Definition: Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 10:11 together. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the story of God’s judgment on the Israelites. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: God is angry: In ancient times, Pharaoh, the leader of Egypt, refused to let the Israelites go into his land. He wanted to keep them there as slaves. They desperately want to go: The Israelites were incredibly restless and pleaded with God to allow them to leave. They were really, really wanting to be free. God’s reaction: Driven out: Suddenly, God decided to punish Pharaoh for his stubbornness and refusal. He ordered the Egyptian army to drive the Israelites out of Egypt. What the Verse Says – A Bit More Detailed: “Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.” “Not so” : This is a crucial part. It's not saying nothing happened. God is showing that his judgment was already coming to pass. “go now ye [that are] men…” : This tells us the Israelites are being specifically directed to leave. They’re being told to go and begin their journey. “…and serve the LORD” : God is telling them to focus on worshipping Him and obeying His commands. It's a call to dedicate themselves to God as a central part of their lives. “for that ye did desire” : This means that Pharaoh’s refusal to let them go was the reason for this judgment – because they wanted it! It highlights the power of human desire and the consequences of disobeying divine commands. “and they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.” : This is the key part. Because they were so insistent on leaving, God decided to remove them from his protection and authority. It's a clear sign that their disobedience had resulted in their exile. What it Means – A Larger Picture: This verse speaks to a fundamental theme in the Old Testament: God’s justice and his willingness to punish those who disobey Him. It shows that God isn’t just angry at Pharaoh, but he’s also angry at humanity's disobedience. It's about recognizing that our choices have consequences. Important Note: This passage is a dramatic moment in history, but it’s often interpreted as a warning to remain faithful to God and to resist temptation and disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context (why did this happen)? Compare this passage with other stories involving divine judgment?