He said,—Let the Lord be so with you— Some commentators understand this as an irony; others, as an imprecation: the former interpret it, "yes, your God Jehovah shall deliver you by a miracle, indeed! if ever I part with you in that manner." The latter, "may your God, Jehovah, assist you to my ruin, if ever I let you go upon these terms." I should rather think this to be the true sense, as Moses and Aaron, in consequence of these words, were driven out from Pharaoh's presence. Calmet interprets, for evil is before you, "it is plain your designs are seditious:" as if he had said, "your evil intentions are seen in your eyes." For the Hebrew, says he, might be rendered, voyez que le mal est sur votre visage. Others interpret it of a threat: "evil await you, unless you comply with my terms." Perhaps the verse might best be rendered and understood thus: "Let Jehovah be so with you; as I shall dismiss you and your families; seeing that evil is in your countenances. Not so: go now, ye men, &c." that is, "I wish Jehovah may be with you just as soon as I shall dismiss you upon your terms; since I am convinced you have evil intentions. And if your God was to assist you no sooner than I shall let you go, he would never assist you." The Chaldee paraphrast renders it very similar to this: "So be the word of God your help, as I shall dismiss you and your families. You see that the evil which you think to do, is manifest before your face." When he says, for that you did desire, Exodus 10:11 he falsely, and maliciously interprets the original demands ch. Exodus 5:1 and, as is usual with people of his turn of mind, gives it such a meaning as was most subservient to his own purposes.
REFLECTIONS.—God's judgments are standing memorials of his power and justice, that the potsherds of the earth may not dare to contend with their Maker. Egypt is almost consumed, but her king is obstinate as ever. Therefore,
1. Moses is sent again to challenge God's people. Before he entreated, now he demands. It required courage indeed to stand thus before an incensed king. Grace makes men as bold as lions. The locusts are threatened, and without waiting for reply, he turns and departs.
2. Pharaoh's servants intercede with him, for fear of that evident ruin which must attend his refusal. On this he makes a new proposal: but, as they who serve God, must serve him with all they possess; Moses insists on leave to depart, for themselves, their children, and their cattle. This Pharaoh rejects with indignation, and drives them from his presence in a rage. Note; When the Devil gets a sinner to the precipice, he pushes him quickly headlong down.