Exodus 10:27

But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.

Exodus 10:27 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is primarily concerned with the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, we find ourselves in the midst of the account of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt as a means of demonstrating His power and persuading Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

This verse concludes the plague of locusts, the eighth plague, and the third in the second cycle of plagues. Immediately before this, Pharaoh had confessed his sin and asked Moses to entreat the Lord to remove the locusts (Exodus 10:16-17). Yet after the plague was removed, the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he refused to release the Israelites. This shows that Pharaoh’s confession was not genuine repentance, and God’s hardening was a judicial act in response to Pharaoh’s persistent rebellion.

Meaning

Divine Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart: In this verse, it states that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart. This phrase refers to the repeated assertion in the narrative that God, in His sovereignty, made Pharaoh’s heart stubborn or unyielding. It’s important to note that the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was not an act of coercion or manipulation by God, but rather a judicial hardening in response to Pharaoh’s own persistent resistance to God’s command.

Pharaoh’s Refusal to Let the Israelites Go: As a consequence of Pharaoh’s hardened heart, he refused to let the Israelites go, even in the face of the devastating plagues that had afflicted Egypt. Pharaoh’s stubbornness and unwillingness to comply with God’s demands prolonged the suffering of the Egyptian people and ultimately led to further judgments on the nation.

Purpose of the Plagues: The plagues served multiple purposes within the narrative of Exodus. Firstly, they demonstrated God’s sovereignty and power over the false gods of Egypt, revealing that Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, was the one true God. Secondly, they served as a judgment against the oppressive nation of Egypt for their cruel treatment of the Israelites. Lastly, the plagues served as a means to break Pharaoh’s will and compel him to release the Israelites from slavery.

Pharaoh’s Responsibility: While it is stated that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it’s important to recognize that Pharaoh’s heart was already resistant to God’s commands and hardened towards the plight of the Israelites. Pharaoh repeatedly rejected the signs and wonders that God performed through Moses and Aaron, demonstrating his stubbornness and pride. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was, therefore, both a divine response to Pharaoh’s own choices and a part of God’s plan to bring about His purposes through the Exodus.

The Sovereignty of God: Exodus 10:27 highlights the sovereignty of God, emphasizing His control over human hearts and His ability to use even the most resistant individuals to accomplish His purposes. This should remind us of God’s authority in our lives and encourage us to trust in His plans, even when we face difficult or seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

Biblical connections

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme in Exodus. Initially, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:32), but as the plagues progressed, God is said to have hardened it (Exodus 9:12; 10:20). This is understood as God giving Pharaoh over to his own stubbornness and corruption, not as God making him evil. The purpose was to multiply God’s signs and wonders in Egypt, demonstrating His power and glory so that both the Egyptians and the Israelites would know that He is the Lord. This verse also shows the fulfillment of God’s earlier word to Moses that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 4:21). The hardening is not a violation of Pharaoh’s free will but a divine confirmation of his own chosen path of resistance.

Application

The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a warning about the dangers of stubbornness and resistance to God’s will. When we persistently ignore or reject God’s Word and His calling, our hearts can become hardened, making it more difficult for us to respond to His grace and leading. It is important for us to cultivate a soft and receptive heart towards God’s truth.

God’s Patience and Longsuffering: Despite Pharaoh’s obstinacy, God exhibited great patience and longsuffering. He sent multiple plagues, giving Pharaoh ample opportunity to repent and release the Israelites. God’s patience towards us should lead us to repentance and obedience, as we recognize His mercy and grace in our lives.

God’s Deliverance: The ultimate purpose of the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was to demonstrate God’s power in delivering the Israelites from bondage. This serves as a foreshadowing of the greater deliverance we experience through Jesus Christ, who sets us free from the slavery of sin. Just as God delivered the Israelites, He offers salvation and freedom to all who trust in Him.

Reflection

Exodus 10:27 highlights the divine hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and his refusal to release the Israelites. It reminds us of God’s sovereignty, the danger of a hardened heart, and the patience of God in extending opportunities for repentance. Ultimately, it points to God’s power and deliverance, both in the historical context of the Exodus and in our lives through Jesus Christ.