“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.”
Context and Background: The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, we find Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, responding to the seventh plague inflicted upon Egypt-the plague of hail.
The Plague of Hail: Prior to this event, God had sent Moses to Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. However, Pharaoh had repeatedly refused to let them go, despite witnessing the display of God’s power through the preceding plagues. In the seventh plague, God sent a destructive hailstorm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, which caused significant devastation in Egypt.
Pharaoh’s Response: Upon seeing the hail, thunder, and rain cease, Pharaoh’s heart became hardened even further, and he sinned. This response is consistent with Pharaoh’s previous pattern of behavior. Despite experiencing the consequences of his actions and witnessing the power of God, Pharaoh continued to resist God’s will and refused to let the Israelites depart.
Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart: The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme throughout the book of Exodus. In several instances, it is mentioned that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, while in others, Pharaoh hardened his own heart. This hardening can be understood as a result of Pharaoh’s stubbornness, pride, and refusal to submit to God’s authority.
Lessons and 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 our sinful ways. It serves as a cautionary example for us 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 his 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 that is willing to submit to God’s will and purposes.
- God’s Patience and Judgment: The story of Pharaoh also 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.
- Importance of 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.
In summary, Exodus 9:34 portrays Pharaoh’s continued defiance and hardening of heart in response to the cessation of the plague of hail. This verse serves as a reminder for us to guard against the hardening of our hearts, to respond to God’s call with humility and obedience, and to recognize and respond to His interventions in our lives. It also underscores the importance of cultivating a heart that is willing to submit to God’s authority and purposes.
