9°. The Palpable Darkness (Exodus 10:21-23 E. Exodus 10:24-26 J, Exodus 10:27 E, Exodus 10:28 f. J). The wonder again lay in the coincidence, that of time: sandstorms producing darkness as thick as a London fog have often been experienced in Egypt, the sand and heat being only too painfully felt. Pharaoh's new concession, that entire families might go, but not the cattle, was rejected by Moses: there shall not a hoof be left behind (Exodus 10:26). The demand that the Pharaoh should contribute animals for sacrifices (i.e. peace offerings) and burnt-offerings is not now noted in the sequel as fulfilled. In sacrificial contexts the word do, in Heb. as in Gr., Latin, and Ass., is equivalent to offer. Exodus 10:29 J finds its immediate sequel in Exodus 11:5-8 J, the look of contradiction being due to the insertion of Exodus 11:1-3, from E, following on Exodus 10:27 E.
Exodus 10:21-29
21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
25 And Moses said, Thou must give usd also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God.
26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.
28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.