John Calvin Commentary Exodus 10:3

"And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me." — Exodus 10:3 (ASV)

And Moses and Aaron came in. Moses now relates how, at God’s command, he tested whether Pharaoh’s heart, after so many trials, would be brought to obedience out of fear of the new punishment that was imminent. But by this test, his impiety became more evident, since, although he saw his kingdom deprived of a part of its corn, he did not fear what Moses proclaimed concerning the other part.

Therefore, he rebukes him even more severely, inquiring, How long will you proudly resist the command of God? For since plagues overcome even the worst natures, it was astonishing that the king, having been struck eight times, and in such a terrible manner, was still unwilling to yield, as if he were safe and unaffected by any injury.

But we may learn from this passage that we are chastised by the rods of God for this purpose: that we may return from the indulgence of our lusts to submission to Him. This Moses calls (and Peter after him, 1 Peter 5:6) to humble ourselves before God, or beneath His mighty hand, when, having experienced His formidable power, we reverently submit ourselves to His dominion.

Hence it follows that those who are neither tamed nor bent by the fear of punishment, struggle against God as with an iron¹¹⁶ brow. Let fear, then, teach us to repent; and, that we may not provoke His vengeance by proud contempt, let us learn that nothing is more terrible than to fall into His hands.

Moses also hints that Pharaoh’s contention was not only with the Israelites but with God who took up their cause. And let us not doubt, therefore, that all tyrants who unjustly persecute the Church contend with God Himself, to whose powers they will find themselves far inferior.

¹¹⁶ D’airain; brazen. — Fr..