This verse, Exodus 10:17, is spoken by Pharaoh to Moses and Aaron during the plague of locusts. Let's break down what it means:
"Now therefore please forgive my sin again..." Pharaoh acknowledges that he has sinned (angered God) by refusing to let the Israelites go. The phrase "again" suggests he's asked for forgiveness before, but broken his promise.
"...and pray to Yahweh your God..." Pharaoh recognizes that the God of Moses (Yahweh) has power over the plague and the only way to remove it is through the intercession of Moses. He is not praying directly himself, but requesting Moses to pray for him.
"...that he may also take away from me this death." The phrase "this death" refers to the impending threat of death and destruction the locusts are causing. They are devouring the land and crops, threatening famine and widespread death. Pharaoh is asking for God to remove the locust plague, thereby preventing a catastrophic outcome.
In essence, Pharaoh is humbling himself, admitting his guilt (again), and asking Moses to intercede with God to remove the plague and save Egypt from devastation. However, his contrition is likely not genuine. It's a plea borne out of desperation, and as the narrative unfolds, he will retract his promise again once the plague is lifted temporarily.
This verse, Exodus 10:17, is spoken by Pharaoh to Moses and Aaron during the plague of locusts. Let's break down what it means:
"Now therefore please forgive my sin again..." Pharaoh acknowledges that he has sinned (angered God) by refusing to let the Israelites go. The phrase "again" suggests he's asked for forgiveness before, but broken his promise.
"...and pray to Yahweh your God..." Pharaoh recognizes that the God of Moses (Yahweh) has power over the plague and the only way to remove it is through the intercession of Moses. He is not praying directly himself, but requesting Moses to pray for him.
"...that he may also take away from me this death." The phrase "this death" refers to the impending threat of death and destruction the locusts are causing. They are devouring the land and crops, threatening famine and widespread death. Pharaoh is asking for God to remove the locust plague, thereby preventing a catastrophic outcome.
In essence, Pharaoh is humbling himself, admitting his guilt (again), and asking Moses to intercede with God to remove the plague and save Egypt from devastation. However, his contrition is likely not genuine. It's a plea borne out of desperation, and as the narrative unfolds, he will retract his promise again once the plague is lifted temporarily.