But as for you and your officials, I know that you still do not fear the LORD our God." But as for you and your officials,This phrase addresses Pharaoh and his court, highlighting the collective responsibility and shared guilt of the Egyptian leadership. In the context of the plagues, it underscores the stubbornness and hard-heartedness of not just Pharaoh but also his advisors. Historically, Egyptian officials were deeply entrenched in the polytheistic culture, which made the acknowledgment of the God of Israel particularly challenging. This collective mention emphasizes the widespread resistance to God's commands. Exo 10:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh… I know that you still do not fear The phrase "I know" indicates God's omniscience and Moses' understanding of Pharaoh's heart, which remains hardened despite the miraculous signs. The concept of "fear" in biblical terms often refers to reverence and awe, which Pharaoh and his officials lack. This lack of fear is a recurring theme in the narrative of the plagues, illustrating the spiritual blindness and pride of the Egyptian leadership. Theologically, it contrasts with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Exo 10:3 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and told him,… the LORD our God.” This phrase identifies the God of Israel as distinct from the gods of Egypt, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. The use of "our God" signifies a personal relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh, contrasting with the impersonal nature of Egyptian deities. Theologically, this distinction is crucial as it sets the stage for the eventual deliverance of Israel and the establishment of a covenant relationship. The plagues serve as a demonstration of God's supremacy over all false gods, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ's victory over sin and death. Psa 95:7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this context, Moses is delivering God's message to Pharaoh. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go. He represents resistance to God's will. 3. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues that God sends as signs of His power and judgment. 4. The Plagues A series of divine judgments sent by God upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This verse occurs during the seventh plague, the plague of hail. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His promises. Teaching Points The Importance of the Fear of the LordTrue fear of the Lord involves reverence, awe, and submission to His will. Pharaoh's lack of fear demonstrates a heart resistant to God's authority. The Consequences of a Hardened Heart Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning of the dangers of resisting God's will. It leads to judgment and missed opportunities for repentance. God's Sovereignty and Patience Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God remains sovereign and patient, using the situation to reveal His power and glory. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purposes. The Role of Obedience in Faith Moses' obedience in delivering God's message contrasts with Pharaoh's disobedience. Believers are called to obey God's commands, trusting in His wisdom and authority. The Call to Repentance Pharaoh's account is a call to examine our own hearts for areas of resistance to God. Repentance and submission to God lead to spiritual freedom and growth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Pharaoh's lack of fear of the Lord in Exodus 9:30 compare to the biblical understanding of the fear of the Lord in Proverbs 1:7?2. In what ways can we identify and address areas of our lives where our hearts may be hardened against God's will, as seen in Pharaoh's example? 3. How does the account of Pharaoh and the plagues illustrate God's sovereignty and patience, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plans for our lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, and how can we apply these lessons to our own call to obedience? 5. How does the call to repentance in Pharaoh's account challenge us to examine our own hearts and align our lives with God's purposes? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:7This verse highlights the importance of fearing the Lord as the beginning of knowledge, contrasting with Pharaoh's lack of fear. Romans 9:17 Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts to display His power and proclaim His name. Hebrews 3:12-13 Warns believers against having a hardened heart, similar to Pharaoh's, and encourages mutual encouragement to remain faithful.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Afraid, Bondmen, Elohim, Face, Fear, Hearts, Servants, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:30Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven TextsThe 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 The Plagues of Egypt Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation Man's Misery by the Fall Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Exodus Links Exodus 9:30 NIVExodus 9:30 NLT Exodus 9:30 ESV Exodus 9:30 NASB Exodus 9:30 KJV Exodus 9:30 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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