Matthew Henry's Commentary

Henry emphasizes the significance of the repeated encounters between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh. Each meeting starkly illustrates the power dynamics at play and the obstinacy of Pharaoh. Despite witnessing the might of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, a theme that Henry identifies as a crucial element of human rebellion against divine authority.

Henry points out that Pharaoh offers a conditional permission: “Go, serve the LORD your God,” yet he seeks to define the terms of their service by questioning, “but who are they that shall go?” This indicates a deeper issue of control and a desire to negotiate with God’s commands, which leads to dire consequences for him and the Egyptians.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Barnes elaborates further on Pharaoh's inquiry regarding who shall go. He suggests that this reflects Pharaoh’s intent to minimize the exodus and retain control over the situation. Barnes notes that Pharaoh's framing of the question reveals not only a lack of understanding of God's will but also an inclination to manipulate God's message for his own political purposes.

Barnes stresses the broader implications of disobedience and resistance to God’s commands, indicating that Pharaoh's refusal to fully submit to God's directive serves as a cautionary example for leaders and nations today. The inquiry “who are they that shall go?” can be seen as a metaphor for the resistance that arises when individuals or systems confront divine authority.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Clarke provides a detailed analysis of the characters involved in this narrative. He focuses on the psychology of Pharaoh, suggesting that constant exposure to God’s miracles—like the plagues—without yielding might lead to a hardened heart. Clarke's observations encourage reflection on the nature of complacency in faith and the dangers of repeated denial of truth.

Regarding the question of who would go, Clarke interprets this as Pharaoh's attempt to limit the benefits of liberation only to a specific group, which was a common tactic among rulers wanting to keep their subjects under control. He also addresses the inclusion of families and livestock, stressing that freedom in faith encompasses every aspect of life, which is ultimately part of God's plan.