Exodus 10:20

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Study Bible

But the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and active involvement of God in the events of Exodus. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness to His promises. In the context of Exodus, Yahweh is demonstrating His power over the gods of Egypt and His commitment to liberating His people.

hardened Pharaoh’s heart
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The Hebrew word for "hardened" is "chazaq," which can mean to strengthen, make firm, or harden. This action by God serves to fulfill His purposes, showing that even the resistance of powerful rulers cannot thwart His divine plan. It also serves as a warning about the dangers of persistent unbelief and rebellion against God.

and he would not let
This phrase indicates Pharaoh's continued refusal to release the Israelites. The Hebrew verb "shalach" means to send away or let go. Pharaoh's obstinacy is a direct challenge to God's command and highlights the spiritual battle between God's will and human defiance. It underscores the futility of resisting God's purposes.

the Israelites go
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This group is central to God's redemptive plan, as they are the chosen people through whom He will reveal His law and ultimately bring forth the Messiah. The liberation of the Israelites from Egypt is a pivotal moment in biblical history, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

just as the LORD had said through Moses
This phrase reaffirms the reliability of God's word and the role of Moses as His prophet. The fulfillment of God's declarations through Moses serves to authenticate Moses' leadership and the divine origin of his message. It also reinforces the theme of prophecy and fulfillment, a key aspect of biblical revelation, demonstrating that God's plans are certain and will come to pass as He has spoken.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods through the plagues.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by the LORD, leading him to refuse the release of the Israelites.

3. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, enslaved in Egypt, whom God intends to deliver through Moses.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments on Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the hearts of rulers demonstrates His ultimate authority over human affairs. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Human Responsibility
While God hardened Pharaoh's heart, Pharaoh also repeatedly chose to resist God. This duality highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
A hardened heart leads to spiritual blindness and resistance to God's will. Believers should guard against hardening their hearts by remaining open and responsive to God's Word.

God's Purpose in Judgment
The plagues were not only judgments but also revelations of God's power and glory. God's actions in history serve to reveal His character and purposes.

Deliverance and Redemption
The account of the Exodus foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and redemption found in Christ. Believers can find hope in God's power to save and deliver.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives?

2. In what ways can we guard against having a hardened heart in our own spiritual journey?

3. How does the account of the plagues and Pharaoh's resistance relate to the broader biblical theme of deliverance and redemption?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's repeated refusal to obey God, and how can we apply these lessons to our own decision-making processes?

5. How do the events in Exodus 10:20 connect with the New Testament teachings on God's sovereignty and human responsibility, particularly in Romans 9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:21
This verse introduces the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 10:20.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing mercy and hardening whom He wills.

1 Samuel 6:6
The Philistines recall the hardening of Pharaoh's heart as a warning against resisting God's will.