Exodus 10:17

Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me."

Study Bible

Now forgive my sin once more
This phrase reveals Pharaoh's acknowledgment of wrongdoing, albeit superficially. The Hebrew word for "forgive" is "nasa," which means to lift, carry, or take away. In the context of the Old Testament, forgiveness is often associated with the removal of guilt and the restoration of a right relationship with God. Pharaoh's request for forgiveness "once more" indicates a pattern of insincere repentance, as he had previously asked for forgiveness but failed to change his ways. This highlights the human tendency to seek relief from consequences without genuine transformation of heart.

and plead with the LORD your God
The word "plead" in Hebrew is "athar," which means to entreat or intercede. Pharaoh is asking Moses to intercede on his behalf, recognizing Moses' unique relationship with God. The phrase "the LORD your God" underscores Pharaoh's acknowledgment of the God of Israel as distinct and powerful, yet he does not claim Him as his own. This reflects a common biblical theme where individuals recognize God's power but fail to submit to His authority personally. It also emphasizes the role of a mediator, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ in the New Testament.

to remove this death from me
The term "death" here refers to the devastating plague of locusts that had consumed the land, threatening Egypt's survival. In Hebrew, "maveth" can mean both physical death and a state of ruin or destruction. Pharaoh's plea to have this "death" removed highlights the severity of the plagues and their impact on Egypt. Historically, locust plagues were catastrophic, leading to famine and economic collapse. Spiritually, this request symbolizes the human desire to escape the consequences of sin without addressing the root cause. It serves as a reminder of the need for true repentance and reliance on God's mercy for deliverance from spiritual death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is repeatedly hardened in heart, refusing to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to demand Pharaoh release His people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who sends plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues occur.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments sent by God upon Egypt, with the current context being the plague of locusts.

Teaching Points

The Nature of True Repentance
Pharaoh's plea for forgiveness is superficial, serving as a reminder that true repentance involves a change of heart and actions, not just words.

The Consequences of Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's repeated hardening of heart leads to greater judgment, illustrating the dangers of resisting God's will.

Intercession and Mediation
Moses acts as an intercessor for Pharaoh, pointing to the role of Christ as our ultimate mediator with God.

The Sovereignty of God
The plagues demonstrate God's control over creation and His ability to use it to fulfill His purposes.

The Importance of Obedience
Pharaoh's refusal to obey God's command results in suffering, teaching us the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's request for forgiveness in Exodus 10:17 compare to his previous admissions of sin, and what does this reveal about his heart?

2. In what ways does Moses' role as an intercessor for Pharaoh foreshadow the mediating work of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and not merely a response to the consequences of our actions?

4. What are some modern examples of "hardness of heart," and how can we guard against this in our own lives?

5. How does the account of the plagues in Egypt illustrate the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty and justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:27
Pharaoh's earlier admission of sin during the plague of hail, showing a pattern of insincere repentance.

1 Samuel 15:24-25
Saul's confession of sin to Samuel, paralleling Pharaoh's plea for forgiveness but lacking true repentance.

Matthew 3:8
John the Baptist's call for fruit in keeping with repentance, highlighting the need for genuine change.

2 Corinthians 7:10
The distinction between godly sorrow that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to death.