Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go. Pharaoh sent officialsThe act of Pharaoh sending officials indicates a level of skepticism or disbelief. In the Hebrew context, the word for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a deliberate action, suggesting Pharaoh's intent to verify the truth of Moses' words. This reflects a hardened heart that seeks evidence but remains resistant to change. Historically, Egyptian officials were often tasked with verifying reports, which aligns with Pharaoh's need to maintain control and authority. and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died
This phrase highlights the miraculous distinction God made between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "found" (מָצָא, matsa) implies discovery or realization, emphasizing the undeniable evidence of God's protection over His people. The preservation of Israelite livestock serves as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, echoing His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Archaeologically, this distinction would have been significant, as livestock were vital to both economic stability and religious practices in ancient Egypt. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened
The phrase "Pharaoh’s heart was hardened" is central to understanding the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew word for "hardened" (כָּבֵד, kaved) can mean heavy, dull, or unresponsive. This hardening is both a divine act and a personal choice, illustrating the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. From a conservative Christian perspective, this hardening serves as a warning against persistent unbelief and pride, which can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God's will. and he would not let the people go
Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites, despite clear evidence of God's power, underscores the theme of rebellion against divine authority. The Hebrew verb for "let go" (שָׁלַח, shalach) is the same as "sent" earlier, creating a literary connection that highlights Pharaoh's stubbornness. This refusal is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating the consequences of resisting God's commands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and submission to God's will, as well as the ultimate deliverance that God provides for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite witnessing God's power. 2. OfficialsSent by Pharaoh to verify the condition of the Israelites' livestock, confirming God's protection over His people. 3. IsraelitesGod's chosen people, living in Egypt, whose livestock were spared from the plague. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and where God demonstrated His power through plagues. 5. PlagueA divine judgment from God, specifically targeting the livestock of the Egyptians while sparing the Israelites'. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionGod demonstrates His power and protection over His people, distinguishing them from the Egyptians. This serves as a reminder of His faithfulness and sovereignty in our lives today. The Hardness of HeartPharaoh's hardened heart is a warning against resisting God's will. We must remain open and responsive to God's guidance to avoid spiritual hardening. Verification of God's WorkPharaoh's officials confirmed the truth of God's protection over the Israelites. We should seek to verify and acknowledge God's work in our lives and the world around us. Divine Judgment and MercyThe plagues were acts of judgment against Egypt, yet they also highlighted God's mercy towards the Israelites. This duality encourages us to reflect on God's justice and mercy in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the sparing of the Israelites' livestock demonstrate God's protection and faithfulness? 2. In what ways can we identify and avoid the hardening of our own hearts, as seen in Pharaoh's example? 3. How does the distinction between the Egyptians and Israelites in this plague relate to God's covenant promises? 4. What are some modern-day examples of verifying God's work in our lives, similar to Pharaoh's officials? 5. How can we balance understanding God's judgment and mercy in our personal spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 8:32This verse also highlights Pharaoh's hardened heart, showing a pattern of resistance against God's commands. Exodus 10:1God tells Moses that He has hardened Pharaoh's heart to display His signs, emphasizing God's sovereignty. Romans 9:17-18Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereign choice and purpose in hardening hearts. Psalm 105:26-36This passage recounts the plagues in Egypt, including the protection of the Israelites, as a testament to God's faithfulness. People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Animals, Behold, Cattle, Dead, Didn't, Died, Got, Hardened, Heart, Investigate, Israelites, Livestock, Loss, Pharaoh, Stubborn, Unyielding, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:7 6178 hardness of heart Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
(Palm Sunday.) Exodus ix. 14. I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. We are now beginning Passion Week, the week of the whole year which ought to teach us most theology; that is, most concerning God, his character and his spirit. For in this Passion Week God did that which utterly and perfectly showed forth his glory, as it never has been shown forth before or since. …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch The Plagues of Egypt
(Palm Sunday.) EXODUS ix. 13, 14. Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. You will understand, I think, the meaning of the ten plagues of Egypt better, if I explain to you in a few words what kind of a country Egypt is, what kind of people the Egyptians were. Some of you, doubtless, …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 9:7 NIVExodus 9:7 NLTExodus 9:7 ESVExodus 9:7 NASBExodus 9:7 KJV
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