Moses having an intimation from the Lord that one plague more would be brought on Pharaoh, and then he would let Israel go, when they should borrow of their neighbours jewels of gold and silver, the people being in great favour with the Egyptians, Ex 11:1, he declares to Pharaoh, before he went out of his presence, the slaying of all the firstborn in Egypt, which would issue in the dismission of Israel, and then he went out from him in great anger, Ex 11:4, but still Pharaoh would not hearken, and his heart was hardened, and he refused again to let Israel go, Ex 10:9.
Ver. 1. And the Lord said unto Moses,.... While in the presence of Pharaoh, by a secret impulse upon his mind; or he had said , which some refer as far back as to his appearance to him in Midian, Ex 4:23, which is too remote; rather it refers to the last time he went to Pharaoh, being sent for by him; and the words may be rendered, "for the Lord had said" ; and so are a reason why Moses was so bold, and expressed himself with so much confidence and assurance to Pharaoh, that he would see his face no more:yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; upon him and all his subjects, for the following one would affect all the families of Egypt, in which there was a son:afterwards he will let you go hence; out of Egypt readily, at once, and not attempt to stop or retard your going:when he shall let you go; declare his will, give leave and orders for it:he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether; absolutely, entirely, without any exception or limitation, them, their wives, their children, their flocks and herds, and whatsoever belonged to them, without any restraint upon them in any respect, and without any condition of return, or fixing any time for it, but the dismission should be general, unlimited, and unconditional; or, "in thrusting he shall thrust you out" , with force and vehemence, with urgency and in great haste.
rmayw "dixerat", some in Vatablus, Ainsworth, Cartwright; so Aben Ezra. "Dixerat enim", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Rivet.