H. P. Mansfield Bible notes — checked and arranged in verse-by-verse Expositor style

Source: HPB 02-Gen42-Lev11.pdf, principally Exodus 10 photographed pages in the HPB source

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Exodus 10 brings Egypt close to collapse. Pharaoh’s own servants recognise national ruin, yet Pharaoh continues to bargain rather than submit. The chapter repeatedly exposes pride as the core issue: “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?”

The judgments also become a memorial for Israel’s children. Redemption is to be remembered and taught, not treated as a private experience of one generation.

THE MEMORIAL PURPOSE — EXODUS 10:1–3

Exodus 10:1–2 — tell your son and grandson

Yahweh explains that the signs in Egypt are to be recounted to future generations so they too may know Yahweh. The verb translated “what things I have wrought” can carry the sense of dealing severely or making sport of Egypt, but the larger purpose is memorial instruction.

The Exodus becomes foundational catechesis for Israel: later faith is nourished by remembered Divine acts.

Exodus 10:3 — refusal to humble himself

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh: “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?” Evidence is no longer the issue. Pride and refusal to submit are.

EIGHTH PLAGUE: LOCUSTS — EXODUS 10:4–20

Exodus 10:4–6 — locust devastation threatened

Arbeh, locusts, will cover the visible surface of the land and consume what survived the hail, including remaining tree fruit. The announced scale exceeds remembered experience.

Exodus 10:7 — Pharaoh’s servants recognise ruin

Pharaoh’s servants plead for release of Israel’s men and ask, “Knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?” Political resistance has become national self-destruction even in the eyes of the royal administration.

Exodus 10:8–11 — third compromise: only the men

Moses insists that young and old, sons and daughters, flocks and herds will go because all are involved in Yahweh’s feast. Pharaoh offers only the men. The proposal would leave families as hostages and guarantee continued Egyptian leverage.

Pharaoh’s statement “evil is before you” may mean he imputes bad intent to Moses or threatens disaster; it need not be turned into a technical Egyptian deity reference.

Exodus 10:12–15 — east wind and locusts

A strong east wind blows all day and night and carries the locusts over Egypt. They darken the land and consume every remaining green thing. Yahweh’s control of wind is direct and purposeful.

Exodus 10:16–20 — confession and west wind

Pharaoh hastily confesses sin against Yahweh and Moses and asks forgiveness “only this once.” Moses intercedes; a strong west wind drives every locust into the Sea of Reeds/Red Sea.

Yet Yahweh strengthens Pharaoh’s heart and he refuses release. Again, urgent words under pain do not become humility.

NINTH PLAGUE: DARKNESS — EXODUS 10:21–23

Exodus 10:21–23 — darkness that may be felt

Moses stretches his hand heavenward and thick darkness covers Egypt for three days. The idiom “darkness which may be felt” conveys extraordinary palpable/oppressive darkness. Egyptians cannot see one another or move normally, while Israel has light in its dwellings.

The plague powerfully challenges Egypt’s confidence in solar order and worship, but exact assignments to Ra, Amun-Ra or other solar deities should remain background rather than the sole inspired explanation.

THE FINAL COMPROMISE AND RUPTURE — EXODUS 10:24–29

Exodus 10:24–26 — fourth compromise: leave the livestock

Pharaoh now permits families to go but insists livestock remain. Moses refuses: Israel must have animals for sacrifice and does not yet know exactly what Yahweh will require until they arrive.

“There shall not an hoof be left behind” expresses complete release from Egyptian ownership. No part of Israel’s worship resources remains hostage to Pharaoh.

Exodus 10:27–29 — negotiations end

Pharaoh again refuses and orders Moses away, threatening death if Moses sees his face again. Moses agrees that the ordinary negotiations are finished. Chapter 11 will announce the final judgment without reopening the previous bargaining pattern.

PRINCIPAL THEMES

• The Exodus is to be remembered and taught across generations.

• Pharaoh’s fundamental sin is refusal to humble himself.

• Continued resistance destroys the system Pharaoh seeks to preserve.

• Redemption includes the whole household, not adult men alone.

• Darkness and light visibly distinguish Egypt from Israel.

• Material resources as well as persons must be released for Divine service.

• “Not an hoof” expresses complete separation from Pharaoh’s ownership.

EDITORIAL VERIFICATION AND RECOVERED READINGS

RESIDUAL UNCERTAINTIES

Exact Egyptian deity identifications for the locust and darkness plagues remain secondary. The phrase “evil is before you” in verse 10 has interpretive alternatives and should not be confidently turned into a named Egyptian god. The darkness is described phenomenologically; the text does not explain its physical mechanism.