Exodus 10:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Go {H935} in unto Pharaoh {H6547}: for I have hardened {H3513} his heart {H3820}, and the heart {H3820} of his servants {H5650}, that I might shew {H7896} these my signs {H226} before {H7130} him:

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have made him and his servants hardhearted, so that I can demonstrate these signs of mine among them,

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials, that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them,

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs in the midst of them,

Commentary

Context

Exodus 10:1 opens the account of the eighth plague—the plague of locusts—in God's unfolding judgment against Egypt. By this point, seven devastating plagues have already struck the land (blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, and hail). Despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power, Pharaoh has consistently refused to release the Israelites from bondage, demonstrating a hardened resolve. This verse emphasizes that Pharaoh's stubbornness is not merely his own will, but also a direct result of divine action.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Will: The most striking aspect of this verse is God's explicit declaration, "I have hardened his heart." This highlights the biblical tension between God's absolute control and human responsibility. While Pharaoh clearly made his own choices to resist, God's sovereign purpose included allowing, and in some cases actively causing, Pharaoh's obstinacy to magnify His own glory. This theme is echoed in other passages, such as Romans 9:18.
  • God's Purpose in Judgment: The reason given for hardening Pharaoh's heart is "that I might shew these my signs before him." God's plagues were not just punitive but demonstrative. They served to reveal His power, His identity as the one true God, and His justice to both the Egyptians and the Israelites. This public display of divine might was crucial for establishing His covenant relationship with Israel and for future generations to remember His deliverance.
  • The Revelation of God's Glory: The ultimate goal was for God's name and power to be known. Each plague was a direct challenge to the gods of Egypt, proving their impotence against the LORD. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God ensured the full sequence of plagues would unfold, providing maximum opportunity for His glory to be revealed to all.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "hardened" (חָזַק - chazaq) can mean to be strong, firm, or courageous, but in this context, it implies making Pharaoh's will stubborn or unyielding. While Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart (e.g., Exodus 8:15), here God takes direct responsibility for the hardening, indicating a divine intensification of Pharaoh's existing inclination. This is not about removing Pharaoh's free will, but about God working through and even solidifying Pharaoh's resistance for His own ultimate, redemptive purposes.

Practical Application

Exodus 10:1 offers profound insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity:

  • It reminds us of God's ultimate sovereignty over all things, even the stubbornness of human hearts. He can use resistance and opposition to further His plans and display His glory.
  • It teaches that God's judgments often serve a dual purpose: to punish sin and to reveal His power and character to those who witness them. Even in difficult circumstances, God is working out His divine will.
  • For believers, this verse can offer comfort, knowing that God is in control, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition. His purposes will prevail, and His glory will be revealed. It underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it involves hardship or seemingly inexplicable events, as His ultimate aim is always to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, much like He did in John 9:3 regarding the blind man.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:21 (4 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

  • Exodus 7:13 (3 votes)

    And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Exodus 7:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

  • Exodus 3:20 (3 votes)

    And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

  • Romans 9:17 (3 votes)

    For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

  • Exodus 9:27 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 4:23 (2 votes)

    For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: