Exodus 11:9

The LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt."

Study Bible

The LORD said to Moses
This phrase underscores the direct communication between God and Moses, a central theme in the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which conveys not just speaking but also the authority and intention behind the words. This divine communication highlights Moses' role as a prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver His people. Historically, this reflects the unique relationship between God and His chosen leaders, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out divine instructions.

Pharaoh will not listen to you
The phrase indicates Pharaoh's hardened heart, a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and obeying. Pharaoh's refusal to listen is both a fulfillment of God's earlier warnings and a demonstration of human obstinacy against divine will. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can result from pride and resistance to God's authority.

so that My wonders may be multiplied
Here, the purpose of Pharaoh's obstinacy is revealed: to multiply God's wonders. The Hebrew word for "wonders" is "מֹפְתִים" (mofetim), which refers to miraculous signs that demonstrate God's power and authority. This multiplication of wonders serves a dual purpose: to convince the Israelites of God's sovereignty and to demonstrate His power to the Egyptians. It underscores the theme of God's glory being revealed through acts of judgment and deliverance.

in the land of Egypt
The phrase situates the narrative within a specific geographical and historical context. Egypt, a powerful and influential civilization, becomes the stage for God's dramatic display of power. This setting highlights the contrast between the might of human empires and the ultimate authority of God. Archaeologically, Egypt's wealth and power are well-documented, making the plagues and the eventual Exodus a profound testament to God's supremacy over even the greatest earthly powers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the events in Egypt to demonstrate His power and fulfill His promises to His people.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with delivering God's message to Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened, serving as an instrument through which God will display His wonders.

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

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments on Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites and to reveal God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the events in Egypt demonstrates His sovereignty. He uses Pharaoh's resistance to display His power and fulfill His purposes.

Purpose in Hardship
Just as God used Pharaoh's hardened heart to reveal His wonders, He can use difficult circumstances in our lives to accomplish His greater purposes.

Faithfulness to Promises
God's actions in Egypt are a testament to His faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.

The Role of Obedience
Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, despite Pharaoh's resistance, highlights the importance of faithfulness in our calling, regardless of immediate results.

God's Glory Revealed
The ultimate purpose of the plagues was to reveal God's glory. Our lives should similarly aim to reflect and reveal God's glory to those around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serve God's purposes, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of the Exodus, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' life to our own situations where we face resistance or challenges?

4. What are some "wonders" or acts of God that you have witnessed in your life, and how have they strengthened your faith?

5. How can we ensure that our lives are a reflection of God's glory, similar to how the plagues revealed God's power to the Egyptians?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:3-5
This passage introduces the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart to multiply His signs and wonders, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 11:9.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereign purpose in using individuals to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth.

Psalm 105:27-36
This psalm recounts the plagues in Egypt, emphasizing God's mighty acts and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.