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.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, When thou goest {H3212} to return {H7725} into Egypt {H4714}, see {H7200} that thou do {H6213} all those wonders {H4159} before {H6440} Pharaoh {H6547}, which I have put {H7760} in thine hand {H3027}: but I will harden {H2388} his heart {H3820}, that he shall not let the people {H5971} go {H7971}.

ADONAI said to Moshe, "When you get back to Egypt, make sure that you do before Pharaoh every one of the wonders I have enabled you to do. Nevertheless, I am going to make him hardhearted, and he will refuse to let the people go.

The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

And Jehovah said unto Moses, When thou goest back into Egypt, see that thou do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in thy hand: but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go.

Commentary

Exodus 4:21 presents a pivotal and often debated declaration from the Lord to Moses, outlining the divine strategy for confronting Pharaoh and securing the release of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Context

This verse is spoken by God to Moses immediately following Moses' encounter at the burning bush and his commission to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses had expressed significant apprehension about his ability to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh. In response, God had equipped him with miraculous signs, such as turning a staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous (Exodus 4:3-8), to authenticate his divine mission. This specific warning in verse 21 serves as a crucial heads-up to Moses: despite the wonders he will perform, Pharaoh's heart will be divinely hardened, ensuring a prolonged demonstration of God's power through the subsequent plagues.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Will: The central theme is God's explicit declaration, "I will harden his heart." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human rulers and events, even influencing their decisions to achieve His purposes. It introduces the complex theological discussion of how God's divine will interacts with human free will.
  • God's Authentication of Moses: The "wonders" (miracles) Moses is to perform are not merely tricks but powerful demonstrations of God's authority, validating Moses as His chosen messenger before Pharaoh and the people. These signs are intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
  • Purpose of the Hardening: The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is not arbitrary but serves a divine purpose: to ensure that Pharaoh resists long enough for God to unleash the full series of ten plagues upon Egypt. This display of power is intended to reveal God's glory and might to both Egyptians and Israelites, proving that He is the one true God (Exodus 9:16).
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This statement also hints at the fulfillment of God's earlier promise to Abraham regarding his descendants' affliction in a foreign land and their eventual deliverance with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-14).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "harden" here is chazaq (חזק), which means to strengthen, make firm, or make bold. While it can imply making stubborn or resistant, it often carries a sense of strengthening or empowering. In this context, it suggests God will strengthen Pharaoh's resolve against releasing Israel, enabling him to resist the divine commands and thus providing the platform for God's mighty acts. Other Hebrew words like kabad (כבד, to make heavy or dull) and qasha (קשה, to make hard or severe) are also used in connection with Pharaoh's heart later in Exodus, adding layers to the concept of hardening.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in situations where human leaders or circumstances seem unyielding, God remains sovereign. He can work through or even harden hearts to achieve His ultimate, righteous purposes.
  • Understanding Trials: Sometimes, resistance or difficulty is part of God's larger plan to display His power and faithfulness. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart was necessary for God to demonstrate His glory and deliver Israel in a spectacular way.
  • Faithfulness in Obedience: Moses was forewarned of the difficulty but still called to obey. Our obedience to God's call, even when the path ahead seems daunting or resistant, is crucial. God has equipped us with what we need to fulfill His will.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 9:18 (9 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 63:17 (8 votes)

    O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

  • Joshua 11:20 (7 votes)

    For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 14:8 (6 votes)

    And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.

  • John 12:40 (6 votes)

    He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

  • Exodus 7:13 (5 votes)

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

  • Exodus 3:20 (5 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.