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 please forgive my sin once more
This phrase indicates Pharaoh's acknowledgment of wrongdoing, though it is often seen as insincere or temporary. In the context of the plagues, Pharaoh repeatedly asks for forgiveness but fails to genuinely repent. This reflects a pattern of hardened hearts seen throughout Scripture, such as in the Israelites' repeated disobedience in the wilderness (Numbers 14:22-23). The plea for forgiveness "once more" suggests a cycle of sin and temporary repentance, highlighting the human tendency to seek God in times of distress but revert to old ways once relief is granted.

and appeal to the LORD your God
Pharaoh's request for Moses to intercede with "the LORD your God" shows a recognition of the power and authority of the God of Israel, yet it also distances himself from that relationship. This distinction between "your God" and "my God" underscores Pharaoh's lack of personal faith and commitment. Intercession is a recurring theme in the Bible, with figures like Abraham (Genesis 18:22-33) and Jesus (Hebrews 7:25) serving as mediators between God and humanity. Moses' role as an intercessor foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation.

that He may remove this death from me.”
The "death" referred to here is the plague of locusts, which devastated Egypt's crops and threatened widespread famine. This plea highlights the severity of the plagues as divine judgments against Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's obstinacy. The plagues serve as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and His power to deliver His people. The concept of death as a consequence of sin is a central biblical theme, beginning with the fall in Genesis 3 and culminating in the redemptive work of Christ, who conquers death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

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.