Exodus 7:13
Still, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
Still
The word "still" indicates a continuation or persistence in a particular state or action. In the context of Exodus, it underscores the ongoing resistance of Pharaoh despite the miraculous signs performed by Moses and Aaron. This persistence is a testament to the spiritual battle between the will of God and the obstinacy of human pride. It serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's plan, which unfolds despite human resistance.

Pharaoh’s heart
The "heart" in Hebrew thought is the center of one's emotions, will, and intellect. Pharaoh's heart being hardened is a significant theme in Exodus, illustrating the spiritual blindness and stubbornness that can afflict those who oppose God's will. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is both a divine act and a reflection of Pharaoh's own choices, demonstrating the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

was hardened
The phrase "was hardened" comes from the Hebrew word "kabad," which means to be heavy, insensible, or dull. This hardening is not merely a passive state but an active resistance against God's commands. It highlights the spiritual condition of those who reject God's authority, becoming increasingly resistant to His truth. This hardening serves as a warning against the dangers of persistent unbelief and rebellion.

and he would not listen
Listening in the biblical sense involves not just hearing but obeying. Pharaoh's refusal to listen is indicative of his rebellion against God's authority. This refusal is a deliberate act of defiance, showcasing the depth of his pride and the futility of resisting God's will. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignoring divine warnings and instructions.

to them
"Them" refers to Moses and Aaron, God's chosen messengers. Their role as prophets is to convey God's commands and demonstrate His power. Pharaoh's refusal to listen to them is ultimately a rejection of God Himself. This highlights the importance of heeding God's messengers and the authority they carry as representatives of His will.

just as the LORD had said
This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of God's word and the certainty of His promises. The LORD's foreknowledge and sovereignty are evident as events unfold exactly as He declared. It reassures believers of the reliability of God's word and His ultimate control over history. This fulfillment of divine prophecy serves to strengthen faith in God's unchanging nature and His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human opposition.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against the Israelites, refusing to let them go as God commanded.

2. Moses and Aaron
God's chosen leaders to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who sent Moses and Aaron to deliver His people and demonstrate His power over Egypt.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved, and where God performed signs and wonders to compel Pharaoh to release His people.

5. The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
A significant event where Pharaoh's resistance to God's command is emphasized, showcasing God's sovereignty and Pharaoh's stubbornness.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Sovereignty
God's control over events, including the hardening of hearts, serves His greater purpose and plan.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
A hardened heart resists God's will and leads to spiritual blindness and eventual judgment.

Obedience to God's Command
Moses and Aaron's obedience in confronting Pharaoh demonstrates faithfulness despite opposition.

The Role of Signs and Wonders
Miraculous signs serve to reveal God's power and authority, calling people to repentance and faith.

The Importance of Listening to God
Pharaoh's refusal to listen highlights the importance of heeding God's word to avoid spiritual peril.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what implications does this have for our understanding of free will?

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

3. How do Moses and Aaron's actions in confronting Pharaoh inspire us to be obedient to God's calling, even in difficult circumstances?

4. What role do signs and wonders play in our faith journey today, and how should we respond to them?

5. How can we ensure that we are truly listening to God's voice in our daily lives, and what practices can help us remain receptive to His guidance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 4:21
God foretells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, indicating divine sovereignty over human decisions.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereign choice and purpose in hardening hearts for His glory.

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

Hebrews 3:15
A call to not harden our hearts, using the example of Israel's rebellion, which parallels Pharaoh's obstinacy.
The Great ConflictH.T. Robjohns Exodus 7:1-25
The Lord, He is GodG.A. Goodhart Exodus 7:1-25
The Credentials of God's Ambassadors to the FrowardJ. Urquhart Exodus 7:8-13
The First Sign to Pharaoh: the Rod Becomes a SerpentD. Young Exodus 7:8-13
The Rod Turned into a SerpentJ. Orr Exodus 7:8-14
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Egypt, Nile River
Topics
Didn't, Ear, Hardened, Hearkened, Heart, Listen, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Spoken, Strong, Stubborn, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 7:13

     5165   listening
     6178   hardness of heart
     6708   predestination

Exodus 7:8-24

     5593   trial

Exodus 7:9-13

     4687   snake

Library
The History of the Prophetic Sermons, Epistles, and Apocalypses
[Sidenote: Real character and aims of the prophets] To understand and rightly interpret the prophetic writings of the Old Testament it is necessary to cast aside a false impression as to the character of the prophets which is widely prevalent. They were not foretellers, but forth-tellers. Instead of being vague dreamers, in imagination living far in the distant future, they were most emphatically men of their own times, enlightened and devoted patriots, social and ethical reformers, and spiritual
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Letter Lxxxv. To Paulinus.
Paulinus had asked Jerome two questions, (1) how can certain passages of scripture (Exod. vii. 13; Rom. ix. 16) be reconciled with Free Will? and (2) Why are the children of believers said to be holy (1 Cor. vii. 14) apart from baptismal grace? For the first of these questions Jerome refers Paulinus to his version (newly made) of Origen's treatise, On First Principles. For the second he quotes the explanation of Tertullian. Written in 400 a.d. 1. Your words urge me to write to you but your eloquence
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

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

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the Church.
Text: Ephesians 3, 13-21. 13. Wherefore I ask that ye may not faint at my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 and that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be strong
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

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

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