly rulers. In this passage, Pharaoh is depicted as a proud and defiant ruler who refuses to acknowledge God's command to release the Israelites. Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God demonstrates His ultimate authority by sending plagues upon Egypt. The phrase "bow down themselves unto me" highlights the idea of submission to God's will and the recognition of His sovereignty. Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh serves as a reminder that even the most powerful earthly rulers are subject to the will of God. Furthermore, the mention of Moses leaving Pharaoh in anger underscores the human emotion and frustration experienced in the face of opposition to God's plans. This verse ultimately emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of defying His authority.
Exodus 11:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
World English Bible
All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, “Get out, with all the people who follow you”; and after that I will go out.’” He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
Douay-Rheims
And all these thy servants shall come down to me, and shall worship me, saying: Go forth thou, and all the people that is under thee: after that we will go out.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And all these thy seruants shall come downe vnto me, and fal before me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that are at thy feete, and after this will I depart. So he went out from Pharaoh very angry.