John Calvin Commentary Exodus 10:8

"And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve Jehovah your God; but who are they that shall go?" — Exodus 10:8 (ASV)

And Moses and Aaron were brought again. It is probable that, when the king's wrath was appeased, some of the company were hastily dispatched to bring back Moses that same hour, lest the calamity he had proclaimed should happen the next day. For we can gather from the king’s words that he was not entirely overcome by their pleas; rather, because he was unwilling to offend everyone by an abrupt refusal, he allowed Moses to be recalled so that he might deceive them with an underhanded trick. This is how tyrants often escape unpopularity—by a false show of consent.¹¹⁸

However, he returns to his original purpose when, seeking to negotiate with God through a compromise, he wishes to ensure the people’s return for himself. It appears indeed that he himself was also frightened and sought some way to appease God. Meanwhile, as if he were free to make conditions, he proposes terms that would be advantageous to himself—just as hypocrites are accustomed to dealing with God, as if God were compelled to abandon half His rights.

Although he cunningly inquires as if the matter were doubtful,¹¹⁹ his suspicion is still easily detected. Therefore, what he knows was commanded him concerning everyone, he restricts to a few, and yet pretends that he is granting what is right and what ought to satisfy God.

However, although Moses, in his answer, thoroughly eliminates all pretext for subterfuge and does not flatter him with any deceit or ambiguity, he still suppresses God’s plan concerning the deliverance of the people. This is not because he wishes to deceive or to lie, but so that he may confine himself within the limits of his commission.

And to prevent the objection that in this way the Israelites would be withdrawn from their legitimate government, Moses does not hide the fact that, having been adopted by God, they were under the rule of no one else. Therefore, God openly reclaims His own people whom He has once attached to Himself. Nor must God be thought to have dealt deceitfully with the tyrant, even though Moses conceals God's plan from him.

Moses states that the Israelites must take their flocks and their herds with them, so that the sacrifices they are to offer to God may be readily available. As for their “sons and their daughters,” he implies that the feast day must be observed by even the youngest of them, because God had dedicated them all to Himself for acts of worship.

¹¹⁸ “A fausses enseignes;” under false colors. — Fr..

¹¹⁹ Addition in Fr., “quelle partie du peuple deura aller;” what part of the people was to go.., “quelle partie du peuple deura aller;” what part of the people was to go.