Exodus 9:34
And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
Exodus 9:34 (KJV)
Context
The book of Exodus recounts the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, responds to the seventh plague inflicted upon Egypt—the plague of hail. God had sent Moses to demand the release of the Israelites, but Pharaoh had repeatedly refused, despite witnessing God’s power through the preceding plagues. In the seventh plague, God sent a destructive hailstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning, causing significant devastation.
Meaning
When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had ceased, he sinned yet more and hardened his heart, he and his servants. The verse emphasizes that Pharaoh’s sin was active and deliberate: he “sinned yet more” and “hardened his heart.” The Hebrew text highlights this action, showing Pharaoh himself hardening his heart alongside his servants or officials. This response is consistent with Pharaoh’s previous pattern of behavior—despite experiencing the consequences of his actions and witnessing God’s power, he continued to resist God’s will and refused to let the Israelites depart.
Biblical connections
The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme throughout Exodus. In several instances, it is mentioned that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, while in others, Pharaoh hardened his own heart. This interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility shows a complex dynamic: Pharaoh’s stubbornness, pride, and refusal to submit to God’s authority contributed to his hardening. The immediate aftermath is recorded in Exodus 9:35, where Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he does not let the Israelites go, fulfilling the LORD’s word through Moses.
Application
Persistence of Sin: Pharaoh’s response reminds us of the persistence of sin in our lives. Despite witnessing God’s power and experiencing the consequences of our actions, we can still harden our hearts and continue in sinful ways. This serves as a cautionary example to guard against the hardening of our own hearts and to respond to God’s call with humility and obedience.
Pride and Resistance: Pharaoh’s hardened heart was rooted in pride and resistance to God’s authority. This highlights the danger of pride in our own lives. It is essential to cultivate a humble heart willing to submit to God’s will and purposes.
God’s Patience and Judgment: The story of Pharaoh reveals God’s patience and longsuffering. Despite Pharaoh’s repeated defiance, God continued to demonstrate His power and provide opportunities for Pharaoh to repent. However, there eventually came a point when God’s judgment was executed, and the consequences of Pharaoh’s actions were fully realized.
Responding to God’s Signs: Pharaoh’s hardening of heart in the face of God’s signs and wonders emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to God’s interventions in our lives. When we encounter God’s work or hear His voice, it is crucial to respond with faith and obedience, rather than hardening our hearts and resisting His leading.
Reflection
Exodus 9:34 portrays Pharaoh’s continued defiance and hardening of heart in response to the cessation of the plague of hail. The verse serves as a reminder to guard against the hardening of our hearts, to respond to God’s call with humility and obedience, and to recognize His interventions in our lives. It also underscores the importance of cultivating a heart willing to submit to God’s authority and purposes.
