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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 9:22–35. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The threatened plague of hail is here summoned by the powerful hand and rod of Moses (Exo 9:22, Exo 9:23), and it obeys the summons, or rather the divine command; for fire and hail fulfil God's word, Psa 148:8. And here we are told,
I.What desolations it made upon the earth.
The thunder, and fire from heaven (or lightning), made it both the more dreadful and the more destroying, Exo 9:23, Exo 9:24. Note, God makes the clouds, not only his store-houses whence he drops fatness on his people, but his magazines whence, when he pleases, he can draw out a most formidable train of artillery, with which to destroy his enemies. He himself speaks of the treasures of hail which he hath reserved against the day of battle and war, Job 38:22, Job 38:23. Woeful havoc this hail made in the land of Egypt. It killed both men and cattle, and battered down, not only the herbs, but the trees, Exo 9:25. The corn that was above ground was destroyed, and that only preserved which as yet had not come up, Exo 9:31, Exo 9:32. Note, God has many ways of taking away the corn in the season thereof (Hos 2:9), either by a secret blasting, or a noisy hail. In this plague the hot thunderbolts, as well as the hail, are said to destroy their flocks, Psa 78:47, Psa 78:48; and see Psa 105:32, Psa 105:33. Perhaps David alludes to this when, describing God's glorious appearances for the discomfiture of his enemies, he speaks of the hailstones and coals of fire he threw among them, Psa 18:12, Psa 18:13. And there is a plan reference to it on the pouring out of the seventh vial, Rev 16:21. Notice is here taken (Exo 9:26) of the land of Goshen's being preserved from receiving any damage by this plague. God has the directing of the pregnant clouds, and causes it to rain or hail on one city and not on another, either in mercy or in judgment.
II.What a consternation it put Pharaoh in. See what effect it had upon him,
1.He humbled himself to Moses in the language of a penitent, Exo 9:27, Exo 9:28. No man could have spoken better. He owns himself on the wrong side in his contest with the God of the Hebrews: "I have sinned in standing it out so long." He owns the equity of God's proceedings against him: The Lord is righteous, and must be justified when he speaks, though he speak in thunder and lightning. He condemns himself and his land: "I and my people are wicked, and deserve what is brought upon us." He begs the prayers of Moses: "Entreat the Lord for me, that this direful plague may be removed." And, lastly, he promises to yield up his prisoners: I will let you go. What could one desire more? And yet his heart was hardened all this while. Note, The terror of the rod often extorts penitent acknowledgments from those who have no penitent affections; under the surprise and smart of affliction, they start up, and say that which is pertinent enough, not because they are deeply affected, but because they know that they should be and that it is meet to be said.
2.Moses, hereupon, becomes an intercessor for him with God. Though he had all the reason in the world to think that he would immediately repent of his repentance, and told him so (Exo 9:30), yet he promises to be this friend in the court of heaven. Note, Even those whom we have little hopes of, yet we should continue to pray for, and to admonish, Sa1 12:23. Observe,
(1.)The place Moses chose for his intercession. He went out of the city (Exo 9:33), not only for privacy in his communion with God, but to show that he durst venture abroad into the field, notwithstanding the hail and lightning which kept Pharaoh and his servants within doors, knowing that every hail-stone had its direction from his God, who meant him no hurt. Note, Peace with God makes men thunderproof, for thunder is the voice of their Father.
(2.)The gesture: He spread abroad his hands unto the Lord - an outward expression of earnest desire and humble expectation. Those that come to God for mercy must stand ready to receive it.
(3.)The end Moses aimed at in interceding for him: That thou mayest know, and be convinced, that the earth is the Lord's (Exo 9:29), that is, that God has a sovereign dominion over all the creatures, that they all are ruled by him, and therefore that thou oughtest to be so. See what various methods God uses to bring men to their proper senses. Judgments are sent, judgments removed, and all for the same end, to make men know that he Lord reigns.
(4.)The success of it.
[1.]He prevailed with God, Exo 9:33. But,
[2.]He could not prevail with Pharaoh: He sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, Exo 9:34, Exo 9:35. The prayer of Moses opened and shut heaven, like Elias's (Jam 5:17, Jam 5:18), and such is the power of God's two witnesses (Rev 11:6); yet neither Moses nor Elias, nor those two witnesses, could subdue the hard hearts of men. Pharaoh was frightened into a compliance by the judgment, but, when it was over, his convictions vanished, and his fair promises were forgotten. Note, Little credit is to be given to confessions upon the rack. Note also, Those that are not bettered by judgments and mercies are commonly made worse.
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Summary
Exodus 9:34 provides a stark revelation of Pharaoh's profound spiritual obstinacy and the insidious nature of false repentance. Immediately after the devastating hail plague ceased, and despite his temporary confession of sin, Pharaoh actively chose to continue his rebellion against the Lord, further hardening his heart and that of his servants. This pivotal verse underscores the human capacity for escalating defiance even in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of the ten plagues upon Egypt, specifically following the seventh plague—a catastrophic hail storm described in detail from Exodus 9:18-26. Crucially, during the height of this unprecedented judgment, Pharaoh, for the first time, explicitly acknowledged his sin and God's righteousness, pleading with Moses and Aaron for intercession in Exodus 9:27-28. Moses prayed, and the plague ceased as promised in Exodus 9:29-33. Exodus 9:34 then serves as an immediate and sobering commentary on Pharaoh's true character, revealing that his "repentance" was merely a desperate, conditional reaction to duress, not a genuine change of heart. His actions here set the stage for the final, most severe plagues, demonstrating the futility of partial obedience and the danger of an unyielding will.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was considered a divine being, a living god, and the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His word was absolute law, and his authority unquestionable. For Pharaoh to admit sin and acknowledge a foreign deity (Yahweh) as righteous, as he did in Exodus 9:27, was an extraordinary and deeply humiliating concession, undermining his own perceived divine status. Culturally, a king's word, once given, was expected to be honored. Pharaoh's repeated reneging on his promises, despite the escalating and devastating consequences, was not only a spiritual act of rebellion against Yahweh's supremacy but also a profound challenge to his own authority and the stability of his kingdom. The inclusion of "he and his servants" highlights that this defiance was not isolated to the king but permeated the entire Egyptian power structure, indicating a pervasive societal resistance to Yahweh's sovereign claims.
Key Themes
Exodus 9:34 significantly contributes to several major themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of divine sovereignty versus human obstinacy. Despite God's overwhelming demonstrations of power and judgment, Pharaoh's will remains stubbornly opposed, highlighting the human capacity to resist even undeniable truth. It further develops the theme of true versus false repentance, illustrating that a confession born of fear rather than genuine contrition is fleeting and ultimately leads to deeper rebellion. The verse also emphasizes the escalating nature of sin and hardening, showing how repeated defiance can calcify the heart, making future obedience increasingly difficult. This hardening serves God's purpose in demonstrating His power and glory to both Egypt and Israel, fulfilling His declaration in Exodus 9:16. Ultimately, Pharaoh's unyielding heart becomes a foil against which God's steadfast determination to deliver His people is brilliantly showcased, reinforcing the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 9:34 is a pivotal statement on Pharaoh's character and the nature of human resistance to God, revealing the immediate consequence of a superficial repentance.
Key Word Analysis
From the primitive root H2398, meaning "to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin." This word signifies a deliberate act of missing the mark, a deviation from God's righteous standard. In this context, Pharaoh's sin is not merely an error but a conscious choice of rebellion against the divine will, despite having just experienced overwhelming evidence of God's power and righteousness.
From the primitive root H3254, meaning "to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)." This term emphasizes the active, deliberate choice to persist and intensify his sin. Pharaoh did not merely relapse; he "added to" his sin, indicating a deepening commitment to his defiance against God's will, even after experiencing divine judgment and offering a temporary "confession."
From the primitive root H3513, meaning "to be heavy." When used in the context of the heart, as here, it signifies a heart that has become dull, insensitive, unresponsive, or obstinate. The Hebrew verb is in the Hiphil stem, which is causative, implying Pharaoh caused his own heart to be heavy or made it unresponsive. This highlights his active role and personal responsibility in his spiritual condition, distinct from instances where God is said to harden his heart.
A form of H3820, referring to the heart, used figuratively for the feelings, will, and even the intellect. It represents the inner core of a person—the seat of thought, emotion, and decision. Pharaoh's hardening of his "heart" thus indicates a deliberate stiffening of his will and intellect against God's commands, making him impervious to divine persuasion or judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased"
This clause establishes the immediate external condition that triggered Pharaoh's subsequent actions. The cessation of the plague, the removal of the immediate, terrifying threat, is what allowed his true, unrepentant character to resurface. His "repentance" was contingent on duress; once the pressure was off, his true intentions and disposition were revealed.
"he sinned yet more"
This is a direct statement of Pharaoh's continued and intensified rebellion. Despite witnessing God's overwhelming power, experiencing devastating judgment, and even verbally confessing his sin, he actively chose to double down on his defiance. This signifies a deliberate act of will, a conscious decision to reject God's command and persist in his opposition.
"and hardened his heart"
This phrase describes the internal consequence and reinforcement of his continued sin. His active choice to "sin yet more" led to a further calcification of his inner being, making him even less receptive to God's voice or subsequent judgments. It represents a self-inflicted spiritual condition, where repeated sin makes the heart more resistant to change and divine influence.
"he and his servants"
This final phrase extends the culpability beyond Pharaoh himself. It indicates that the rebellion and hardening were not isolated to the king but permeated his entire court and administration. This collective hardening underscores the pervasive nature of the opposition to Yahweh's will within Egypt's leadership, suggesting a shared commitment to resisting divine authority and a societal embrace of defiance.
Literary Devices
The verse employs a stark contrast between Pharaoh's temporary confession in Exodus 9:27 and his immediate relapse into sin and hardening. This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the superficiality and insincerity of his "repentance," revealing it as a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine change of heart. The recurring motif of Pharaoh's hardening throughout the Exodus narrative is significantly amplified here, emphasizing his active, self-willed participation in this process ("he hardened his heart"), distinguishing it from instances where God is said to harden his heart. This highlights human responsibility alongside divine sovereignty. Furthermore, the cause-and-effect structure of the verse, moving from the external observation ("saw that the... ceased") to the internal decision and its consequence ("sinned yet more, and hardened his heart"), underscores the profound link between the removal of external pressure and the revelation of an unrepentant heart.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:34 powerfully illustrates several profound theological truths. It reveals the nature of true versus false repentance: Pharaoh's was a "sorrow of the world" driven by fear of consequences, not a "godly sorrow" leading to genuine change. His actions demonstrate the human capacity for profound spiritual obstinacy and the escalating nature of sin, where repeated defiance hardens the heart and makes future obedience more difficult. Even in the face of overwhelming divine power and judgment, the human will can choose sustained rebellion. This verse also implicitly highlights God's incredible patience, as He continues to offer opportunities for repentance despite Pharaoh's repeated defiance. Thematically, it connects to the broader biblical narrative of humanity's rebellion against God's authority and God's persistent pursuit of His redemptive purposes despite such resistance. Pharaoh's hardened heart is a foil to God's steadfast love and determination to deliver His people, showcasing that even human stubbornness cannot thwart divine plans.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:34 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today, compelling us to examine the authenticity of our own repentance. It challenges us to ask: Is our turning from sin a genuine transformation of heart and mind, a desire to align with God's will, or merely a temporary response to difficult circumstances, fear of consequences, or a desire for relief from pressure? True repentance leads to lasting change and a renewed commitment to God, not a return to old patterns once the immediate crisis subsides. Furthermore, Pharaoh's consistent delay in obedience illustrates the spiritual danger of procrastination in responding to God's call or conviction. Each delay can further harden the heart, making future obedience more difficult and creating a cycle of increasing resistance to divine influence. This verse challenges us to cultivate a soft and responsive heart, quick to obey and genuinely repent, rather than allowing the pressures of life or the allure of sin to harden us against God's persistent voice and the transformative power of His grace. Our spiritual vitality depends on our ongoing willingness to yield to God's refining work in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Pharaoh's hardening of his heart solely his own choice, or was it God's doing?
The biblical narrative presents both aspects, indicating a complex interplay. While God states His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart (e.g., Exodus 4:21), verses like Exodus 9:34 explicitly state that Pharaoh himself hardened his heart. Theologically, God's hardening can be understood as His sovereign plan allowing Pharaoh's inherent wickedness to fully manifest, removing any external restraints, or even presenting opportunities that, when rejected, lead to further hardening. Ultimately, Pharaoh remains morally responsible for his choices; God's actions expose and confirm his existing rebellion.
Does Pharaoh's repeated hardening mean God gives up on people who resist Him?
Not necessarily. Exodus 9:34 highlights Pharaoh's persistent rebellion, but it also implicitly underscores God's immense patience. God continued to send Moses, continued to provide opportunities for Pharaoh to repent, and continued to demonstrate His power. While there is a point where human hearts can become so hardened that they are beyond repentance (as Proverbs 29:1 suggests), God's general character is one of long-suffering and a desire for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Pharaoh's case is a unique example of extreme, sustained defiance against direct divine intervention, serving as a warning rather than a universal rule about God's willingness to pursue individuals.
What's the difference between Pharaoh's "repentance" and true repentance?
Pharaoh's "repentance" was superficial and conditional. He confessed his sin and asked for relief only when under intense pressure from the plagues (Exodus 9:27-28). Once the pressure was removed, he immediately reverted to his old ways. True repentance, as taught throughout Scripture, involves a fundamental change of heart and mind (metanoia in Greek), leading to a genuine turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It's not merely sorrow over consequences, but sorrow for sin itself, resulting in a transformed life and a desire to obey God's commands (2 Corinthians 7:10). True repentance is evidenced by a lasting change in behavior and a renewed relationship with God, rather than a temporary cessation of undesired actions.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 9:34 vividly portrays the human heart in active rebellion against God, a condition that finds its ultimate and redemptive solution in Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's hardened heart represents humanity's universal spiritual condition apart from God—a heart that is naturally resistant to divine truth and authority, choosing self-will over submission to the Creator. The escalating plagues demonstrate God's righteous judgment against sin and His sovereign power to overcome all opposition to His will, ultimately achieving the liberation of His people. In Christ, this theme is profoundly fulfilled. Jesus, through His atoning death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, provides the means for humanity to receive a new heart—not a heart of stone, like Pharaoh's, but a heart of flesh, responsive to God's Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). The gospel message is an invitation to genuine repentance, a turning from the self-hardened path of sin to the life-giving path of faith in Christ. Unlike Pharaoh's false repentance, which was driven by fear and led back to deeper rebellion, the repentance offered through Christ leads to true transformation, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God (Acts 3:19). Jesus's victory over sin and death is the ultimate deliverance from the spiritual bondage that Pharaoh epitomized, offering freedom and new life to all who were once enslaved by their own hardened hearts (Romans 6:17-18). Thus, Pharaoh's stubbornness serves as a stark backdrop against which the radical grace and transformative power of Christ's work are brilliantly illuminated, demonstrating that no heart is too hard for God to change through the power of His Son.