Exodus 10:20

But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.

Exodus 10:20 (KJV)

Context

This verse concludes the account of the eighth plague, the plague of locusts, which God brought upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Pharaoh had just promised to let the people go after Moses interceded, but his heart was hardened, and he broke his promise. The verse is part of a series of similar statements throughout Exodus (e.g., Exodus 10:27; 11:10) that emphasize the progressive hardening of Pharaoh’s heart as the plagues continue.

Meaning

The statement that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative. It can be understood in two complementary ways. First, it is a judicial hardening: Pharaoh had already hardened his own heart through stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge God’s power. In response to his persistent resistance, God allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened even further, reinforcing his own decision. Second, it involves active divine intervention: God was involved in hardening Pharaoh’s heart, withholding His grace and mercy so that Pharaoh experienced the full consequences of his rebellion. It is important to note that Pharaoh also played an active role in hardening his heart; in earlier plagues, he had been given opportunities to repent and let the Israelites go, but he persisted in defiance.

Biblical connections

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart served a significant purpose in God’s plan. Through the plagues and Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God demonstrated His sovereignty, power, and authority over Egypt’s false gods and rulers. This hardening allowed for the complete display of God’s wonders and judgments upon Egypt, leading to the eventual liberation of the Israelites. The text presents both divine sovereignty and human responsibility as true: Pharaoh hardened his own heart, and God also hardened it. This is not God making Pharaoh evil, but rather a judicial response to Pharaoh’s own persistent resistance to God’s command.

Application

• God’s Sovereignty: Exodus 10:20 reminds us of God’s supreme authority over human hearts and His ability to use even hardened hearts to accomplish His purposes.

• Free Will and Responsibility: Pharaoh had a choice to make, but his persistent rebellion against God ultimately led to his downfall. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and responding to God’s call for repentance and obedience when He speaks to our hearts.

• God’s Faithfulness: Despite Pharaoh’s resistance, God remained faithful to His promises to deliver the Israelites. This serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His people even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

• Trust in God’s Timing: The prolonged process of the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart teach us the importance of patience and trusting in God’s timing. God’s plan unfolds according to His perfect wisdom, and His deliverance will come at the appointed time.

Reflection

This verse serves as a warning about the danger of persistent resistance to God’s will, which can lead to a hardened heart. It also encourages trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem difficult or inexplicable. God’s purposes are accomplished through both human choices and divine intervention, and His faithfulness to His people remains steadfast.