And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to your word: that you may know that there is none like to the LORD our God.
tomorrow or against tomorrow
Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
there is none
Exodus 9:14,29 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth…
Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.
“May it be as you say,” Moses replied,
Moses' response demonstrates his role as God's spokesperson, conveying God's will to Pharaoh. This phrase shows Moses' confidence in God's power to fulfill His promises. It also highlights the authority given to Moses, as he acts as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh. This interaction is part of the larger narrative of the plagues, which serve to demonstrate God's supremacy over Egypt's deities.
“so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.”
This statement emphasizes the central theme of the Exodus narrative: the uniqueness and supremacy of Yahweh. The plagues are not just acts of judgment but are designed to reveal God's power and character to both the Egyptians and the Israelites. This phrase connects to other scriptures that affirm God's uniqueness, such as Deuteronomy 4:35 and Isaiah 45:5. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of Israel, which serves as a type of Christ's redemptive work, showcasing God's unparalleled ability to save and deliver His people.
• Pharaoh chooses the timing, yet God is still in control. Earlier Moses had asked, “When shall I pray for you…?” (Exodus 8:9). By saying “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh unwittingly admits that the LORD governs even Egypt’s calendar, echoing how God Himself later sets exact times for plagues (Exodus 9:5, 18).
• Scripture often uses “tomorrow” to remind us that God alone knows and rules the future (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15). Here it highlights the contrast between human presumption and divine sovereignty.
• His response shows a façade of authority, yet he is trapped by circumstances only God can alter. Similar hardness is seen in Exodus 7:13 and 8:15.
• Each interaction exposes Pharaoh’s heart: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice…?” (Exodus 5:2). Though he speaks, he never truly surrenders.
• Moses affirms that the LORD will act exactly as declared. This mirrors the confidence of Elijah before the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-37) and Jesus before Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:40-42).
• The phrase underscores answered prayer. Moses intercedes; God responds (Exodus 8:12-13). It anticipates promises like “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do” (John 14:13).
• Moses serves as mediator, immediately turning Pharaoh’s request into petition before God. His faithfulness fulfills God’s earlier commendation: “Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them” (Exodus 7:6).
• The pattern of obedience + intercession runs through Scripture—Samuel for Israel (1 Samuel 12:23) and Christ for believers (Hebrews 7:25).
• Purpose statement: the plague’s removal is not mere relief but revelation. Similar wording recurs: “that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth” (Exodus 9:14).
• God’s uniqueness is a central biblical theme (Deuteronomy 4:35; Isaiah 46:9). Every sign in Egypt dismantles a specific deity, proving the LORD alone is God (Numbers 33:4).
• The ultimate goal is worship, not negotiation. Later, Jethro echoes this lesson: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:11).
Pharaoh’s choice of “tomorrow” cannot limit God; Moses’ confident reply displays faith in the LORD’s precise power. The incident teaches that every act of divine intervention is designed to reveal God’s unrivaled supremacy and invite humble obedience.
(10) That thou mayest know.--Comp. Exodus 7:5; Exodus 7:17. Moses is not content that Pharaoh should simply acknowledge Jehovah as he had done (Exodus 8:8), but wishes him to be convinced that no other god can compare with Him.Verse 10. - To-morrow. See the comment on ver. 9. That thou mayest know. Moses accepts the date fixed by the Pharaoh, and makes an appeal to him to recognise the unapproachable power and glory of Jehovah, if the event corresponds with the time agreed upon.