Exodus 10

It can be super frustrating when you're trying to get something done, and someone just won't budge. You’ve tried talking, explaining, maybe even a little gentle persuasion, but they’re stuck in their ways. You might even start to wonder if they’re choosing to be difficult, or if something else is going on. In our story today, we're going to see a situation like that play out on a massive scale, with the fate of a whole nation hanging in the balance. We'll explore a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, where things get really intense with plagues, stubbornness, and some profound questions about free will and divine intervention. It’s a story that’s been told for thousands of years, and it still has so much to teach us about persistence, faith, and how we understand the big forces at play in our lives.

Context

This story comes from the Book of Exodus, which is a foundational text in Judaism.

Who and When

• The Israelites: This is the community of people who believe they are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They've been living in Egypt for a long time and are now enslaved.
• Moses and Aaron: These are the leaders chosen by God to speak to the Pharaoh and demand the Israelites' freedom. Moses is the main prophet, and Aaron is his brother and spokesperson.
• Pharaoh: He's the king of Egypt, an absolute ruler who holds immense power.
• The Time: This is happening during the period of the Ten Plagues, a series of devastating events God sends upon Egypt to force Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. This chapter focuses on the plague of locusts and the plague of darkness.

Where

• Egypt: The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where these dramatic events unfold.
• Pharaoh's Palace: The center of power where Moses and Aaron repeatedly confront Pharaoh.

Key Term

• Plague: A widespread disease or disaster; in this context, a supernatural event sent by God to punish Egypt and persuade Pharaoh.

Text Snapshot

Here’s a peek at what happens in Exodus Chapter 10:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Go to Pharaoh. For I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his courtiers, in order that I may display these My signs among them, and that you may recount in the hearing of your child and of your child’s child how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I displayed My signs among them—in order that you may know that I am the Lord.'

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go that they may worship Me. For if you refuse to let My people go, tomorrow I will bring locusts on your territory. They shall cover the surface of the land, so that no one will be able to see the land. They shall devour the surviving remnant that was left to you after the hail; and they shall eat away all your trees that grow in the field.'

Pharaoh’s courtiers said to him, 'How long shall this one be a snare to us? Let a delegation go to worship their God the Lord! Are you not yet aware that Egypt is lost?'

...Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Hold out your arm over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt and eat up all the grasses in the land, whatever the hail has left.' So Moses held out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord drove an east wind over the land all that day and all night; and when morning came, the east wind had brought the locusts. Locusts invaded all the land of Egypt... They hid all the land from view, and the land was darkened; and they ate up all the grasses of the field and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left, so that nothing green was left...

But the Lord stiffened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Hold out your arm toward the sky that there may be darkness upon the land of Egypt, a darkness that can be touched.' Moses held out his arm toward the sky and thick darkness descended upon all the land of Egypt for three days...

But the Lord stiffened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not agree to let them go."

(Exodus 10:1-2, 4-7, 12-15, 17-20, 23, 27)

Close Reading

This chapter is packed with drama and some really thought-provoking ideas. Let's break down a few things that stand out.

### The "Hardened Heart" Question

One of the most discussed parts of this story is when God says, "For I have hardened his heart." This pops up multiple times in the Exodus narrative, and it can be confusing. Does it mean people have no free will?

• What the Text Says: God explicitly states, "I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his courtiers." This isn't just Pharaoh being stubborn; the text presents it as a divine action.

• What the Commentaries Offer:

  • Ramban (a medieval commentator) explains that God hardened their hearts even after they confessed and were afraid during the hail plague. This suggests it's not about preventing a good choice, but about God’s plan unfolding even when people seem to be changing. He emphasizes that God’s hardening is so that His signs can be displayed and remembered. It's about teaching and demonstrating God's power.
  • Ibn Ezra (another medieval commentator) offers a slightly different angle. He notes that God mentions hardening the servants' hearts too, because their hearts would "mellow" with the coming plague. This hints that perhaps the hardening isn't a total, permanent state, but a specific divine influence at specific moments.
  • Rashbam (a medieval commentator) points out that this "hardening" is mentioned now because Pharaoh and his servants had previously admitted guilt and reneged. Since they were deliberately sinning after acknowledging their wrongdoing, God explains that He Himself was stiffening Pharaoh's resolve. It's like God is saying, "You think he's being irrational? I'm involved, and here's why."
  • Sforno (a medieval commentator) suggests that Pharaoh couldn't cope with the plagues, and yet he still opposed God. This led Moses to believe warning Pharaoh was useless. So, God tells Moses He hardened Pharaoh's heart so that ordinary psychology no longer applied. This allows God to show more miracles, with the hope that some Egyptians might change and that the Israelites would remember and recount these events for generations. The warnings are given, even if they seem fated to fail for Pharaoh.

• What This Means for Us: This idea of a "hardened heart" doesn't necessarily mean people are robots. It can be understood as God working within human history and psychology. Sometimes, even when people seem to be making bad choices, there's a larger divine purpose at play – for teaching, for demonstration, or for setting up future events. It encourages us to look beyond simple blame and consider the complex interplay of divine will and human action. It also highlights the importance of memory and teaching future generations about these events.

### The Purpose of the Plagues: More Than Just Punishment

The plagues are obviously terrible for Egypt, but the text gives us deeper reasons for them.

• What the Text Says: God tells Moses, "For I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his courtiers, in order that I may display these My signs among them, and that you may recount in the hearing of your child and of your child’s child how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I displayed My signs among them—in order that you may know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 10:1-2). This is repeated throughout the chapter.

• What the Commentaries Offer:

  • Ramban reiterates that the purpose is for God to "display these signs" so Egyptians know His power, and so Israel can recount it to their children, ultimately leading them to "know that I am the Lord."
  • Kli Yakar (a later commentator) emphasizes that the plague of locusts is particularly important for future generations. He explains that after the locusts are gone, there's a lasting phenomenon: locusts in Egypt don't eat Egyptian crops, but locusts in Israel do. This is a sign that future generations will see and ask about, leading them to hear the story of the Exodus and God's miracles. He calls this a "precious and correct interpretation."
  • Sforno connects the plagues to God's patience and giving people "opportunities to mend their ways." Even though Pharaoh is hardened, the display of miracles serves a purpose for both Egyptians (potential repentance) and Israelites (learning and remembrance).

• What This Means for Us: The story suggests that even difficult or destructive events can have a purpose beyond immediate suffering. They can be powerful lessons, demonstrations of divine power, and crucial moments for passing down values and history. It’s a reminder that even when things are tough, there might be a larger story unfolding, and our role might be to learn from it and share it. The emphasis on recounting the story to children is a huge part of this – it's about continuity and passing down wisdom.

### Pharaoh's Shifting Demands and Moses' Steadfastness

Notice how Pharaoh keeps changing what he's willing to let the Israelites do.

• What the Text Says:

  • Initially, Pharaoh says, "Go, worship your God the Lord! Who are the ones to go?" Moses insists, "We will all go—regardless of social station—we will go with our sons and daughters, our flocks and herds; for we must observe the Lord’s festival." (Exodus 10:8-9). Pharaoh then offers, "You gentlemen go and worship your God the Lord, since that is what you want." (10:11).
  • After the locusts, Pharaoh says, "I stand guilty... Forgive my offense just this once, and plead with your God the Lord that this death but be removed from me." (10:16-17).
  • After the darkness, Pharaoh calls Moses and says, "Go, worship your God the Lord! Only your flocks and your herds shall be left behind; even your dependents may go with you." (10:24). Moses counters, "You yourself must provide us with sacrifices and burnt offerings... our own livestock, too, shall go along with us—not a hoof shall remain behind..." (10:25-26).

• What the Commentaries Offer:

  • Kli Yakar notes that Pharaoh only gives in when forced by the immediate crisis. His repentance isn't from understanding God's word but from fear of the plague. This is not "complete repentance" because as soon as the threat is gone, he reverts. Moses’s insistence on taking all their possessions (flocks and herds) is tied to the requirement of worship – they need the animals for sacrifices, and they won't know what to use until they arrive.
  • Sforno explains that Moses’s warnings were futile because Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. Yet, the warnings were still given, as was the demand for all the people and all their possessions. This shows Moses's unwavering commitment to the full demand, even when Pharaoh tries to negotiate or bargain.

• What This Means for Us: This shows us the power of standing firm on principles, even when facing pressure or compromise. Moses isn't just negotiating terms; he's adhering to a divine command. It teaches us to be clear about what's essential in our own lives and commitments, and to resist the urge to chip away at important principles when faced with challenges. It also shows how people in power might try to find loopholes or limit the scope of what's being asked, and how important it is to hold onto the full vision.

Apply It

This week, let's practice the art of "Persistent Clarification." When you need something from someone, and they seem to be sidestepping or offering partial solutions (like Pharaoh!), try this:

1. Identify your core need: What is the absolute essential thing you need? For Moses, it was "Let My people go that they may worship Me," and eventually, all people and all their livestock.
2. State it clearly and calmly: Reiterate your essential need, perhaps a bit differently. Instead of just saying "I need the report," you could say, "For the team meeting tomorrow, it's crucial that I receive the full sales report by end of day today so I can prepare the presentation."
3. Listen for their response: Are they still offering a workaround? Are they missing the point?
4. Gently re-clarify: Without getting frustrated, gently guide them back to the essential need. "I understand you can send me the summary, but what I really need for the presentation is the detailed breakdown of Q3 sales figures by region. Is there a way you can get that to me?"

This practice is about being clear and unwavering on your essential needs and goals, but doing so with patience and without escalating conflict. It’s inspired by Moses’s consistent message to Pharaoh, even as Pharaoh tried to negotiate away parts of the request.

Chevruta Mini

Grab a friend (or imagine you have one!) and chat about these questions:

1. The text says God hardened Pharaoh's heart. How does this idea make you feel about the choices people make? Does it feel fair or confusing? What are your initial thoughts on how God and human free will might work together?
2. The story emphasizes recounting these events to children and future generations. Why do you think remembering and telling these stories is so important in Judaism and in general? What makes a story stick with you and get passed down?

Takeaway

Remember this: Even when faced with seeming stubbornness, clarity, persistence, and a focus on the core purpose can guide us toward our goals.