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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 7:1–7.
Here, I. God encourages Moses to go to Pharaoh, and at last silences all his discouragements. 1. He clothes him with great power and authority (Exo 7:1): I have made thee a god to Pharaoh; that is, my representative in this affair, as magistrates are called gods, because they are God's viceregents. He was authorized to speak and act in God's name and stead, and, under the divine direction, was endued with a divine power to do that which is above the ordinary power of nature, and invested with a divine authority to demand obedience from a sovereign prince and punish disobedience. Moses was a god, but he was only a made god, not essentially one by nature; he was no god but by commission. He was a god, but he was a god only to Pharaoh; the living and true God is a God to all the world. It is an instance of God's condescension, and an evidence that his thoughts towards us are thoughts of peace, that when he treats with men he treats by men, whose terror shall not make us afraid. 2. He again nominates him an assistant, his brother Aaron, who was not a man of uncircumcised lips, but a notable spokesman: "He shall be thy prophet," that is, "he shall speak from thee to Pharaoh, as prophets do from God to the children of men. Thou shalt, as a god, inflict and remove the plagues, and Aaron, as a prophet, shall denounce them, and threaten Pharaoh with them." 3. He tells him the worst of it, that Pharaoh would not hearken to him, and yet the work should be done at last, Israel should be delivered and God therein would be glorified, Exo 7:4, Exo 7:5. The Egyptians, who would not know the Lord, should be made to know him. Note, It is, and ought to be, satisfaction enough to God's messengers that, whatever contradiction and opposition may be given them, thus far they shall gain their point, that God will be glorified in the success of their embassy, and all his chosen Israel will be saved, and then they have no reason to say that they have laboured in vain. See here, (1.) How God glorifies himself; he makes people know that he is Jehovah. Israel is made to know it by the performance of his promises to them (Exo 6:3), and the Egyptians are made to know it by the pouring out of his wrath upon them. Thus God's name is exalted both in those that are saved and in those that perish. (2.) What method he takes to do this: he humbles the proud, and exalts the poor, Luk 1:51, Luk 1:52. If God stretch out his hand to sinners in vain, he will at last stretch out his hand upon them; and who can bear the weight of it?
II.Moses and Aaron apply themselves to their work without further objection:
They did as the Lord commanded them, Exo 7:6. Their obedience, all things considered, was well worthy to be celebrated, as it is by the Psalmist (Psa 105:28), They rebelled not against his word, namely, Moses and Aaron, whom he mentions, v. 26. Thus Jonah, though at first he was very averse, at length went to Nineveh. Notice is taken of the age of Moses and Aaron when they undertook this glorious service. Aaron the elder (and yet the inferior in office) was eighty-three, Moses was eighty; both of them men of great gravity and experience, whose age was venerable, and whose years might teach wisdom, v. 7. Joseph, who was to be only a servant to Pharaoh, was preferred at thirty years old; but Moses, who was to be a god to Pharaoh, was not so dignified until he was eighty years old. It was fit that he should long wait for such an honour, and be long in preparing for such a service.
Historical interpretation
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God constantly says, “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart,” and gives the reason why he does this. He says, “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and fulfill my signs and my portents in Egypt,” as if the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart were necessary so that God’s signs might be multiplied and fulfilled in Egypt. God makes good use of bad hearts for what he wishes to show to those who are good or those he is going to make good. And the quality of evil in each heart (that is, what sort of heart is disposed to evil) came about through its own evildoing, which grew from the choice of the will. Still, those evils in quality, so that the heart is moved this way or that, when it is moved to evil this way or that way, comes to be by causes by which the soul is driven. And whether these causes either exist or do not exist is not within the power of man. They come from the providence of God that is hidden, most just and clearly most wise, who disposes and administers the universe that he created. So that Pharaoh had such a heart, which was not moved by God’s patience to piety but rather to impiety, was the result of his own vice. But that those things happened by which his heart, so evil by its own vice, resisted God’s command—it is called “hardened” because it did not bend and agree but resisted unbendingly—was of divine dispensation. It was not unjust to such a heart. It was clearly a just punishment [that] was being prepared, by which those who feared God would be corrected. For example: when money is offered for the commission of homicide, a greedy man is moved in one way, but one who disdains money is moved in another way. The former is moved to commit the crime, the latter to being cautious. Yet the offer of the money itself was not under the control of either of them. Thus motives come to evil men that indeed are not under their control, but they act from these motives as they find them already established from their own past willing. We should consider whether the phrase can be understood in this way: “I shall harden,” as if he were saying, “I shall show how hard his heart is.”
I shall harden: not by being the efficient cause of his hardness of heart, but by permitting it; and by withdrawing grace from him, in punishment of his malice; which alone was the proper cause of his being hardened.
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Summary
Exodus 7:3 unveils God's explicit and sovereign declaration to Moses: He will intentionally harden Pharaoh's heart, a divine act designed to prolong the confrontation with Egypt. This deliberate hardening serves God's overarching purpose of multiplying His miraculous signs and wonders throughout the land. This strategic display of power ensures that His supreme authority and glory are unequivocally revealed to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, orchestrating the dramatic deliverance of His people and solidifying His name and power throughout the earth.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 7:3 is a crucial prophetic declaration from God to Moses, delivered just before Moses and Aaron's initial confrontation with Pharaoh. It immediately precedes the first plague, the turning of the Nile to blood (Exodus 7:14-25). This verse sets the theological stage for the entire plague narrative, revealing that the subsequent events are not merely a back-and-forth negotiation, but a divinely orchestrated drama. It clarifies that Pharaoh's resistance, far from thwarting God's plan, is integral to it, allowing for a more extensive and impactful demonstration of God's power and judgment against Egypt and its gods. The verse also echoes earlier divine promises to Moses regarding Pharaoh's stubbornness, such as in Exodus 4:21.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized empire, with Pharaoh revered as a living god, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of divine order (Ma'at). Egyptian religion was polytheistic, with an extensive pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of nature and life. The plagues, therefore, were not just natural disasters, but direct assaults on the perceived power of Pharaoh and the specific deities of Egypt (e.g., the Nile god Hapi, the sun god Ra, the frog goddess Heqet, etc.). God's declaration to harden Pharaoh's heart challenged the very notion of Pharaoh's divine autonomy and demonstrated Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all earthly and spiritual powers. The land of Egypt, a symbol of human power and idolatry, becomes the stage for God's unparalleled self-revelation.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Exodus and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human will and historical events, even using the resistance of an adversary to achieve His purposes. Secondly, it underscores Divine Revelation, as the multiplication of signs and wonders serves to reveal God's unique identity, power, and justice to both the oppressed Israelites and the idolatrous Egyptians, as articulated in Exodus 7:5. Thirdly, it speaks to Divine Judgment, as the plagues are acts of righteous retribution against Egypt's oppression and idolatry, showing God's active involvement in human affairs to uphold justice. Finally, it sets the stage for Redemption through Power, where Israel's liberation is not achieved through human strength but solely through God's mighty hand, fulfilling His covenant promises as seen in Exodus 6:6.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 7:3 presents a profound declaration from God to Moses: "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt." This statement is a direct revelation of God's sovereign control over the unfolding events, even over the will of the most powerful earthly ruler. It reveals that the ensuing conflict with Pharaoh is not merely a test of wills, but a divinely orchestrated drama with a specific redemptive and revelatory purpose.
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to be dense, i.e., tough or severe." In various applications, it can mean to "be cruel," "be fiercer," "make grievous," or "be stiff(-en, (-necked))." In this context, it describes God's active role in making Pharaoh's heart resistant, unyielding, and unresponsive to divine persuasion. This is not a forced evil, but an intensification or confirmation of Pharaoh's pre-existing obstinacy, allowing God to fully display His power.
Figuratively, this term is used very widely for the feelings, the will, and even the intellect. It represents the core of a person's being—their thoughts, intentions, and moral disposition. When Pharaoh's "heart" is hardened, it signifies a hardening of his entire inner being, making him stubbornly resistant to God's commands and unwilling to release the Israelites.
This word refers to a "signal," "mark," "token," "omen," or "prodigy." In the context of the plagues, "signs" denote miraculous acts that serve as evidence or proof of God's existence, power, and authority. They are divine indicators, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality and validating God's message through Moses.
Derived from a root meaning "conspicuousness," this term refers to a "miracle" or, by implication, a "token or omen." "Wonders" emphasize the awe-inspiring and extraordinary nature of God's acts, designed to evoke astonishment and demonstrate His unparalleled might. They are not merely unusual occurrences but supernatural interventions that defy natural explanation, compelling recognition of divine power.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will harden Pharaoh's heart"
This clause reveals God's active and intentional role in the unfolding drama. It signifies divine sovereignty over human will, not necessarily overriding it, but acting upon it. God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a judicial act, intensifying or confirming Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness and resistance, thereby setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation. This is crucial for God's ultimate purpose of displaying His glory.
"and multiply my signs and my wonders"
This phrase directly links the hardening of Pharaoh's heart to God's purpose. The prolonged resistance of Pharaoh allows for a greater number and intensity of miraculous acts. These "signs" (evidential proofs) and "wonders" (awe-inspiring displays of power) are not random, but deliberate demonstrations of God's dominion over creation and His judgment against the false gods of Egypt. Their multiplication ensures a comprehensive revelation of God's power.
"in the land of Egypt"
This specifies the geographical scope of God's display of power. Egypt, the very seat of Pharaoh's power and the land of Israel's oppression, becomes the theater for God's mighty acts. This setting is significant because it is where Pharaoh's authority is supreme and where the gods of Egypt are worshipped, making God's triumph over them all the more evident and impactful to both Egyptians and Israelites.
Literary Devices
Exodus 7:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Divine Declaration, where God directly states His intention, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and control over events. This direct speech lends authority and certainty to the prophecy. There is also significant Foreshadowing, as this verse sets the stage for the entire plague narrative, indicating that Pharaoh's stubbornness will be a key element in God's plan to showcase His power. The phrase "multiply my signs and my wonders" can be seen as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the sheer abundance and overwhelming nature of the miracles God is about to perform, far beyond what might be minimally necessary for Israel's release. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in God using the very resistance of His adversary to further His own glorious purposes, turning Pharaoh's defiance into an instrument of divine revelation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 7:3 profoundly asserts God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ultimate control over all things, including the hearts and wills of rulers and nations. His purposes cannot be thwarted, and even human resistance can be woven into His divine plan. This verse highlights that God's power is not limited by human obstinacy; rather, He can use such opposition as a catalyst for a greater display of His glory and a more comprehensive revelation of His character. The multiplication of signs and wonders, enabled by Pharaoh's hardened heart, serves as a powerful testament to God's unique identity as the one true God, distinct from and superior to all the gods of Egypt. It underscores that God reveals Himself not only through His word but also through mighty, undeniable deeds, establishing His justice in judgment and His faithfulness in redemption.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 7:3 offers profound insights into God's character and His working in the world. It teaches us about God's absolute sovereignty, even over the hearts of those who oppose Him. His purposes will ultimately prevail, and He can use the resistance of individuals to further His divine plan and reveal His glory. For believers, this verse is a powerful reminder that God is in control, even amidst apparent obstacles and opposition. It encourages faith that God can turn any situation, even stubborn resistance, into an opportunity to display His mighty power and fulfill His promises, such as the redemption of His people. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing and His ultimate victory, knowing that all things work together for His glory. In our own lives, when we face seemingly insurmountable opposition or stubborn hearts, this verse reminds us that God is still at work, often using such challenges to reveal His power in ways we might not anticipate, ultimately for His greater glory and our good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God truly harden hearts, or does Pharaoh harden his own?
The biblical narrative presents both realities, often interchangeably, indicating a complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. In Exodus 7:3, God explicitly states, "I will harden Pharaoh's heart." However, earlier and later verses also show Pharaoh hardening his own heart (e.g., Exodus 8:15 and Exodus 8:32). The theological understanding is that God's hardening is often a judicial act, allowing or intensifying a pre-existing resistance in a person who has already chosen to defy Him. It is not that God forces an unwilling heart to be evil, but rather that He removes restraints or confirms a person in their chosen path of rebellion, ultimately for His own redemptive and revelatory purposes. Pharaoh's initial choices to resist God's commands paved the way for God to confirm him in his obstinacy.
What is the purpose of God multiplying His signs and wonders?
The multiplication of signs and wonders (the plagues) serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, they are a demonstration of God's supreme power and authority over all creation and over the gods of Egypt, proving that "the Lord is God" (Exodus 7:5). They are also acts of divine judgment against Egypt's idolatry and oppression of Israel. For the Israelites, these wonders serve to strengthen their faith in God as their deliverer and to remind them of His covenant faithfulness. Ultimately, they ensure that God's name and glory are declared throughout the earth, as stated in Exodus 9:16. The more Pharaoh resisted, the more opportunities God had to display His might, ensuring a comprehensive and undeniable revelation.
How does God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart relate to human free will?
This is a complex theological question that highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's sovereignty is clearly asserted in Exodus 7:3, the Bible also affirms human responsibility. Pharaoh consistently made choices to resist God's commands before God definitively hardened his heart. God's hardening can be understood as a response to Pharaoh's initial obstinacy, a confirmation of his chosen path, or a removal of grace that might have led to repentance. It highlights that God can use even the free choices of rebellious individuals to accomplish His divine purposes, without negating their moral responsibility for their actions. It underscores that God's plan will prevail, regardless of human opposition, and that He is just in His judgments.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 7:3, with its declaration of God's sovereign hardening of Pharaoh's heart to multiply signs and wonders, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate display of God's power and redemption in Jesus Christ. Pharaoh, as the embodiment of oppressive worldly power and spiritual darkness, is a type of the spiritual enemies—sin, death, and Satan—that hold humanity captive. Just as God hardened Pharaoh's heart to orchestrate a dramatic series of judgments and a mighty deliverance, so too did divine providence allow for the hardening of hearts against Christ, leading to His crucifixion. This ultimate act of human rebellion became the very means by which God displayed His greatest sign and wonder: the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, conquering sin and death (Romans 6:9-10). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, God's glory is supremely revealed, and a far greater exodus—spiritual liberation from the bondage of sin and eternal death—is accomplished for all who believe (Colossians 1:13-14). The signs and wonders of Egypt point to the unparalleled miracle of the Gospel, where God's power is revealed not just in judgment against an earthly oppressor, but in the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love and redemption, ensuring that His name is known and glorified throughout all creation (Philippians 2:9-11).