Exodus 10:24 - Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, “Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 10:24" mean?
This verse from Exodus 10:24 reveals Pharaoh's attempt to compromise with Moses and the Israelites after enduring several devastating plagues. He's partially yielding to Moses' demand to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and worship Yahweh, but he's setting a significant condition. Let's break down the meaning:
"Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, 'Go, serve Yahweh.'": Pharaoh is finally, after much resistance, giving permission for the Israelites to go and worship their God, Yahweh. This is a concession from his earlier stance of total refusal.
"Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind.": This is the crux of the compromise. Pharaoh wants the Israelites to leave, but he wants to keep their livestock. Livestock was crucial for the Israelites' survival in the wilderness. It represented their wealth, food supply, and ability to sustain themselves. By keeping the animals, Pharaoh is trying to ensure that the Israelites will be economically weakened and potentially forced to return to Egypt out of desperation. Furthermore, some scholars believe livestock was also used in sacrifices to Yahweh. By keeping the livestock, Pharaoh could be attempting to prevent the Israelites from properly worshiping.
"Let your little ones also go with you.": Pharaoh is willing to let the children (the "little ones") go. The fact he mentions this specifically is important. Initially, Pharaoh tried to allow only the men to leave (Exodus 10:11). Now he has relented, allowing the whole family to go except the livestock.
In essence, this verse shows:
Pharaoh's reluctant and incomplete surrender: He is forced to concede but tries to retain control and power.
Pharaoh's strategy of manipulation: He believes he can manipulate the situation to his advantage, hoping the Israelites will be compelled to return for their livestock.
The economic importance of livestock: It highlights the vital role livestock played in the Israelites' livelihood and journey.
A test of faith: For the Israelites, this is a test of their faith. Will they trust that Yahweh will provide for them, or will they compromise their freedom for the sake of their possessions?
The verse is a key moment in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating Pharaoh's persistent attempts to control the situation and the Israelites' unwavering determination to achieve complete freedom.
Exodus 10:24 - Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, “Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you.”
What does "Exodus 10:24" mean?
This verse from Exodus 10:24 reveals Pharaoh's attempt to compromise with Moses and the Israelites after enduring several devastating plagues. He's partially yielding to Moses' demand to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and worship Yahweh, but he's setting a significant condition. Let's break down the meaning:
"Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, 'Go, serve Yahweh.'": Pharaoh is finally, after much resistance, giving permission for the Israelites to go and worship their God, Yahweh. This is a concession from his earlier stance of total refusal.
"Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind.": This is the crux of the compromise. Pharaoh wants the Israelites to leave, but he wants to keep their livestock. Livestock was crucial for the Israelites' survival in the wilderness. It represented their wealth, food supply, and ability to sustain themselves. By keeping the animals, Pharaoh is trying to ensure that the Israelites will be economically weakened and potentially forced to return to Egypt out of desperation. Furthermore, some scholars believe livestock was also used in sacrifices to Yahweh. By keeping the livestock, Pharaoh could be attempting to prevent the Israelites from properly worshiping.
"Let your little ones also go with you.": Pharaoh is willing to let the children (the "little ones") go. The fact he mentions this specifically is important. Initially, Pharaoh tried to allow only the men to leave (Exodus 10:11). Now he has relented, allowing the whole family to go except the livestock.
In essence, this verse shows:
Pharaoh's reluctant and incomplete surrender: He is forced to concede but tries to retain control and power.
Pharaoh's strategy of manipulation: He believes he can manipulate the situation to his advantage, hoping the Israelites will be compelled to return for their livestock.
The economic importance of livestock: It highlights the vital role livestock played in the Israelites' livelihood and journey.
A test of faith: For the Israelites, this is a test of their faith. Will they trust that Yahweh will provide for them, or will they compromise their freedom for the sake of their possessions?
The verse is a key moment in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating Pharaoh's persistent attempts to control the situation and the Israelites' unwavering determination to achieve complete freedom.