Exodus 9:2

But if you continue to restrain them and refuse to let them go,

Study Bible

But if you refuse
The phrase "But if you refuse" indicates a conditional statement, highlighting Pharaoh's potential choice to disobey God's command. The Hebrew root for "refuse" is "מָאֵן" (ma'en), which conveys a strong sense of willful disobedience or stubbornness. This reflects Pharaoh's hardened heart, a recurring theme in Exodus, where his refusal to heed God's warnings leads to severe consequences. Historically, this stubbornness is emblematic of the broader spiritual battle between God's will and human resistance.

to let them go
This phrase refers to God's command to Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The Hebrew verb "שָׁלַח" (shalach) means "to send" or "to let go," emphasizing the act of liberation. The Israelites' release is central to God's covenantal promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history. Theologically, this liberation prefigures the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who frees humanity from the bondage of sin.

I will plague
The word "plague" comes from the Hebrew "נֶגַע" (nega), meaning a blow or affliction. This term underscores the severity of God's judgment against Egypt. The plagues serve as divine signs and wonders, demonstrating God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh. They are not merely punitive but are intended to reveal God's power and compel Pharaoh to acknowledge Him as the one true God.

your whole country
The phrase "your whole country" indicates the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. The Hebrew word for "country" is "אֶרֶץ" (eretz), which can mean land or earth. This suggests that the plague's impact will be widespread, affecting all of Egypt. Historically, Egypt was a powerful and prosperous nation, and the plagues systematically dismantle its economy, religion, and social order, showcasing God's dominion over all creation.

with frogs
Frogs, in the Egyptian context, were associated with the goddess Heqet, who was linked to fertility and childbirth. The Hebrew word for "frogs" is "צְפַרְדֵּעַ" (tsephardea). By sending a plague of frogs, God directly challenges the Egyptian pantheon, demonstrating His authority over their deities. This plague, like the others, serves as a sign of God's power and a call to repentance. Spiritually, it reminds believers of the futility of idolatry and the necessity of worshiping the one true God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is obstinately refusing to release the Israelites from slavery, despite the plagues that God has sent as a warning.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to demand the release of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and to lead them to the Promised Land.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother, who assists him in communicating God's demands to Pharaoh.

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

5. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are suffering under Egyptian slavery and are the focus of God's deliverance plan.

Teaching Points

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's command is a classic example of a hardened heart. Believers are warned to remain open and responsive to God's voice, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness.

God's Sovereignty and Patience
Despite Pharaoh's repeated refusals, God continues to send warnings through the plagues. This demonstrates God's patience and His desire for repentance, even in the face of persistent rebellion.

The Power of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's obedience to God's command, despite Pharaoh's resistance, highlights the importance of faithfulness in the face of opposition. Believers are encouraged to trust and obey God, regardless of external circumstances.

Deliverance and Freedom
The demand for the Israelites' release is a powerful reminder of God's desire for His people to live in freedom. This points to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ, who frees us from the bondage of sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Pharaoh's response to God's command in Exodus 9:2 reflect the condition of his heart, and what can we learn from this about our own responses to God's instructions?

2. In what ways does the account of the plagues in Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty and patience? How can this understanding impact our view of God's work in the world today?

3. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in the face of Pharaoh's resistance encourage us in our own walk of faith?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt and our spiritual deliverance through Christ?

5. How can we guard against developing a hardened heart, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we remain responsive to God's leading?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 5:1-2
This passage introduces the initial demand made by Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh, setting the stage for the subsequent plagues.

Exodus 7:14-25
The first plague, turning the Nile into blood, begins the series of divine judgments against Egypt, illustrating God's power and Pharaoh's hardened heart.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing His power and proclaiming His name throughout the earth.

Hebrews 3:7-19
This passage warns believers against hardening their hearts, using the Israelites' wilderness experience as a cautionary example.