Exodus 10:28

"Depart from me!" Pharaoh said to Moses. "Make sure you never see my face again, for on the day you see my face, you will die."

Study Bible

Depart from me!
Pharaoh's command to Moses reflects his hardened heart and growing frustration with the plagues. This phrase echoes the rejection of God's messengers seen throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Samuel 8:7, where the Israelites reject God as their king. It also foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Christ by the religious leaders in the New Testament (John 19:15).

Pharaoh said to Moses.
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a central figure in the Exodus narrative. His interactions with Moses highlight the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. Historically, Pharaohs were considered divine, which adds to the tension as Moses, a representative of the true God, confronts him. This confrontation is a type of the ultimate victory of Christ over the powers of darkness.

Make sure you never see my face again,
This phrase signifies a finality in Pharaoh's decision, showing his unwillingness to submit to God's will. In ancient Near Eastern culture, seeing the face of a king was a privilege, and being denied this was a severe form of rejection. This mirrors the spiritual separation from God that results from sin, as seen in Isaiah 59:2.

for on the day you see my face,
The phrase underscores the seriousness of Pharaoh's threat. In biblical terms, seeing someone's face often implies a personal encounter or relationship. Here, it is used to emphasize the broken relationship between Pharaoh and Moses, and by extension, between Pharaoh and God. This can be contrasted with the blessing of seeing God's face in peace, as described in Revelation 22:4.

you will die.
Pharaoh's threat of death is ironic, given that it is he who will soon face the death of his firstborn and the destruction of his army. This statement highlights the theme of divine justice and retribution found throughout the Bible, such as in Galatians 6:7. It also prefigures the ultimate judgment that comes upon those who reject God's salvation through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is hardened in his heart against God’s commands delivered through Moses. He represents the obstinate resistance to God's will.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the mediator between God and Pharaoh.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It symbolizes oppression and the worldly powers that stand against God’s purposes.

4. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments sent by God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This verse occurs after the ninth plague, darkness.

5. The Face of Pharaoh
Represents authority and power in the Egyptian context. Pharaoh’s refusal to see Moses again signifies a final rejection of God’s message.

Teaching Points

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh’s refusal to heed God’s warnings serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hardening one’s heart against God’s will. Believers are encouraged to remain open and responsive to God’s guidance.

God’s Sovereignty and Judgment
This passage highlights God’s ultimate authority over earthly powers. It reassures believers that God’s purposes will prevail, even when faced with opposition.

The Cost of Rebellion
Pharaoh’s declaration that Moses will die if he sees his face again underscores the cost of rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder that rejecting God’s commands can lead to spiritual death.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses’ role as a mediator between God and Pharaoh points to the importance of intercessors in our spiritual lives. It foreshadows Christ’s role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh’s response to Moses reflect the condition of his heart, and what can we learn about the dangers of spiritual stubbornness?

2. In what ways does the account of Pharaoh and the plagues demonstrate God’s sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our faith during challenging times?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Pharaoh’s hardened heart to our own lives to ensure we remain receptive to God’s voice?

4. What parallels can we draw between Moses’ role as a mediator and Jesus’ role in the New Testament, and how does this shape our understanding of intercession?

5. How does the account of Exodus 10:28 encourage us to respond to God’s warnings and guidance in our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:19-20
God foretells that Pharaoh will not let the Israelites go unless compelled by a mighty hand, connecting to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God’s sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts to display His power and glory.

Hebrews 3:7-8
Warns believers not to harden their hearts as in the rebellion, drawing a parallel to Pharaoh’s hardened heart.