Exodus 10:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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:

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:1 marks a pivotal moment in the plague narrative, as the LORD explicitly declares to Moses His active role in hardening Pharaoh's heart and the hearts of his servants. This divine action is not punitive in isolation but serves a profound revelatory purpose: to maximize the display of God's power and identity through the unfolding "signs" (plagues), ensuring His glory is known to both Egypt and Israel, and remembered for generations. This verse underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over human resistance and His meticulous orchestration of events to achieve His redemptive and revelatory ends.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 10:1 serves as a crucial divine pronouncement preceding the eighth plague, that of the locusts. By this point, seven devastating plagues have already afflicted Egypt, each progressively intensifying and targeting specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon. These include the plagues of [blood](/exodus/7-20 "Exodus 7:20 - The Nile turned to blood"), [frogs](/exodus/8-6 "Exodus 8:6 - Frogs cover Egypt"), [gnats](/exodus/8-17 "Exodus 8:17 - Gnats from dust"), [flies](/exodus/8-24 "Exodus 8:24 - Swarms of flies"), [livestock disease](/exodus/9-6 "Exodus 9:6 - Plague on livestock"), [boils](/exodus/9-10 "Exodus 9:10 - Boils on man and beast"), and [hail](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23 - Devastating hail"). Despite the overwhelming evidence of Yahweh's power, Pharaoh has consistently hardened his *own* heart, as noted in passages like [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh hardens his heart after the frogs"). This verse, however, signifies a significant shift, with God explicitly stating His direct involvement in the hardening process, thereby setting the stage for the climactic final plagues and the ultimate, undeniable deliverance of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a divine being, a living god, and the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His will was considered supreme and his authority absolute. The plagues, therefore, were far more than natural disasters; they were direct, targeted assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's perceived divine power. Each plague systematically challenged and humiliated specific Egyptian deities (e.g., the Nile god Hapi, the frog goddess Heqet, the sun god Ra, etc.). Pharaoh's initial stubbornness was rooted in his pride and his self-perception as a god. The concept of "hardening" a heart in the ancient Near East often implied making someone resolute or firm in their existing disposition, rather than coercing them against their will. God's action here intensifies Pharaoh's inherent rebellion and pride, ensuring that the full scope of His power would be displayed, not only to Egypt but also to Israel, solidifying their understanding of Yahweh as their sole deliverer and the one true God, supreme over all other gods and rulers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human will and historical events, even the resistance of powerful rulers like Pharaoh. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Revelation of God's Glory and Name**. The plagues are explicitly referred to as "signs" (Hebrew: _ʼôwth_), not merely acts of judgment but demonstrations intended to reveal Yahweh's unique identity and power to both Egyptians and Israelites, as stated in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's purpose in raising Pharaoh"). Thirdly, it deepens the theme of **Judgment and Redemption**, showing how God's judgment on Egypt is inextricably linked to His redemptive purpose for Israel, leading to their ultimate liberation and the establishment of His covenant people. The unfolding narrative consistently portrays God's power to deliver His people and execute justice on their oppressors, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative of salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:1 presents a profound statement about divine sovereignty and human will, setting the stage for the final, decisive acts of judgment against Egypt.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This Hebrew root (H3513) primarily means "to be heavy" or "weighty." In the context of the heart, it conveys making it dull, unyielding, or stubborn. While it can also mean to "glorify" or "honor," here it signifies making Pharaoh's heart "heavy" or "dull" to God's commands, thus intensifying his existing resistance and pride. The narrative shows Pharaoh initially hardening his *own* heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh hardens his heart after the frogs")), but from this point forward, God explicitly takes responsibility for the hardening. This is not about God forcing Pharaoh to sin against his will, but rather God confirming and strengthening Pharaoh's wicked resolve, allowing his natural resistance to become a vehicle for God's greater purposes.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** The term (H3820) `lêb` refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also the will, intellect, and moral character. When God hardens Pharaoh's "heart," it refers to his entire inner disposition—his will, resolve, and capacity to respond to divine commands. It implies a deep-seated resistance that God allows to become fully entrenched for His purposes.
* **Signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This word (H226) denotes a signal, mark, token, or miracle. In Exodus, the plagues are consistently referred to as "signs" because they are not merely destructive events but serve as powerful, undeniable demonstrations of God's presence, power, and identity. They are intended to convey a divine message and validate God's messenger, Moses, revealing Yahweh as the one true God to both Egyptians and Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh:"** This opening clause reasserts the divine initiative and Moses's unwavering role as God's appointed messenger. Despite the prior failures and Pharaoh's escalating defiance, God commands Moses to confront the Egyptian ruler once more, signaling the continuation of the divine-human drama.
* **"for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants,"** This is the central and most theologically significant declaration of the verse. God explicitly states His active, sovereign role in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, and notably, the hearts of his officials as well. This is not a passive allowance but a direct divine action that confirms and intensifies Pharaoh's existing rebellious disposition. The purpose of this divine hardening is to ensure that Pharaoh will not yield prematurely, thereby allowing the full series of plagues to unfold and maximize the demonstration of God's power.
* **"that I might shew these my signs before him:"** This concluding clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind the divine hardening: the public and undeniable display of God's "signs" (the plagues). The plagues are presented as revelatory acts, designed to serve as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's supreme power, His unique identity as the one true God, and His righteous justice. By prolonging Pharaoh's resistance, God ensures that His power and glory are fully revealed to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, ensuring that these mighty acts would be remembered and proclaimed for generations to come.

#### Literary Devices
The Exodus narrative frequently employs the literary device of **Repetition** concerning the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, which serves as a theological refrain. This recurring motif emphasizes God's unwavering sovereignty and the unfolding of His predetermined plan. The phrase highlights the intricate tension between human agency (Pharaoh hardening his own heart) and divine decree (God hardening Pharaoh's heart), a central theological theme throughout the book. The plagues themselves are consistently referred to as **Signs** (`ʼôwth`), a term that functions as a powerful **Symbolism** for miraculous acts intended to convey a divine message, validate a divine messenger, and reveal God's identity, thereby underscoring their profound revelatory purpose beyond mere punishment. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the escalating plagues and Pharaoh's increasing stubbornness build toward the climactic final judgments and the ultimate deliverance of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:1 is a foundational text for understanding several profound theological truths, particularly concerning the interaction of divine sovereignty and human will. It starkly presents the tension between God's absolute control and human responsibility. While the narrative consistently shows Pharaoh choosing to resist God, God's declaration, "I have hardened his heart," asserts His sovereign ability to work through, and even intensify, human rebellion to accomplish His purposes. This is not about God making a good person evil, but about God confirming and using an already rebellious heart for His glorious ends. The plagues are not arbitrary acts of wrath but purposeful demonstrations of God's power and identity. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart ensures that the full scope of God's judgment and redemptive power is revealed, not only to punish Egypt's oppression but also to establish Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and to be remembered for future generations. The ultimate aim of the entire Exodus narrative, including the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, is the revelation of God's glory and His name. Each plague is a direct challenge to the gods of Egypt, proving their impotence against the LORD. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God ensures the complete unfolding of the plagues, providing maximum opportunity for His glory to be known throughout the earth.

This theme of God using human resistance to display His glory and accomplish His will resonates throughout Scripture:
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening") explicitly references Pharaoh's hardening as an example of God's sovereign choice to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name.
* [John 9:3](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - That the Works of God Might Be Displayed") illustrates how even suffering or adverse circumstances can be permitted by God "that the works of God might be displayed."
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand") affirms God's sovereign control over the hearts of kings, echoing the power He exercises over Pharaoh.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:1 offers profound insights into God's character and His dealings with humanity, providing both comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition or the stubborn resistance of human hearts. His purposes will prevail, and His glory will be revealed, often through circumstances that seem chaotic or unjust from a human perspective. We can rest in the knowledge that God is working all things, even the resistance of evil, for His ultimate, redemptive plan. Furthermore, God's judgments are not always solely punitive; they often serve to reveal His power, His character, and His justice. When we encounter difficult situations or witness resistance to God's will in the world, we can look for how God might be using these very circumstances to display His glory and draw people to Himself. The prolonged series of plagues, facilitated by Pharaoh's hardened heart, also demonstrates God's patience and persistent call for repentance, even as He moves toward judgment. It reminds us that God gives ample opportunity for people to respond to His signs and warnings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in hardening Pharaoh's heart challenge or affirm your view of God's sovereignty and human free will?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult or resistant situations in your life or in the world today to display His power or reveal His character?**
* **How can we, as believers, find comfort and courage in God's ultimate control, even when faced with seemingly unyielding opposition to His truth?**

### FAQ
**Did God force Pharaoh to sin, making him a puppet?**

Answer: No. The biblical narrative consistently shows Pharaoh initially hardening his *own* heart (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh hardens his heart after the frogs")). God's hardening is not about coercing an unwilling heart into sin or forcing a good person to do evil. Rather, it is about intensifying or confirming an already existing rebellious disposition. Pharaoh remained fully responsible for his choices and actions. God worked *through* Pharaoh's inherent wickedness and pride to accomplish His greater purposes, demonstrating His power and glorifying His name.

**Why would God harden someone's heart if He desires all to be saved?**

Answer: This verse highlights God's multifaceted purposes, which extend beyond individual salvation in every instance. While God certainly desires all to come to repentance ([2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for Repentance")), He also has a sovereign plan to display His glory, justice, and redemptive power to a wider audience. In Pharaoh's case, the hardening served to prolong the demonstration of God's power and supremacy to both Egypt and Israel, ensuring that His mighty acts of deliverance would be undeniably clear and remembered for generations. This act ultimately served a redemptive purpose for Israel and a revelatory purpose for all who witnessed it, providing a powerful testimony of Yahweh's unique identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:1, with its emphasis on God's sovereign hardening of hearts for the ultimate display of His glory and power, finds profound fulfillment and illumination in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Pharaoh's hardened heart served to magnify God's power through the plagues, the hardening of hearts among some in Israel and the Gentile world ultimately led to the cross—the supreme "sign" of God's power and wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23-24 "1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). The very rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, though a result of human sin and hardened hearts, was not accidental but part of God's predetermined plan and foreknowledge to bring about salvation for all who believe ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered Up by God's Plan")).

Furthermore, the purpose of Pharaoh's hardening—"that I might shew these my signs before him"—is fully realized in Christ. Jesus's miracles, His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate "signs" that reveal God's identity, power, and redemptive purpose. The cross, in particular, is the supreme demonstration of God's justice against sin and His boundless love, revealing His glory in a way that transcends all previous displays. Through Christ, God's name is proclaimed not just in Egypt, but "in all the earth" ([Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening")). Finally, while Pharaoh's hardening led to judgment, Christ's work offers the path to a softened heart. The New Covenant promises a new heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), made possible through the Spirit given by Christ. Thus, the sovereign God who hardened Pharaoh's heart to display His power is the same God who, through Christ, offers to transform the hardest of hearts into ones that believe and obey, bringing about true spiritual freedom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 4:21

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

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

Exodus 7:14

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

Exodus 3:20

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

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

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

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: