Bible Commentaries
Exodus 10

Verses 1-29

It would seem at this point that Moses himself was overawed by the fearful process of judgment and so before the next plague God announced to His servant a new reason for the whole movement. It was in order that posterity might have the solemn and awful warnings of the result of persistent rebellion.

Pharaoh was now beyond reason, and God did not reason with him. Pharaoh's servants, apparently more alive than he to his folly, pleaded with him to let the people go. Whereupon he sent for Moses and again attempted a compromise. He suggested that the children be left behind. This being refused, a further plague fell. Still Pharaoh persisted in his rebellion. The final plague of the third cycle fell without warning. In the presence of the appalling darkness, Pharaoh made his fourth and last attempt at compromise by suggesting that their cattle should be left. To this the reply of the servant of God was at once final and conclusive, "There shall not a hoof be left behind." Then Pharaoh's failure aroused his anger. All the evil passion of the man flamed out. He commanded Moses to see his face no more. This is indeed a story of long-continued and determined rebellion against God; first by Pharaoh's own choice, then by that choice ratified by the choice of God as the terrible judgment moved forward.