Bible Discussion Questions for Exodus: Chapter 10

Exodus Chapter 10 Summary

Plagues of locusts and darkness.

Discussion Questions for Exodus, Chapter 10

1. Exodus 10:1 adds another reason why God is doing these things: to have His people released. Moses is to tell his son and grandson, as well as subsequent generations. Why is it important to pass the Lord's teaching and our testimony down to the next generations?
2. After Moses pronounces the eighth plague, the locusts, Exodus 10:7 shows the servants pleading with Pharaoh to let the people go since Egypt is already ruined. Why did Pharaoh's servants wait this long? How does this illustrate the loyalty of the people? Why does God allow people to remain loyal to poor leaders?
3. Exodus 10:16-17 reads, "Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, 'I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. Now therefore, forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the LORD your God only to remove this death from me.'" Is this a prayer of salvation? If not, what is missing? How has Pharaoh's life changed? What are signs that a person has become repentant?
4. Exodus 10:20 reads, "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go." This occurs after the repentance in verses 16-17. Who hardens Pharaoh's heart? Do you believe that Pharaoh was truly repentant? If he was, why does God harden Pharaoh's heart once again?
5. Beginning in Exodus 10:21, the ninth plague, darkness, is described. It was so dark that people could not move around. However, the children of Israel had light. This was a literal darkness, but what type of symbolism could be found in this description? Which people are in the dark, and who is in the light? How can we relate this event to our lives and worldviews?
6. After the ninth plague of darkness, Pharaoh relents and says that Israel may go into the wilderness to worship and sacrifice to God, and he allows the children to go as well. However, he forbids the livestock to go. Moses refuses and insists that the livestock must go since the children of Israel do not know what is required for sacrifice. Why do you think Pharaoh is not allowing Israel to take all of their possessions at this time? What does God require of His people to worship Him? How effective do you think the church in America is in its worship of God?
7. Pharaoh threatens to kill Moses if he sees his face again in Exodus 10:28. Why does Pharaoh react so angrily toward Moses? Moses agrees not to see the Pharaoh again. What do you think Moses's emotions are at this point?
8. The Pharaoh has refused to see Moses again after the ninth plague. Israel is still not free from the bonds of slavery. Is Moses considered to be a success or a failure? Why?
9. Moses continues to demand to take everything with them in Exodus 10:25 as Israel goes three days to worship and sacrifice to God. We know the rest of the story as Israel will completely escape Egypt to take possession of the Promised Land. How sincere and honest has Moses been with the Pharaoh? Does the Pharaoh have a right to be suspicious of Moses? Why isn't God having Moses tell Pharaoh the entire truth?
10. The ninth plague of darkness lasts three days, and the Egyptians can't even move, according to events in Exodus 10. What could the three days of darkness foreshadow in the Bible? Why are non-believers, the Egyptians, in darkness while the Hebrews are in light? What are the Egyptians symbolically dying to in life?

Key Words/Phrase

Smitten, v. 21.

Characters

God, Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh.

Strong Verse(s)

12, 17, 25.