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Commentary on Exodus 10 verses 21–29
Here is, I. The plague of darkness brought upon Egypt, and a most dreadful plague it was, and therefore is put first of the ten in Psa 105:28, though it was one of the last; and in the destruction of the spiritual Egypt it is produced by the fifth vial, which is poured out upon the seat of the beast, Rev 16:10. His kingdom was full of darkness. Observe particularly concerning this plague, 1. That it was a total darkness. We have reason to think, not only that the lights of heaven were clouded, but that all their fires and candles were put out by the damps or clammy vapours which were the cause of this darkness; for it is said (Exo 10:23), They saw not one another. It is threatened to the wicked (Job 18:5, Job 18:6) that the spark of his fire shall not shine (even the sparks of his own kindling, as they are called, Isa 50:11), and that the light shall be dark in his tabernacle. Hell is utter darkness. The light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee, Rev 18:23. 2. That it was darkness which might be felt (Exo 10:21), felt in its causes by their fingers' ends (so thick were the fogs), felt in its effects, some think, by their eyes, which were pricked with pain, and made the more sore by their rubbing them. Great pain is spoken of as the effect of that darkness, Rev 16:10, which alludes to this. 3. No doubt it astonished and terrified them. The cloud of locusts, which had darkened the land (Exo 10:15), was nothing to this. The tradition of the Jews is that in this darkness they were terrified by the apparitions of evil spirits, or rather by dreadful sounds and murmurs which they made, or (which is no less frightful) by the horrors of their own consciences; and this is the plague which some think is intended (for, otherwise, it is not mentioned at all there) Psa 78:49, He poured upon them the fierceness of his anger, by sending evil angels among them; for to those to whom the devil has been a deceiver he will, at length, be a terror. 4. It continued three days, six nights (says bishop Hall) in one; so long they were imprisoned by those chains of darkness, and the most lightsome palaces were perfect dungeons. No man rose from his place, Exo 10:23. They were all confined to their houses; and such a terror seized them that few of them had the courage to go from the chair to the bed, or from the bed to the chair. Thus were they silent in darkness, Sa1 2:9. Now Pharaoh had time to consider, if he would have improved it. Spiritual darkness is spiritual bondage; while Satan blinds men's eyes that they see not, he binds them hands and feet that they work not for God, nor move towards heaven. They sit in darkness. 5. It was a righteous thing with God thus to punish them. Pharaoh and his people had rebelled against the light of God's word, which Moses spoke to them; justly therefore are they punished with darkness, for they loved it and chose it rather. The blindness of their minds brings upon them this darkness of the air. Never was mind so blinded as Pharaoh's, never was air so darkened as Egypt's. The Egyptians by their cruelty would have extinguished the lamp of Israel, and quenched their coal; justly therefore does God put out their lights. Compare it with the punishment of the Sodomites, Gen 19:11. Let us dread the consequences of sin; if three days' darkness was so dreadful, what will everlasting darkness be? 6. The children of Israel, at the same time, had light in their dwellings (Exo 10:23), not only in the land of Goshen, where most of them dwelt, but in the habitations of those who were dispersed among the Egyptians: for that some of them were thus dispersed appears from the distinction afterwards appointed to be put on their door-posts, Exo 12:7. This is an instance, (1.) Of the power of God above the ordinary power of nature. We must not think that we share in common mercies as a matter of course, and therefore that we owe no thanks to God for them; he could distinguish, and withhold that from us which he grants to other. He does indeed ordinarily make his sun to shine on the just and unjust; but he could make a difference, and we must own ourselves indebted to his mercy that he does not. (2.) Of the particular favour he bears to his people: they walk in the light when others wander endlessly in thick darkness; wherever there is an Israelite indeed, though in this dark world, there is light, there is a child of light, one for whom light is sown, and whom the day-spring from on high visits. When God made this difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians, who would not have preferred the poorest cottage of an Israelite to the finest palace of an Egyptian? There is still a real difference, though not so discernible a one, between the house of the wicked, which is under a curse, and the habitation of the just, which is blessed, Pro 3:33. We should believe in that difference, and govern ourselves accordingly. Upon Psa 105:28, He sent darkness and made it dark, and they rebelled not against his word, some ground a conjecture that, during these three days of darkness, the Israelites were circumcised, in order to their celebrating the passover which was now approaching, and that the command which authorized this was the word against which they rebelled not; for their circumcision, when they entered Canaan, is spoken of as a second general circumcision, Jos 5:2. During these three days of darkness to the Egyptians, if God had so pleased, the Israelites, by the light which they had, might have made their escape, and without asking leave of Pharaoh; but God would bring them out with a high hand, and not by stealth, nor in haste, Isa 52:12.
II. Here is the impression made upon Pharaoh by this plague, much like that of the foregoing plagues. 1. It awakened him so far that he renewed the treaty with Moses and Aaron, and now, at length, consented that they should take their little ones with them, only he would have their cattle left in pawn, Exo 10:24. It is common for sinners thus to bargain with God Almighty. Some sins they will leave, but not all; they will leave their sins for a time, but they will not bid them a final farewell; they will allow him some share in their hearts, but the world and the flesh must share with him: thus they mock God, but they deceive themselves. Moses resolves not to abate in his terms: Our cattle shall go with us, Exo 10:26. Note, The terms of reconciliation are so fixed that though men dispute them ever so long they cannot possibly alter them, nor bring them lower. We must come up to the demands of God's will, for we cannot expect he should condescend to the provisos of our lusts. God's messengers must always be bound up by that rule (Jer 15:19), Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them. Moses gives a very good reason why they must take their cattle with them; they must go to do sacrifice, and therefore they must take wherewithal. What numbers and kinds of sacrifices would be required they did not yet know, and therefore they must take all they had. Note, With ourselves, and our children, we must devote all our worldly possessions to the service of God, because we know not what use God will make of what we have, nor in what way we may be called upon to honour God with it. 2. Yet it exasperated him so far that, when he might not make his own terms, he broke off the conference abruptly, and took up a resolution to treat no more. Wrath now came upon him to the utmost, and he became outrageous beyond all bounds, Exo 10:28. Moses is dismissed in anger, forbidden the court upon pain of death, forbidden so much as to meet Pharaoh any more, as he had been used to do, by the river's side: In that day thou seest my face, thou shalt die. Prodigious madness! Had he not found that Moses could plague him without seeing his face? Or had he forgotten how often he had sent for Moses as his physician to heal him and ease him of his plagues? and must he now be bidden to come near him no more? Impotent malice! To threaten him with death who was armed with such a power, and at whose mercy he had so often laid himself. What will not hardness of heart and contempt of God's word and commandments bring men to? Moses takes him at his word (Exo 10:29): I will see thy face no more, that is, "after this time;" for this conference did not break off till Exo 11:8, when Moses went out in a great anger, and told Pharaoh how soon he would change his mind, and his proud spirit would come down, which was fulfilled (Exo 12:31), when Pharaoh became a humble supplicant to Moses to depart. So that, after this interview, Moses came no more, till he was sent for. Note, When men drive God's word from them he justly permits their delusions, and answers them according to the multitude of their idols. When the Gadarenes desired Christ to depart, he presently left them.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 10:27 marks a pivotal moment in the escalating plague narrative, explicitly stating that "the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go." This verse underscores God's active, sovereign role in Pharaoh's persistent defiance, demonstrating divine control over human will and orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive plan for Israel while simultaneously revealing His unmatched power and glory to Egypt and the entire world.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:27 is a concise yet profound statement, revealing the culmination of divine and human wills in the ongoing conflict.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The entire plague narrative, culminating in this hardening, functions as a dramatic contest of wills and a demonstration of power. The escalating intensity of the plagues, each met with Pharaoh's renewed obstinacy (often divinely confirmed), builds narrative tension. This verse, therefore, acts as a narrative pivot, signaling that the final, decisive act of judgment is imminent because Pharaoh's heart, by divine design, remains unyielding. It also employs anthropomorphism by speaking of God "hardening" a heart, emphasizing His direct, personal involvement in human affairs and His active role in orchestrating history to achieve His redemptive purposes. The repeated hardening motif also creates a rhetorical pattern that highlights the futility of human resistance against divine will.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:27 powerfully asserts several core theological truths: the absolute sovereignty of God, the nature of divine justice, the interplay of human responsibility, and the purpose of God's self-revelation. This verse teaches that God is not merely reacting to human choices but actively orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even using the resistance of His adversaries to achieve His ends. Pharaoh's hardening, whether self-imposed or divinely intensified, leads directly to further judgment upon Egypt, illustrating God's righteous judgment against sin and rebellion, especially against those who oppress His people and defy His authority. While God hardened Pharaoh's heart, it is crucial to understand that Pharaoh had already demonstrated profound stubbornness and rebellion multiple times. The divine hardening acted to confirm or intensify an existing disposition, not to create an unwilling resistance from scratch. Pharaoh remained morally culpable for his initial and continued defiance. This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring theme in Scripture. The prolonged conflict, facilitated by Pharaoh's hardened heart, allowed God to reveal His power and glory more fully, not only to Israel but also to Egypt and the surrounding nations, ensuring His name was made known throughout the earth.
This theme of God's sovereignty over rulers and His use of their resistance for His purposes resonates throughout the biblical narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:27 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the most challenging and seemingly intractable. When we face stubborn opposition, unyielding systems, or personal struggles, this verse encourages us to trust that God is at work, orchestrating events to fulfill His larger purposes, which often involve revealing His power and faithfulness. Just as God used Pharaoh's resistance to bring about Israel's freedom and demonstrate His glory, He can use difficult situations and stubborn opposition in our lives to accomplish His purposes and reveal His faithfulness. It also serves as a solemn warning: continually resisting God's call and His truth can lead to a hardening of one's own heart, making repentance increasingly difficult and potentially leading to greater judgment. This calls us to cultivate a soft, responsive heart to God's word and Spirit, actively seeking to align our will with His, lest we find ourselves in hardened opposition to His divine purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does 'God hardened Pharaoh's heart' mean Pharaoh had no free will?
Answer: This is a common and important question that highlights the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in Scripture. The biblical text presents Pharaoh repeatedly hardening his own heart before God is said to harden it (e.g., Exodus 7:13, Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32). God's hardening, particularly in later instances, is often understood as an intensification or confirmation of an existing rebellious disposition, rather than forcing an unwilling person to act against their nature. Pharaoh remained morally culpable for his choices and actions. God's hardening served to ensure that Pharaoh's resistance would continue long enough for God to fully display His power and glory, and for His people to be delivered in a way that left no doubt about His divine intervention.
Why would God harden someone's heart if He wants all to be saved?
Answer: The purpose of God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart was not to prevent his salvation (which is not the primary focus of the Exodus narrative for Pharaoh) but to demonstrate God's power and make His name known throughout the earth, as explicitly stated in Exodus 9:16. This act of judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt was part of God's larger redemptive plan for Israel. It served to liberate His chosen people and reveal His unique identity as the one true God, contrasting Him with the impotent gods of Egypt. While God desires all to come to repentance (as seen in 2 Peter 3:9), He also exercises His sovereign right to judge sin and rebellion, and to use even the resistance of His enemies to accomplish His ultimate purposes for His people and for His glory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:27, with its theme of divine sovereignty over a hardened ruler and the ultimate deliverance of God's people, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Pharaoh's Egypt, Jesus Christ accomplishes a greater exodus—liberating humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of Satan, as declared in Colossians 1:13-14. Pharaoh's unyielding heart foreshadows the spiritual forces of evil and the hardened human heart that resist God's liberating grace. The LORD's hardening of Pharaoh's heart demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over earthly rulers and spiritual powers. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the ultimate King, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). His death and resurrection are the ultimate display of God's power, triumphing over sin, death, and the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive, making a public spectacle of them on the cross (Colossians 2:15). No heart, no power, no authority can ultimately thwart God's redemptive plan in Christ. The plagues against Egypt were acts of divine judgment that paved the way for Israel's salvation. Similarly, the cross of Christ is the ultimate act of God's judgment against sin, where the wrath deserved by humanity was poured out on Jesus. Yet, this judgment simultaneously became the means of salvation for all who believe, demonstrating God's justice and His boundless love (Romans 3:25-26). Pharaoh's hardened heart led to his destruction; a hardened heart against Christ leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. Conversely, a heart softened by the Holy Spirit through the gospel leads to life and freedom in Christ, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26. In Jesus Christ, God's character, power, and redemptive love are most fully and perfectly revealed, for He is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and through Him, we truly know the LORD who delivers His people.