Exodus 10:18 - He went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh.

Generated Verse: Exodus 10:18

What does "Exodus 10:18" mean?


This verse, "He went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh" (Exodus 10:18), encapsulates several important elements of the narrative:

"He" refers to Moses: Moses is the central figure mediating between God and Pharaoh, and between God and the Israelites.
"He went out from Pharaoh": This signifies Moses leaving Pharaoh's presence. The act of leaving is significant because it demonstrates a separation from the ruler of Egypt and a turning away from his power.
"prayed to Yahweh": This shows Moses turning to God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God) in prayer. This indicates his reliance on God's power and intervention. Moses seeks divine guidance and intercession in the face of the ongoing plagues.

In essence, the verse highlights:

The contrast between earthly power and divine power: Moses leaves the presence of the most powerful man in Egypt (Pharaoh) to seek help from the ultimate power (God).
Moses' role as an intermediary: He is the bridge between God and the people, delivering God's messages to Pharaoh and praying to God on behalf of the Israelites.
The importance of prayer: Moses recognizes that only God can alleviate the suffering caused by the plagues. Prayer is his primary means of seeking help and guidance.

Context within Exodus 10: This verse comes after another plague, the plague of locusts. Pharaoh asks Moses and Aaron to entreat God to remove the locusts. Moses does so, but after the locusts are removed, Pharaoh hardens his heart again, and refuses to let the Israelites go.

Overall Significance: The verse underscores the theme of liberation and the Israelites' dependence on God for deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It demonstrates Moses' unwavering faith and his understanding that true power resides with God, not with earthly rulers.

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