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Commentary on Exodus 11 verses 4–10
Warning is here given to Pharaoh of the last and conquering plague which was now to be inflicted. This was the death of all the first-born in Egypt at once, which had been first threatened (Exo 4:23, I will slay thy son, thy first-born), but is last executed; less judgments were tried, which, if they had done the work would have prevented this. See how slow God is to wrath, and how willing to be met with in the way of his judgments, and to have his anger turned away, and particularly how precious the lives of men are in his eyes: if the death of their cattle had humbled and reformed them, their children would have been spared; but, if men will not improve the gradual advances of divine judgments, they must thank themselves if they find, in the issue, that the worst was reserved for the last. 1. The plague itself is here particularly foretold, Exo 11:4-6. The time is fixed - about midnight, the very next midnight, the dead time of the night; when they were all asleep, all their first-born should sleep the sleep of death, not silently and insensibly, so as not to be discovered till morning, but so as to rouse the families at midnight to stand by and see them die. The extent of this plague is described, Exo 11:5. The prince that was to succeed in the throne was not too high to be reached by it, nor were the slaves at the mill too low to be taken notice of. Moses and Aaron were not ordered to summon this plague; no I will go out, saith the Lord, Exo 11:4. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God; what is hell but this? 2. The special protection which the children of Israel should be under, and the manifest difference that should be put between them and the Egyptians. While angels drew their swords against the Egyptians, there should not so much as a dog bark at any of the children of Israel, Exo 11:7. An earnest was hereby given of the difference which shall be put in the great day between God's people and his enemies: did men know what a difference God puts, and will put to eternity, between those that serve him and those that serve him not, religion would not seem to them such an indifferent thing as they make it, nor would they act in it with so much indifference as they do. 3. The humble submission which Pharaoh's servants should make to Moses, and how submissively they should request him to go (Exo 11:8): They shall come down, and bow themselves. Note, The proud enemies of God and his Israel shall be made to fall under at last (Rev 3:9), and shall be found liars to them, Deu 33:29. When Moses had thus delivered his message, it is said, He went out from Pharaoh in a great anger, though he was the meekest of all the men of the earth. Probably he expected that the very threatening of the death of the firstborn would have induced Pharaoh to comply, especially as Pharaoh had complied so far already, and had seen how exactly all Moses's predictions hitherto were fulfilled. But it had not that effect; his proud heart would not yield, no, not to save all the firstborn of his kingdom: no marvel that men are not deterred from vicious courses by the prospects given them of eternal misery in the other world, when the imminent peril they run of the loss of all that is dear to them in this world will not frighten them. Moses, hereupon, was provoked to a holy indignation, being grieved (as our Saviour afterwards) for the hardness of his heart, Mar 3:5. Note, It is a great vexation to the spirits of good ministers to see people deaf to all the fair warnings given them, and running headlong upon ruin, notwithstanding all the kind methods taken to prevent it. Thus Ezekiel went in the bitterness of his spirit (Eze 3:14), because God had told him that the house of Israel would not hearken to him, Exo 11:7. To be angry at nothing but sin is the way not to sin in anger. Moses, having thus adverted to the disturbance which Pharaoh's obstinacy gave him, (1.) Reflects upon the previous notice God had given him of this (Exo 11:9): The Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken to you. The scripture has foretold the incredulity of those who should hear the gospel, that it might not be a surprise nor stumbling-block to us, Joh 12:37, Joh 12:38; Rom 10:16. Let us think never the worse of the gospel of Christ for the slights men generally put upon it, for we were told before what cold entertainment it would meet with. (2.) He recapitulates all he had said before to this purport (Exo 11:10), that Moses did all these wonders, as they are here related, before Pharaoh (he himself was an eye-witness of them), and yet he could not prevail, which was a certain sign that God himself had, in a way of righteous judgment, hardened his heart. Thus the Jews' rejection of the gospel of Christ was so gross an absurdity that it might easily be inferred from it that God had given them the spirit of slumber, Rom 11:8.
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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). God's statement in Exodus 11:9 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.
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. 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) 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). 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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 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 8:32). 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).
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) were not obstacles but the very means through which God displayed His greatest power and love (see Romans 5:8). 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). Jesus's death was not a defeat but a decisive victory over the spiritual "Pharaohs" of sin, death, and Satan (Hebrews 2:14-15). 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). 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).