Exodus 10:1

1a. Go in unto Pharaoh as before in J: Exodus 8:1; Exodus 9:1.

1b, 2. Explanation to Moses of the reason of the command. In previous cases the command to go in to the Pharaoh is followed at once by the words, and say unto him, and the demand for the release of the people (Exodus 8:1; Exodus 8:20; Exodus 9:1; Exodus 9:13); and it is possible that Di. and others are right in regarding vv.1b, 2 as a didactic addition (similar to Exodus 9:14-16) made by the compiler of JE, who at the same time substituted at the beginning of v.3 -And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him" for an original -and say unto him" (the direct sequel to v.1a -Go in unto Pharaoh"). It may be noticed that in v.6 -And he(i.e. Moses) turned," at the end of the interview with Pharaoh, rather suggests that, in accordance with the command in v.1, but against v.3 as it at present stands, originally Moses alone -went in" to Pharaoh.

1b. for I (emph.) have hardened Heb. made heavy, the term used by J (see on Exodus 7:13).

shew Heb. put: cf. the synonym, sâm, -set," in v.2.

signs cf. v.2, Exodus 7:3 (P), Exodus 8:23 (J), Numbers 14:11; Numbers 14:22 (JE), and often in Dt. (Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 6:22 al.); see p. 59. The thought, as Exodus 9:16.

of them Heb. of it, i.e. of the people of Egypt (Exodus 3:20), which, however, has not been previously mentioned. -Them" is right (so LXX. Pesh. Onk.); but it implies a change of text (בקרבם for בקרבו).