Exodus 11:9

KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Pharaoh {H6547} shall not hearken {H8085} unto you; that my wonders {H4159} may be multiplied {H7235} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that still more of my wonders will be shown in the land of Egypt."

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Pharaoh will not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 11:9 encapsulates a pivotal divine declaration to Moses: Pharaoh's heart will remain unyielding, not as a failure of Moses' mission, but as an intentional act within God's sovereign plan. This continued resistance serves the explicit purpose of multiplying God's "wonders" in the land of Egypt, thereby ensuring a maximal display of His unparalleled power, supremacy over all false gods, and unwavering commitment to His covenant people, culminating in a spectacular and undeniable act of deliverance that would resonate for generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a dramatic turning point in the Exodus narrative. It immediately follows Moses' final, emotionally charged confrontation with Pharaoh, where he delivers the terrifying prophecy of the tenth plague—the death of the firstborn—and departs from Pharaoh's presence "in hot anger" (see [Exodus 11:8](/exodus/11-8 "Moses' Angry Departure from Pharaoh")). God's statement in [Exodus 11:9](/exodus/11-9 "The LORD's Declaration Regarding Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") serves as a crucial divine reassurance and explanation to Moses. It clarifies that Pharaoh's continued defiance is not a sign of Moses' ineffectiveness or a deviation from God's plan, but rather an integral part of it. The verse functions as a divine commentary on the unfolding events, providing the theological rationale for the prolonged struggle and setting the stage for the climactic events of the Passover and the ultimate departure of Israel from Egypt, as further emphasized by the summary in [Exodus 11:10](/exodus/11-10 "Moses and Aaron Performing Wonders Before Pharaoh").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured, polytheistic society where Pharaoh was not merely a ruler but considered a divine being, a living god, often identified with Ra or Horus. The plagues, therefore, were not random acts of destruction but precise, targeted assaults on specific Egyptian deities and the very foundations of their cosmic and social order. For instance, the plague of frogs challenged Heket (goddess of fertility), the plague on livestock challenged Hathor (goddess of cattle), and the plague of darkness challenged Ra (the sun god). Pharaoh's refusal to "hearken" or obey the LORD's command was deeply rooted in his perception of his own divine authority and the Egyptian worldview, where yielding to a foreign deity, especially one demanding the release of slaves, would be an unthinkable act of weakness, shame, and a direct challenge to his divine kingship. God's deliberate "multiplication" of these "wonders" was designed to utterly dismantle this worldview, discredit the entire Egyptian pantheon, and establish His singular, unparalleled glory, not only for the benefit of Israel but also as a profound testimony to Egypt and all surrounding nations.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 11:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human will, political power, and even the course of history. Pharaoh's stubbornness, far from thwarting God's plan, becomes the very instrument through which God's glory is magnified, echoing God's earlier declaration in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Up Pharaoh"). Another key theme is the **Revelation of God's Identity and Power**. The "wonders" serve as undeniable demonstrations of who the LORD is—the one true God, distinct from and superior to all the gods of Egypt. This revelation is crucial for both the Egyptians (as seen in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Purpose for Egyptians to Know Him")) and, perhaps even more importantly, for the Israelites, who were steeped in Egyptian culture and needed to fully grasp the might and faithfulness of their covenant God (see [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "God's Promise to Be Israel's God")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, assuring Moses and Israel that despite the prolonged struggle and Pharaoh's resistance, God is actively working to fulfill His promise of deliverance and bring His people into the land He swore to their ancestors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 11:9 states, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." This verse is a profound declaration of divine purpose and absolute sovereignty, revealing the deeper reason behind the protracted struggle with Pharaoh.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of this name here emphasizes that the speaker is not just any deity, but the God who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "God Reveals His Name 'I AM'")) and who is fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. It underscores the ultimate authority behind the declaration and the events that follow.
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying "attention, obedience, etc." Pharaoh's refusal to _shâmaʻ_ Moses' words was not merely an inability to perceive sound, but a deliberate, defiant unwillingness to listen, understand, and, most critically, submit to the authority of the LORD. His persistent resistance was an act of rebellion against the divine command, highlighting his hardened will.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** From H4159, this term refers to a "miracle," "sign," or "omen." These were not mere magic tricks but supernatural demonstrations intended to convey a divine message, reveal God's identity and power, and authenticate His messengers. The "multiplication" of these _môwphêth_ was crucial for God to fully display His might and discredit the false gods of Egypt, making His supremacy undeniable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. This is not Moses' personal fear or conjecture, but a direct, authoritative revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes that God is actively directing the unfolding events and communicating His purposes to His chosen servant.
* **"Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you;"**: This is a prophetic declaration, confirming God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over Pharaoh's will and actions. It reiterates a theme introduced earlier in the narrative ([Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Initial Statement About Hardening Pharaoh's Heart")), assuring Moses that Pharaoh's stubbornness is not an unforeseen obstacle but an integral part of God's larger plan. This hardening is presented as both a divine act and a consequence of Pharaoh's own persistent choices, highlighting the mysterious interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
* **"that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt."**: This crucial clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind Pharaoh's resistance and the prolonged struggle. The goal was not merely to punish Egypt, but to maximize the display of God's power and glory. Each successive plague, enabled by Pharaoh's refusal to yield, served to further demonstrate the LORD's absolute supremacy over all creation, all human rulers, and all false deities. The "multiplication" implies an escalating, undeniable revelation of God's unmatched might, ensuring that the deliverance of Israel would be recognized as a uniquely divine act, leaving no room for doubt or human boasting.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Exodus employs several powerful literary devices in this context. **Repetition** of the theme of Pharaoh's hardened heart (both by God and by Pharaoh himself) serves to underscore God's unwavering sovereignty and the deliberate, unchangeable nature of His plan. This repetition also highlights Pharaoh's escalating defiance, building narrative tension. The **escalation** of the plagues, each more severe and impactful than the last, acts as a literary device to build suspense and emphasize the increasing magnitude of God's "wonders" and His judgment. Furthermore, the verse itself functions as a form of **divine monologue** or **prophetic declaration**, where God directly reveals His intentions and foretells the future, asserting His ultimate control over the unfolding drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 11:9 powerfully underscores several core theological truths. Primarily, it highlights God's **absolute sovereignty** over all creation, including human will and political power. Pharaoh's resistance, far from thwarting God's plan, became the very means by which God's glory was magnified. This demonstrates that no human opposition can ultimately frustrate the divine purpose. Secondly, the verse clarifies the **purpose of divine judgment and revelation**. The plagues were not simply punitive but were "wonders" intended to reveal God's identity, power, and supremacy. They served to teach both Israel and Egypt who the LORD truly is, distinguishing Him from all other gods. This theme of God revealing Himself through powerful acts is central to the entire Exodus narrative and the broader biblical story. Finally, this verse speaks to God's **faithfulness to His covenant promises**. Despite the apparent delay and Pharaoh's stubbornness, God was actively working to fulfill His promise to deliver Israel, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.

* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Paul's Explanation of God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Stubbornness")
* [Psalm 105:27-36](/psalms/105-27-36 "Psalm Recounting God's Mighty Deeds in Egypt")
* [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's Purpose for the Egyptians to Know Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 11:9 offers profound assurance for believers today: God's purposes will prevail, regardless of human opposition or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When we face stubborn resistance in our lives, whether from external circumstances, difficult people, or even our own internal struggles, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign. He can use the very challenges and defiance to magnify His glory and accomplish His ultimate plan. This encourages us to trust in God's active hand, knowing that He can turn even the most unyielding situations into opportunities for His power to be displayed, ultimately leading to greater revelation of His glory and the deliverance of His people. It calls us to patience and faith, recognizing that God's timing and methods are perfect, even when they involve prolonged struggle. This passage also challenges us to consider our own hearts: are we like Pharaoh, hardening ourselves against God's clear commands, or are we willing to "hearken" and submit to His will, even when it demands costly obedience?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's stubbornness impact your perspective on seemingly unmoving obstacles or resistant individuals in your own life?**
* **In what ways might God be using a current challenge or difficult situation in your life to "multiply His wonders" or reveal more of His character and power to you or others?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly "hearken" (listen and obey) to God's voice in your daily life, especially when His commands seem to go against the prevailing "Pharaohs" of our culture?**

### FAQ

**Did God make Pharaoh stubborn, or was Pharaoh responsible for his own choices?**

Answer: The biblical text presents both realities in a profound theological tension. On one hand, God explicitly states, "I will harden his heart" (as seen in [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's Declaration of Hardening Pharaoh's Heart") and reiterated throughout the plague narrative). On the other hand, Pharaoh is repeatedly described as hardening his own heart through his willful defiance (e.g., [Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Frogs"), [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart After the Flies")). The theological understanding is that God's hardening was not an imposition of evil on an innocent will, but rather a divine confirmation and intensification of Pharaoh's already rebellious, proud, and idolatrous disposition. God allowed Pharaoh's sinful will to run its course, using it as a catalyst to display His power and justice, rather than forcing him to obey against his nature. Pharaoh remained morally culpable for his choices, and God's action ensured that Pharaoh's wickedness would serve a greater redemptive purpose.

**Why did God need to "multiply" His wonders? Wasn't one or two plagues enough to convince Pharaoh?**

Answer: The multiplication of wonders served several crucial, interconnected purposes. First, it progressively dismantled the entire pantheon of Egyptian gods, demonstrating the LORD's absolute supremacy over each one, thereby waging a theological war, not just a physical one. Second, it provided irrefutable and escalating evidence of God's power and identity, not only for the Egyptians but also, and perhaps more importantly, for the Israelites, who needed to see God's mighty hand at work to strengthen their faith and prepare them for the journey ahead. Third, it ensured that the Exodus would be undeniably a divine act, leaving no room for human boasting or attributing the deliverance to chance or Pharaoh's eventual concession. The prolonged display maximized God's glory, solidified His reputation, and ensured the memorability of the event for all generations, serving as a foundational narrative of divine redemption.

**Does this mean God uses evil or human sin for His good purposes?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible consistently teaches that God is sovereign even over human sin and evil, though He is never the author or instigator of evil. In the case of Pharaoh, God allowed Pharaoh's stubborn, sinful resistance to unfold, and He orchestrated events in such a way that Pharaoh's defiance ultimately served God's righteous purposes: the liberation of Israel and the demonstration of His glory to all nations. This doesn't condone Pharaoh's sin but illustrates God's infinite wisdom and power to work all things, even human wickedness, for His ultimate good and redemptive plan, as seen in the broader biblical narrative (e.g., [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Joseph's Statement to His Brothers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 11:9, with its emphasis on God multiplying His "wonders" through human resistance to reveal His glory and achieve deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The plagues in Egypt were powerful demonstrations of God's authority over creation and false gods, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the Passover, which served as a profound foreshadowing of a greater redemption. In Jesus, God performs the ultimate "wonder"—the incarnation, His sinless life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. The cross, in particular, represents the supreme act where human sin and resistance (the "Pharaoh" of humanity's rebellion against God, as described in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "All Have Sinned")) were not obstacles but the very means through which God displayed His greatest power and love (see [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). Through the crucifixion, God turned the ultimate act of human evil into the ultimate act of salvation, conquering sin and death (as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Jesus's death was not a defeat but a decisive victory over the spiritual "Pharaohs" of sin, death, and Satan ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His resurrection is the ultimate _môwphêth_ (wonder/sign), demonstrating God's power over death and securing true freedom for His people ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits")). Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage in Egypt through mighty acts, Jesus delivers humanity from spiritual bondage to sin, offering a new covenant and a greater exodus into God's eternal kingdom ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "The Son Sets You Free")).

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 7:3

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 7:4

But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

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:

Exodus 3:19

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Romans 9:16

So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Romans 9:18

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.