Exodus 9:34

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

And when Pharaoh {H6547} saw {H7200} that the rain {H4306} and the hail {H1259} and the thunders {H6963} were ceased {H2308}, he sinned {H2398} yet more {H3254}, and hardened {H3513} his heart {H3820}, he and his servants {H5650}.

When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail and thunder had ended, he sinned still more by making himself hardhearted, he and his servants.

When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heartโ€”he and his officials.

And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 9:34 comes at a pivotal moment in the narrative of the ten plagues upon Egypt. Specifically, it follows the devastating seventh plague โ€“ the plague of severe hail, accompanied by thunder and fire (Exodus 9:18-26). During the height of this plague, Pharaoh, for the first time, explicitly admitted his sin and acknowledged the Lord's righteousness, asking Moses and Aaron to intercede (Exodus 9:27-28). Moses prayed, and the plague ceased as promised. This verse then reveals Pharaoh's immediate response to the cessation of God's intense judgment.

Key Themes

  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness and Deceit: This verse starkly illustrates Pharaoh's deep-seated resistance to God's repeated command to "Let my people go." His apparent repentance during the plague was superficial, driven by fear of immediate consequence rather than genuine contrition. Once the pressure was off, his true character, and that of his servants, was revealed, leading him to renege on his word.
  • The Cycle of Hardened Hearts: The phrase "he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart" highlights a recurring and central theme in the Exodus story. Pharaoh's heart is hardened both by God's sovereign hand (e.g., Exodus 4:21) and, as explicitly stated here, by his own choices. This verse emphasizes his active role in increasing his own rebellion and resistance against the Lord's will.
  • The Nature of False Repentance: Pharaoh's actions serve as a powerful cautionary tale about repentance that is merely a temporary response to external pressure or fear of punishment, rather than a true change of heart and mind towards God. He sought relief from the divine judgment, not reconciliation with the Lord.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "hardened his heart" (ื›ึธึผื‘ึตื“ ืœึดื‘ึผื•ึน - kaved libbo) literally means "his heart was heavy" or "his heart was weighty." This conveys a sense of dullness, insensitivity, or obstinacy, making the heart resistant to change or divine influence. It suggests a lack of responsiveness and a firm resolve to remain in rebellion, emphasizing Pharaoh's self-inflicted spiritual condition.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:34 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Beware of Superficial Repentance: It challenges us to examine the depth and sincerity of our own repentance. Is our turning from sin a genuine desire to follow God and obey His commands, or merely a reaction to difficult circumstances or consequences? True repentance leads to lasting change and a renewed commitment to God, not a return to old patterns once the immediate crisis subsides (2 Corinthians 7:10).
  • The Danger of Delaying Obedience: Pharaoh consistently delayed obedience, promising to release Israel only to renege on his word. This illustrates the spiritual danger of procrastination in responding to God's call or conviction. Each delay can further harden the heart and make future obedience more difficult, creating a cycle of increasing resistance.
  • God's Patience and Persistent Call: Despite Pharaoh's repeated hardening and rebellion, God continued to send Moses with opportunities for him to repent and obey. This demonstrates God's immense patience and His persistent desire for all to turn to Him, even in the face of profound and sustained defiance.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 7:14

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart [is] hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

  • 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.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:11

    Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

  • Exodus 8:15

    But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

  • Romans 2:4

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Romans 2:5

    But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
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