John Calvin Commentary Exodus 10:11

"Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve Jehovah; for that is what ye desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh`s presence." — Exodus 10:11 (ASV)

Not so. He pretends to give them what they had asked at first, and thus accuses them of inconsistency, because they do not persevere in the same determination. It is certain, however, that the cause of his stubbornness in resisting was his fear that the entire people would depart from Egypt. He knew, then, that what Moses required in God’s name also included their little ones; otherwise, he would not have been enraged by it.

But, to cast blame on them, he falsely and slanderously reproaches them for having doubled their unjust demands, while pretending he is exercising the greatest kindness by agreeing to their original request. He had no wish, however, to rob the parents of their children, but to retain them as hostages, for he was persuaded that they would not willingly renounce pledges so dear to them.

Regarding what is added at the end of the verse, He drove them away from Pharaoh’s presence,¹²² some interpret it indefinitely, understanding it as “one of his attendants.” However, since it is usual in Hebrew to omit the antecedent and then supply it in place of the relative, I have no doubt that Pharaoh, perceiving Moses was not satisfied with only half of them, grew angry and drove him out with renewed threats, because he could not endure his presence.

¹²² Vide Latin. Latin.