Exodus 10 — When Pride Refuses to Let Go
Summary
Exodus 10 continues the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh. God sends two more plagues upon Egypt: locusts and darkness.
Before the eighth plague, Moses and Aaron return to Pharaoh and warn him that locusts will cover the land and destroy everything left after the hail. Even Pharaoh’s officials begin begging him to let the Israelites go because Egypt is being ruined.
Pharaoh tries to compromise by allowing only the men to leave and worship God, but Moses refuses because God commanded the entire community — including their children and livestock — to go.
The locusts come and consume everything remaining in Egypt. Pharaoh quickly admits that he has sinned and asks Moses to pray for forgiveness. God removes the locusts, but Pharaoh once again refuses to let the Israelites leave.
Then God sends complete darkness over Egypt for three days. The darkness is so intense that people cannot see one another or move around. Yet the Israelites have light where they live.
Pharaoh again tries to compromise. He tells Moses that the people may leave, but their livestock must remain behind. Moses refuses because everything belongs to God and they need their animals for worship.
Pharaoh becomes angry and tells Moses never to appear before him again.
Moses responds that Pharaoh will indeed never see him again.
Observations
1. Pride can keep someone trapped even when the consequences are obvious.
2. Partial obedience is still disobedience.
3. God can provide light even when everything around us feels dark.
Life Application
Exodus 10 challenges us to examine the areas of our lives where we may be negotiating with God.
Sometimes we say:
“God, I’ll obey You, but not with this.”
“I’ll trust You, but I need to control this part.”
“I’ll follow You, but only if it happens the way I want.”
But God desires full surrender.
Pharaoh kept trying to hold something back. Moses refused because he understood that everything belonged to God.
Ask yourself today:
Is there something I am still trying to keep control of instead of fully surrendering it to God?
God does not want part of your heart.
He wants all of you.
And even when life feels dark, remember this: the same God who gave Israel light in the middle of Egypt’s darkness can give you light in your darkest seasons too.
Questions
- Is there an area of my life where pride is keeping me from admitting that I need to change?
- Am I fully obeying God, or am I trying to negotiate with Him?
- Where do I need God’s light and direction in my life right now?
Memory Verse
Exodus 10:3 (NIV)
“Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?”’”
Encouragement
You do not have to understand everything God is doing in order to trust Him.
You may be walking through a season that feels uncertain or dark, but darkness does not mean God has left you.
The Israelites were surrounded by darkness, yet God gave them light.
He can do the same for you.
Keep trusting Him.
Keep obeying Him.
Keep surrendering the things you are tempted to control.
God knows exactly where He is leading you.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that You are worthy of my complete obedience.
Please reveal any areas of my life where pride, fear, or the desire for control is keeping me from fully surrendering to You.
Help me stop negotiating with You and teach me to trust Your instructions even when I do not completely understand them.
When life feels dark or uncertain, remind me that You are my light.
Guide my steps, protect my heart, and help me remain faithful to You.
I surrender everything to You today.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Read It Yourself
Take a few minutes today to read Exodus 10 slowly.
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