Exodus 9:17 Study Bible: as you still exalt yourself against my people, that you won't let them go.

◄ Exodus 9:17 ►

Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go.

Still
The word "still" indicates a continuation of behavior or attitude. In the context of Exodus, it reflects Pharaoh's persistent defiance against God's commands. Despite witnessing multiple plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. This persistence in rebellion is a testament to human stubbornness and pride, which can blind individuals to divine truth and justice. The Hebrew root for "still" can imply a sense of ongoing resistance, highlighting the depth of Pharaoh's obstinacy.

you lord it over
This phrase captures the essence of Pharaoh's oppressive rule over the Israelites. The Hebrew word used here can be translated as "exalt" or "raise oneself up," suggesting an arrogant self-perception of superiority. Pharaoh's tyranny is not just a political stance but a spiritual rebellion against God's authority. This phrase serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the misuse of power, which can lead to the dehumanization and suffering of others.

My people
The term "My people" signifies God's personal and covenantal relationship with the Israelites. It underscores the divine ownership and protection over them, contrasting with Pharaoh's illegitimate claim of authority. This phrase is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His commitment to His promises. Historically, the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people is central to their narrative and mission, setting them apart for His purposes.

and do not allow them to go
This part of the verse highlights Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites, despite God's clear command. The Hebrew verb for "allow" suggests permission or release, which Pharaoh withholds. This act of defiance is not just against the Israelites but against God Himself. It illustrates the spiritual battle between human will and divine command. The historical context of the Exodus narrative shows that this refusal leads to further plagues, demonstrating the consequences of resisting God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is obstinate and refuses to release the Israelites from slavery, despite the plagues sent by God.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, enslaved in Egypt, whom God intends to free.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God demonstrates His power through the plagues.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments sent by God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pharaoh's pride and self-exaltation lead to his downfall. We must guard against pride that blinds us to God's will.

God's Sovereignty
God's control over events is evident. He uses even the hardened hearts of rulers to fulfill His purposes.

The Call to Obedience
Pharaoh's refusal to obey God's command serves as a warning. Obedience to God is crucial for His blessings.

The Power of God
The plagues demonstrate God's unmatched power. We should trust in His ability to deliver and protect.

The Importance of Humility
Pharaoh's account teaches us the importance of humility before God. A humble heart is open to God's guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's attitude in Exodus 9:17 reflect the dangers of pride in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the account of the plagues, and how does this encourage us in our current circumstances?

3. How can we apply the lesson of obedience from Pharaoh's account to our daily walk with God?

4. What are some modern-day "plagues" or challenges that God might use to draw our attention to His power and authority?

5. How can we cultivate humility in our hearts to avoid the pitfalls of a hardened heart like Pharaoh's?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 5:2
Pharaoh's initial defiance and refusal to acknowledge the Lord, setting the stage for the plagues.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts to display His power.

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, as Pharaoh did, but to listen to God's voice today.

Psalm 95:8-9
A reminder of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God, as seen in the wilderness.

Sermons

A Self-Exalted Man	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 9:17
Minding What God Says	W. Saumarez Smith, B. D.	Exodus 9:17
The Plaque of Hail Threatened	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 9:17
Mercy in Judgment	J. Urquhart	Exodus 9:13-21
The Plague of Hail	J. Orr	Exodus 9:13-35
The Seventh Plague - the Hail Mingled with Fire	D. Young	Exodus 9:17-35

People

Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh

Places

Egypt, Goshen

Topics

Exalt, Exaltest, Exalting, Letting, Pride, Thyself, Uplifted, Wilt, Won't, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 9:13-18

6708 predestination

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: 1857

The 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 9:17 NIV
Exodus 9:17 NLT
Exodus 9:17 ESV
Exodus 9:17 NASB
Exodus 9:17 KJV

Exodus 9:17 Commentaries

Bible Hub