Exodus 11:10

Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.

Study Bible

Moses and Aaron
These two figures are central to the narrative of the Exodus. Moses, whose name in Hebrew (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) means "drawn out," is a prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Aaron, his brother, serves as his spokesperson. Their partnership is a testament to God's provision and the importance of community in fulfilling divine missions. Historically, Moses and Aaron represent the leadership that God raises to guide His people, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness.

did all these wonders
The "wonders" refer to the miraculous signs and plagues that God performed through Moses and Aaron to demonstrate His power and compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The Hebrew word for wonders (מוֹפְתִים, mofetim) signifies acts that are extraordinary and serve as divine signs. These wonders were not just displays of power but were meant to reveal God's sovereignty over creation and His commitment to His covenant people. They remind believers of God's ability to intervene supernaturally in human history.

before Pharaoh
Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a central antagonist in the Exodus narrative. His hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites set the stage for God's mighty acts. The historical context of Pharaoh's role as a god-king in Egyptian society highlights the confrontation between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. This phrase underscores the direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority and the demonstration of God's supremacy over earthly powers.

but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart
This phrase is pivotal in understanding the theological theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The Hebrew word for "hardened" (חָזַק, chazaq) can mean to strengthen, make firm, or harden. In the context of Exodus, it indicates God's active role in confirming Pharaoh's own stubbornness. This hardening serves God's purpose of displaying His power and glory through the plagues and the eventual deliverance of Israel. It challenges believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when human hearts resist His will.

so that he would not let the Israelites go
The Israelites, God's chosen people, were enslaved in Egypt, and their liberation is central to the Exodus story. This phrase highlights the tension between God's promise of deliverance and Pharaoh's resistance. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between God's purposes and human opposition. The eventual release of the Israelites foreshadows the greater deliverance found in Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin.

out of his land
The land of Egypt, a place of both refuge and oppression for the Israelites, symbolizes the world and its systems that often stand in opposition to God's kingdom. The phrase "out of his land" signifies the transition from slavery to freedom, from oppression to promise. It is a call to believers to leave behind the bondage of sin and enter into the freedom and promises of God. This deliverance is a precursor to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who leads His people into eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is central to the account of the Exodus.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in confronting Pharaoh and performing signs and wonders.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by the LORD, leading to his refusal to release the Israelites.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and from which God plans to deliver them through Moses and Aaron.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the events in Egypt demonstrates His ultimate authority over human affairs. Believers can trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem challenging.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Christians are encouraged to remain open and responsive to God's guidance.

The Role of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's obedience in performing wonders before Pharaoh highlights the importance of following God's commands, even when the outcome is uncertain.

God's Purpose in Judgment
The plagues and Pharaoh's hardened heart reveal God's purpose in demonstrating His power and delivering His people. Believers can find assurance in God's justice and deliverance.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite Pharaoh's resistance, Moses and Aaron remain faithful to their mission. Christians are called to persevere in faith, trusting in God's timing and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart illustrate 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, and what practices can help us remain receptive to God's voice?

3. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in the face of Pharaoh's resistance inspire us to follow God's commands in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the plagues and God's deliverance of the Israelites that apply to our understanding of God's justice and mercy today?

5. How can we remain faithful and persevere in our faith when facing adversity or opposition, as demonstrated by Moses and Aaron's example?

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 11:10.

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.

Hebrews 3:7-8
The writer warns against hardening our hearts, using the Israelites' experience as a cautionary example.