Exodus 9:17

As yet exaltest thou thy selfe against my people, that thou wilt not let them goe? Exodus 9:17 (KJV)

Context: Exodus 9 is part of the account of the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt to secure the release of the Israelites from their bondage. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, repeatedly refused to let the Israelites go despite the earlier plagues.

Divine Opposition: The passage highlights Pharaoh’s continued resistance and his prideful defiance against God’s will. It demonstrates that Pharaoh’s refusal to release the Israelites was not merely a human struggle but a divine conflict.

For I know that thou art stiffnecked, and thy heart is uncircumcised: else thou hadst long ago now let my people go, and have refused.

God’s People: The reference to “my people” emphasizes the special relationship between God and the Israelites. They were chosen by God and set apart as His own people, with whom He made a covenant. God is protective of His people and is determined to deliver them from their oppressors.

God’s Will: The text questions Pharaoh’s persistence, noting that despite witnessing the devastation caused by the plagues, he stubbornly clings to his own will and resists God’s command to release the Israelites. This highlights Pharaoh’s defiance and the futility of opposing God’s purposes.

Lessons and Applications:

The Consequences of Pride: Pharaoh’s refusal to submit to God’s will is rooted in his pride and self‑exaltation. This serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of pride and the need for humility before God. It also warns against opposing God’s plans and purposes, as it leads to negative consequences.

God’s Protection of His People: God’s claim over the Israelites as “my people” demonstrates His commitment to protect and deliver them. It showcases His faithfulness to His covenant and His willingness to confront those who oppose His people. This provides encouragement and assurance to believers that God is actively involved in their lives, even in the face of opposition.

The Futility of Opposing God: Pharaoh’s repeated refusal to release the Israelites despite the plagues illustrates the futility of opposing God’s will. It highlights the stubbornness and hardened heart of someone who resists God’s authority. This serves as a warning against resisting God’s purposes, as it ultimately leads to disappointment and judgment.

Submission to God’s Will: The passage prompts reflection on our own response to God’s commands and plans. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not exalting ourselves against God’s will. Instead, we should seek humility, obedience, and a willingness to align ourselves with God’s purposes.

In summary, Exodus 9 presents a pivotal moment in the confrontation between God and Pharaoh, highlighting Pharaoh’s ongoing resistance and God’s commitment to deliver His people. It teaches important lessons about the consequences of pride, God’s protection of His people, the futility of opposing God, and the need for submission to God’s will in our lives.