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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 9:8–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Observe here, concerning the plague of boils and blains,
I.When they were not wrought upon by the death of their cattle, God sent a plague that seized their own bodies, and touched them to the quick.
If less judgments do not do their work, God will send greater. Let us therefore humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and go forth to meet him in the way of his judgments, that his anger may be turned away from us.
II.The signal by which this plague was summoned was the sprinkling of warm ashes from the furnace, towards heaven (Exo 9:8, Exo 9:10), which was to signify the heating of the air with such an infection as should produce in the bodies of the Egyptians sore boils, which would be both noisome and painful. Immediately upon the scattering of the ashes, a scalding dew came down out of the air, which blistered wherever it fell. Note, Sometimes God shows men their sin in their punishment; they had oppressed Israel in the furnaces, and now the ashes of the furnace are made as much a terror to them as ever their task-masters had been to the Israelites.
III.The plague itself was very grievous - a common eruption would be so, especially to the nice and delicate, but these eruptions were inflammations, like Job's. This is afterwards called the botch of Egypt (Deu 28:27), as if it were some new disease, never heard of before, and known ever after by that name, Note, Sores in the body are to be looked upon as the punishments of sin, and to be hearkened to as calls to repentance.
IV.The magicians themselves were struck with these boils, Exo 9:11.
1.Thus they were punished,
(1.)For helping to harden Pharaoh's heart, as Elymas for seeking to ;pervert the right ways of the Lord; God will severely reckon with those that strengthen the hands of the wicked in their wickedness.
(2.)For pretending to imitate the former plagues, and making themselves and Pharaoh sport with them. Those that would produce lice shall, against their wills, produce boils. Note, It is ill jesting with God's judgments, and more dangerous than playing with fire. Be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong.
2.Thus they were shamed in the presence of their admirers. How weak were their enchantments, which could not so much as secure themselves! The devil can give no protection to those that are in confederacy with him.
3.Thus they were driven from the field. Their power was restrained before (Exo 8:18), but they continued to confront Moses, and confirm Pharaoh in his unbelief, till now, at length, they were forced to retreat, and could not stand before Moses, to which the apostle refers (Ti2 3:9) when he says that their folly was made manifest unto all men.
V.Pharaoh continued obstinate, for now the Lord hardened his heart, Exo 9:12.
Before, he had hardened his own heart, and resisted the grace of God; and now God justly gave him up to his own heart's lusts, to a reprobate mind, and strong delusions, permitting Satan to blind and harden him, and ordering every thing, henceforward, so as to make him more and more obstinate. Note, Wilful hardness is commonly punished with judicial hardness. If men shut their eyes against the light, it is just with God to close their eyes. Let us dread this as the sorest judgment a man can be under on this side hell.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Hardened: See the annotations above, chap. 4. 21, chap. 7. 3, and chap. 8. 15.
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Summary
Exodus 9:12 marks a profound turning point in the plague narrative, explicitly stating that "the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh," thereby confirming Pharaoh's unyielding defiance and fulfilling God's earlier prophecy to Moses. This pivotal verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human will and historical events, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His spoken word, even as He strategically employs Pharaoh's obstinacy to execute divine judgment and magnificently display His glory before all nations.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows the sixth plague, the plague of boils, which afflicted both Egyptians and their livestock, including the court magicians who were incapacitated and could no longer stand before Moses (Exodus 9:8-11). Prior to this point, the narrative frequently attributes the hardening of Pharaoh's heart to Pharaoh himself, emphasizing his own volition in resisting God's commands (e.g., Exodus 7:13, Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32). However, with Exodus 9:12, the agency explicitly shifts, attributing the hardening directly and solely to "the LORD." This shift is not a sudden divine intervention but rather the culmination and fulfillment of God's initial declaration to Moses, where He foretold that He would indeed harden Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 4:21, Exodus 7:3). It signals a new phase in the divine-human interaction, where God's sovereign hand becomes overtly manifest in Pharaoh's continued rebellion.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a highly centralized, polytheistic society, where the Pharaoh was revered as a divine king, a living manifestation of Horus, and the son of Ra. His word was law, and his power was considered absolute. To challenge Pharaoh was to challenge the gods themselves and the very cosmic order. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's perceived divine authority. Each plague targeted specific Egyptian deities or aspects of their daily life and economy, demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh over all false gods. Pharaoh's stubbornness, while seemingly irrational from a human perspective given the devastation, was rooted in this deeply ingrained cultural and religious worldview, where yielding to a foreign deity would be an unthinkable abdication of his divine status and a betrayal of his people and gods. The hardening of his heart, whether self-imposed or divinely enacted, ensured that the conflict would escalate to a point where Yahweh's power would be undeniably displayed to both Egyptians and Israelites.
Key Themes
Exodus 9:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of Divine Sovereignty, illustrating God's absolute control over all creation, including the wills of human rulers and the unfolding of history. Pharaoh's resistance, far from thwarting God's plan, becomes the very means by which God's purposes are achieved. Another significant theme is God's Faithfulness to His Word; the explicit mention "as the LORD had spoken unto Moses" reiterates that God's prophecies are unfailingly fulfilled, reinforcing the reliability of divine revelation. The verse also highlights the tension between Divine Action and Human Responsibility, a complex theological concept where God's hardening does not negate Pharaoh's prior choices but rather solidifies him in his chosen path of rebellion, serving God's ultimate purpose. Finally, the escalating plagues and Pharaoh's increasing obstinacy serve to magnify the theme of God's Glory and Judgment, demonstrating His righteous power against oppression and His commitment to delivering His chosen people, ultimately leading to the grand display of His power at the Red Sea.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 9:12 states, "And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses." This concise declaration is rich with theological significance, revealing profound truths about God's character and His interaction with humanity.
Key Word Analysis
This verb, often translated "to strengthen" or "to be firm," carries the nuance of making something resolute or obstinate. In this context, when applied to God hardening Pharaoh's heart, it implies God's action of solidifying Pharaoh's existing resolve and inclination towards defiance. It does not suggest God forced an unwilling heart into rebellion, but rather that He removed any potential softening or inclination to yield, allowing Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness to fully manifest. This divine act ensured the full display of God's power and judgment against a persistent oppressor, enabling God to "fasten upon" Pharaoh's will and make him "obstinate" for His own redemptive purposes.
In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the emotional center but the seat of intellect, will, and moral character. It represents the innermost being, the core of one's personality and decision-making. When Pharaoh's "heart" is hardened, it signifies a hardening of his entire being—his will, his understanding, his capacity to respond to God's commands. It is the very center of his being that is made unyielding and resistant to divine persuasion, reflecting a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.
This fundamental verb means "to speak," "declare," or "command." Its use here emphasizes the authoritative and declarative nature of God's word. The phrase "as the LORD had spoken" highlights that God's actions are not arbitrary but are in perfect alignment with His prior declarations and divine plan. It underscores the reliability and efficacy of God's promises and prophecies, demonstrating His sovereign control over events and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant word.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh"
This clause marks a crucial shift in the narrative's attribution of Pharaoh's obstinacy. While Pharaoh had previously hardened his own heart, here the divine agency is explicit. This is not God coercing an innocent will, but rather a judicial act where God confirms Pharaoh in his chosen path of rebellion, removing any inclination toward repentance or submission. This divine hardening serves God's greater purpose: to demonstrate His power and glory through Pharaoh's continued resistance.
"and he hearkened not unto them"
This phrase directly states the consequence of the hardened heart: Pharaoh's refusal to obey Moses and Aaron's commands to release Israel. Despite the mounting evidence of God's power through the preceding plagues, Pharaoh remained unyielding. This highlights the depth of his spiritual blindness and the futility of human resistance against the sovereign will of God. His inability to "hearken" (listen intelligently and obey) underscores his complete defiance.
"as the LORD had spoken unto Moses"
This concluding clause is paramount, connecting the present event to God's earlier prophecy to Moses (Exodus 4:21). It emphasizes God's unerring foresight and His absolute control over the unfolding drama. The fulfillment of this prophecy validates God's word as entirely trustworthy and His plan as immutable. What God declares will happen, indeed comes to pass, reinforcing the themes of divine sovereignty and faithfulness.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Divine Agency is prominently featured, as the narrative explicitly shifts the responsibility for Pharaoh's obstinacy from Pharaoh himself to the Lord. This direct attribution emphasizes God's active involvement and sovereign control over the unfolding events, even over the will of a rebellious ruler. There is also a strong element of Foreshadowing and Fulfillment, as the verse directly references God's earlier prophecy to Moses (Exodus 4:21), highlighting the pre-ordained nature of these events and God's meticulous plan. Furthermore, a subtle Irony is present: Pharaoh's persistent resistance, intended to assert his own power and thwart God's will, paradoxically becomes the very instrument through which God's power is magnified and His purposes achieved. This demonstrates God's ability to use even human defiance to bring about His ultimate glory.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:12 presents a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and His interaction with human freedom. While Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his own heart, this verse marks a divine judicial act where God confirms Pharaoh in his chosen path of rebellion, removing any inclination to yield. This is not God forcing an unwilling individual into sin, but rather God allowing Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness to fully manifest for a greater redemptive purpose: to magnify His name and power throughout the earth and to demonstrate His justice against a nation that oppressed His chosen people. This complex interplay between divine action and human responsibility is a recurring biblical theme, ensuring that God's purposes are always fulfilled, even through human resistance.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:12 offers profound insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity, prompting us to consider several timeless truths. It reminds us that God is utterly sovereign over all circumstances, including human defiance and the wills of powerful leaders; His plans will ultimately prevail, no matter the opposition. This should inspire both awe and trust in His unfailing purposes. Furthermore, the narrative serves as a sobering warning: persistent rebellion against God's clear commands can lead to a state where one becomes increasingly resistant to divine influence, sometimes by God's own design to bring about judgment or to demonstrate His glory. This underscores the importance of a tender heart, quick to respond to God's voice. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms the absolute trustworthiness of God's word; what He promises, whether blessing or judgment, will come to pass, which should inspire both reverence for His power and unwavering faith in His faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God force people to sin when He hardens their hearts?
No, the biblical concept of God hardening a heart, particularly in the case of Pharaoh, does not imply that God forces an unwilling individual to sin or makes a righteous person wicked. Instead, it suggests a divine judicial act where God removes any softening influence or inclination to repent, thereby allowing the individual's pre-existing sinful will and rebellion to fully manifest. Pharaoh had repeatedly hardened his own heart prior to God's direct action (Exodus 7:13, Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:32), demonstrating an inherent stubbornness and unwillingness to obey God's commands. God's hardening was a confirmation of Pharaoh in his chosen path of defiance, serving God's ultimate purpose to display His power and glory against a persistent oppressor, as explained by Paul in Romans 9:17-18.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 9:12 serves as a profound Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate display of God's sovereignty and redemptive purpose in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God hardened Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His power over the forces of evil and to deliver His people from physical bondage, so too did God, in His sovereign plan, allow the hearts of many to be hardened against Christ, leading to His crucifixion. This seemingly tragic event, far from being a defeat, was God's preordained means of accomplishing the greatest deliverance—salvation from sin and death for all who believe. The rejection of Jesus by some, which led to His suffering and death, was part of God's plan to bring about the redemption of the world, as foretold in passages like Isaiah 53. Christ's triumph over the powers of darkness, culminating in His glorious resurrection and ascension, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's purpose to magnify His name and deliver His people, not from earthly slavery, but from eternal spiritual bondage. The judgment upon Pharaoh and Egypt points to the coming judgment on all who reject God's ultimate deliverer, while the miraculous deliverance of Israel points to the greater, eternal deliverance offered through faith in the crucified and risen Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.