Exodus 9:17

KJV

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

KJV (with Strong's)

As yet exaltest {H5549} thou thyself against my people {H5971}, that thou wilt not let them go {H7971}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Since you are still setting yourself up against my people and not letting them go,

Berean Standard Bible

Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go.

American Standard Version

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:17 presents a profound divine interrogation of Pharaoh, directly challenging his persistent, defiant self-exaltation against Yahweh's people and his unyielding refusal to release them from bondage. This pivotal declaration, delivered through Moses, underscores Pharaoh's profound culpability and sets the stage for the escalating divine judgments against Egypt, revealing God's unwavering resolve to liberate Israel despite human opposition and to magnify His own name throughout the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine pronouncement emerges at a critical and intensifying phase of the confrontation between God and Pharaoh. It immediately follows the plague of boils ([Exodus 9:8-12](/exodus/9-8 "The Plague of Boils")), which afflicted both Egyptians and their livestock, and Pharaoh's heart remained hardened despite the severe suffering. The verse serves as a direct prelude to the announcement of the seventh plague, a devastating hail storm ([Exodus 9:18-26](/exodus/9-18 "The Plague of Hail")), signaling that divine patience is wearing thin and that judgments are escalating in severity. This rhetorical question from God highlights the deliberate and active nature of Pharaoh's ongoing rebellion, setting the stage for the climactic demonstrations of God's power that are yet to come, all within the overarching narrative of God's determined liberation of His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was considered a divine being, a living god, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of Horus. This belief system profoundly shaped Pharaoh's understanding of his own authority and his resistance to any power that challenged it, especially an unseen foreign deity like Yahweh. Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites was not merely a political or economic decision (as Israel constituted a significant labor force) but a theological challenge to Yahweh's supremacy. The plagues, therefore, were not random acts of destruction but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all other gods, including Pharaoh himself. The very notion of a foreign God demanding the release of "His people" would have been an unthinkable affront to Pharaoh's perceived divine status and absolute rule.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:17 is central to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus. It powerfully contributes to the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His ultimate control over human rulers and natural forces, even when met with defiance. It further develops the recurring motif of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart** ([Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Pharaoh's Hardened Heart")), emphasizing that his resistance is not merely stubbornness but active, self-exalting rebellion against the divine will. The verse also underscores **God's Unwavering Purpose** to deliver His covenant people, Israel, and to make His name known throughout the earth, as explicitly stated in the preceding verse ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh")). Finally, it highlights the **Justice of God's Judgment**, as Pharaoh's escalating defiance directly correlates with the increasing severity of the plagues, revealing that divine wrath is a righteous response to persistent sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:17 functions as a rhetorical question from God, serving as a direct and pointed accusation against Pharaoh, highlighting his active and defiant rebellion against the divine will.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **exaltest (Hebrew, _çâlal'_):** From H5549, a primitive root meaning "to mound up," "to exalt," or reflexively, "to oppose (as by a dam)." In this context, it signifies Pharaoh's active and persistent elevation of himself and his own will above God's command. It implies a deliberate, defiant resistance, as if building a barrier against the divine purpose, rather than a passive refusal. Pharaoh is not merely stubborn; he is actively setting himself up as an adversary to the Almighty.
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, meaning "a people (as a congregated unit)," specifically a tribe or a flock. Here, "my people" emphasizes God's unique covenant relationship with Israel, asserting His divine ownership and protection over them. Pharaoh's oppression of Israel is, therefore, not merely an act against a group of slaves, but a direct affront to God Himself, challenging His authority over His chosen nation.
* **go (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out." This word encapsulates God's fundamental and oft-repeated demand: "Let my people go!" Pharaoh's persistent refusal to "send away" or "release" Israel is presented as the culmination of his self-exaltation and the direct cause of the ongoing divine judgments. It highlights the simplicity and clarity of God's command versus the complexity and defiance of Pharaoh's resistance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people,"**: This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question designed to expose Pharaoh's profound pride and his perceived authority over God's chosen people. The phrase "As yet" emphasizes the prolonged nature of Pharaoh's defiance, despite the numerous plagues and overwhelming evidence of God's power. Pharaoh's "self-exaltation" is presented as the very root of his rebellion, an active setting of himself against the divine will and ownership of Israel. It suggests a deliberate act of elevating his own power and will above God's, viewing himself as superior even to the Almighty. This defiance is the direct reason for the continuing judgment.
* **"that thou wilt not let them go?"**: This concluding clause reiterates God's fundamental demand, first issued in [Exodus 5:1](/exodus/5-1 "Moses' Initial Demand to Pharaoh"). Pharaoh's continued refusal is not merely a political stance but a direct affront to God's will and purpose. The question underscores Pharaoh's culpability and the deliberate, willful nature of his rebellion. It highlights the simple, clear command that Pharaoh persistently disobeys, thereby inviting further divine judgment. The ongoing suffering in Egypt is thus presented as a direct consequence of Pharaoh's stubbornness and his refusal to comply with God's just demand.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?" This is not a request for information, but a forceful accusation designed to highlight Pharaoh's culpability and the deliberate nature of his rebellion. It serves to emphasize God's full awareness of Pharaoh's heart and actions, underscoring the righteousness of the impending judgments. There is also evident **Contrast** between Pharaoh's self-exaltation and God's ultimate authority and ownership of His people. Pharaoh attempts to elevate himself, but in doing so, he directly opposes the Almighty, setting up a dramatic clash of wills. Furthermore, the phrase "my people" is an example of **Possession**, emphasizing God's covenant relationship and divine ownership over Israel, making Pharaoh's oppression an act of direct rebellion against God Himself. Finally, the verse carries a strong element of **Irony**, as Pharaoh's efforts to exalt himself ultimately lead to his profound humiliation and the greater exaltation of Yahweh's name throughout the earth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:17 serves as a powerful testament to God's unyielding sovereignty and His righteous judgment against human defiance. It underscores that true authority belongs to God alone, and any attempt by humanity to exalt itself against His will is an act of rebellion that will inevitably lead to severe consequences. Pharaoh's persistent pride is presented as the root cause of his resistance and the escalating divine judgments, illustrating a universal biblical truth: pride precedes destruction. Despite Pharaoh's stubbornness, God's purpose to deliver His people remains firm, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant and His determination to make His name known throughout all the earth.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh")
* [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel, a Holy People to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:17 serves as a timeless and convicting reminder of the severe consequences that stem from pride and defiant resistance against God's revealed will. Just as Pharaoh's persistent stubbornness led to increasing judgment upon himself and his nation, so too does resistance to divine authority in our lives invite negative outcomes and hinder God's perfect plan for us. This verse calls us to profound humility and swift submission to God's revealed will, recognizing that true freedom and flourishing come not from asserting our own will, but from aligning ourselves completely with His purposes. It also highlights God's incredible patience, even in the face of persistent rebellion, but ultimately His unwavering commitment to His purposes and His people. We are assured that God's power will prevail, always bringing about His promised deliverance and redemption, even when human opposition seems insurmountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly "exalting myself" against God's known will or His call?**
* **What "people" or situations might God be calling me to "let go" of, entrusting them fully to His sovereign care?**
* **How does understanding God's unwavering resolve to deliver His people in the Exodus narrative strengthen my trust in His plans for my own life and for the world?**

### FAQ
**Why does God ask "As yet exaltest thou thyself?" if He already knows Pharaoh's heart?**

Answer: This question is rhetorical, serving not as an inquiry for information, but as a direct accusation and a declaration of Pharaoh's culpability. It highlights the deliberate and active nature of Pharaoh's rebellion and underscores the justice of the impending judgments. God's omniscience means He doesn't need to ask for information; rather, He asks to expose Pharaoh's sin, to make clear the basis for His righteous actions, and to demonstrate that Pharaoh's continued defiance is willful and without excuse. It is a divine pronouncement of guilt, not a query.

**What is the significance of God referring to Israel as "my people" in this context?**

Answer: By calling Israel "my people," God emphasizes His unique covenant relationship and ownership over them. Pharaoh's refusal to release them is not merely an act of political defiance against Moses or Israel, but a direct affront to God Himself. This phrase reinforces God's divine authority and His unwavering commitment to protect and deliver His chosen nation, making Pharaoh's oppression a direct challenge to the Almighty. It establishes the theological framework for the entire Exodus narrative: this is a conflict between Yahweh and Pharaoh over Yahweh's treasured possession.

**Does Pharaoh's continued defiance imply God is not powerful enough to force him?**

Answer: Absolutely not. [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh") explicitly states that God *raised up* Pharaoh and *allowed* his stubbornness to persist precisely to display His power and make His name known throughout the earth. God could have instantly crushed Pharaoh, but chose to demonstrate His might through a series of escalating judgments, revealing His patience, justice, and ultimate sovereignty over all human resistance. Pharaoh's defiance was part of God's sovereign plan to magnify His glory and to demonstrate His absolute power over all earthly rulers and false gods, ensuring that His name would be proclaimed in all the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:17, with its vivid depiction of Pharaoh's defiant self-exaltation against God and His people, powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal rebellion against divine authority. Just as Pharaoh held Israel in oppressive bondage, humanity is held captive by the more insidious power of sin and death. However, God's unwavering commitment to deliver His people from Egypt points directly to the greater, ultimate deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Unlike Pharaoh, who exalted himself, Christ "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")), humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the ultimate oppressors—sin, death, and Satan—achieving the eternal "let my people go" for all who believe. He is the true and final Deliverer, who by His humility, obedience, and ultimate sacrifice, secured eternal freedom and brought His people out of the dominion of darkness into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Redemption Through Christ")), fulfilling the pattern of redemption initiated in the Exodus and demonstrating God's power to save to the uttermost.

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

Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

Isaiah 45:9

Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

Isaiah 37:23

Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 37:24

By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.