Exodus 9:35

KJV

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the heart {H3820} of Pharaoh {H6547} was hardened {H2388}, neither would he let the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} go {H7971}; as the LORD {H3068} had spoken {H1696} by {H3027} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh was made hardhearted, and he didn't let the people of Isra'el go, just as ADONAI had said through Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the LORD had said through Moses.

American Standard Version

And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the children of Israel go, as Jehovah had spoken by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:35 serves as a pivotal concluding statement for the seventh plague, the devastating hail, by unequivocally declaring Pharaoh's continued defiance. Despite overwhelming divine judgment, Pharaoh's heart remained unyielding, preventing him from releasing the children of Israel, precisely "as the LORD had spoken by Moses." This verse powerfully encapsulates the complex interplay of human stubbornness and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, emphatically demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His prophetic word and His ultimate control over all of history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 9:35 functions as the climactic summary of the seventh plague, the devastating hail, and marks a significant turning point in the narrative of the plagues. It immediately follows [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh's temporary repentance and subsequent hardening after the hail"), where Pharaoh, momentarily humbled by the unprecedented severity of the hail and fire, confesses his sin and acknowledges the LORD's righteousness, even requesting Moses' intercession. However, the moment the plague ceases, Pharaoh's resolve falters, and he hardens his heart once more. This recurring pattern of Pharaoh's temporary submission followed by renewed defiance is a central literary feature of the plague narrative, setting the stage for the escalating intensity of the subsequent judgments, such as the plague of locusts detailed in [Exodus 10:1-20](/exodus/10-1-20 "The Plague of Locusts"). The verse thus reinforces a key refrain throughout the plague accounts, emphasizing Pharaoh's persistent and ultimately futile resistance to God's explicit command to "let my people go."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was not merely a king but was revered as a living deity, the son of Ra, and the embodiment of cosmic order (Ma'at). His authority was absolute, and his word was considered divine law. For such a figure to concede to a foreign deity, Yahweh, and release his vast, economically vital workforce of Israelite slaves would have been an unimaginable humiliation, a profound blow to his prestige, power, and perceived divinity. The plagues were meticulously designed not only as natural disasters but as direct, targeted assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's divine authority, systematically demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all Egyptian gods and their supposed protector, Pharaoh. Pharaoh's "hardened heart" (a common idiom in ancient Near Eastern texts signifying stubbornness, resolve, or a fixed determination) was therefore deeply rooted in a profound cultural and religious worldview that fiercely resisted any challenge to his divine status and Egypt's perceived invincibility. His refusal was a matter of national honor, religious conviction, and the very fabric of his identity, making his resistance deeply entrenched and seemingly insurmountable.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 9:35 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human will, even that of the most powerful earthly ruler. Pharaoh's resistance, far from hindering God's plan, becomes the very means by which God's glory is magnified and His power displayed to both Egypt and Israel, as seen in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose for raising up Pharaoh"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Human Responsibility and Rebellion**, illustrating the hardening effect of pride and persistent defiance against divine truth. Despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, Pharaoh's heart grows increasingly resistant, leading to greater judgment, which is a pattern observed throughout salvation history. Thirdly, the phrase "as the LORD had spoken by Moses" emphasizes the **Reliability and Fulfillment of God's Word**. From the outset, God declared Pharaoh's hardening and Israel's eventual deliverance ([Exodus 4:21-23](/exodus/4-21-23 "God's initial prophecy regarding Pharaoh and Israel")). This verse affirms that God's prophetic declarations are certain to come to pass, assuring Israel of His faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 9:35 succinctly captures the climax of Pharaoh's defiance after the seventh plague: "And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD had spoken by Moses."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term (H3820) refers not merely to the physical organ but, more broadly and figuratively, to the inner being of a person—their feelings, will, intellect, and the very core of their personality. In this context, "the heart of Pharaoh" signifies his will, his resolve, his innermost disposition. The hardening of his heart indicates a fixed, unyielding determination of his will to resist God's command, a stubbornness that originates from the deepest part of his being.
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** Translated from the verb (H2388), *châzaq* primarily means "to fasten upon," "to seize," or "to be strong." When applied to the heart, it conveys a strengthening of resolve, a firming up of will, often in a negative sense of obstinacy, stubbornness, or resistance. Unlike other verbs used for Pharaoh's heart (such as *kaved* meaning "to be heavy/dull" or *qashah* meaning "to be stiff/stubborn"), *châzaq* implies a deliberate, reinforced determination on Pharaoh's part to maintain his position and resist God's command, even after experiencing immense suffering and witnessing divine power. It suggests an active resolve to remain unyielding.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) means "to arrange" or, figuratively, "to speak," "to declare," or "to command." In the context of "as the LORD had spoken by Moses," it underscores the authoritative and prophetic nature of God's communication. It signifies that God's word is not merely a suggestion or a wish, but a declarative statement of His will and purpose, which He will unfailingly bring to pass. The fulfillment of this spoken word is a testament to God's sovereignty and the reliability of His prophetic declarations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened,"**: This clause describes Pharaoh's internal state, the core of his being, becoming resolute in its opposition. The passive voice ("was hardened") in the Hebrew allows for a theological tension that is maintained throughout the plague narrative. It can imply God's direct action in strengthening Pharaoh's existing inclination to resist, or Pharaoh's own active self-hardening, or a combination of both. Regardless of the precise mechanism, the emphasis is on the *result*: Pharaoh's unwavering, unyielding resolve. This hardening is not a coercion of an unwilling will, but a divine allowance and intensification of Pharaoh's inherent rebellion, allowing his sin to fully manifest for God's greater purposes.
* **"neither would he let the children of Israel go;"**: This is the direct, observable consequence and manifestation of Pharaoh's hardened heart. His internal stubbornness translates into external action—or rather, inaction—as he continues to refuse to release God's people from their bondage. This highlights the practical and oppressive outcome of spiritual defiance, demonstrating how a hardened will directly impedes God's redemptive purposes for His people.
* **"as the LORD had spoken by Moses."**: This crucial phrase underscores the overarching theme of divine sovereignty and prophetic fulfillment. From the very beginning of Moses' commission, God declared that Pharaoh's heart would be hardened ([Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's initial prophecy of hardening Pharaoh's heart")). This concluding phrase in Exodus 9:35 confirms that Pharaoh's persistent resistance, though an act of his own culpable will, was precisely within the scope of God's foreknowledge and sovereign plan. It serves not as an excuse for Pharaoh's sin, but as a powerful affirmation of God's ultimate control over all events, even human rebellion, to achieve His just and glorious purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The recurring phrase "Pharaoh's heart was hardened" (or variations thereof) functions as a significant **leitmotif** throughout the plague narrative. Its repetition emphasizes Pharaoh's obstinacy and the escalating nature of God's judgment, creating a sense of inevitability. This **repetition** also serves a theological purpose, consistently highlighting the fulfillment of God's initial prophecy to Moses regarding Pharaoh's resistance, thereby reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness and the absolute certainty of God's word. The narrative also employs **irony**, as Pharaoh's attempts to assert his power and defy God ultimately serve to magnify God's power and bring about his own nation's ruin, precisely as God intended. The structure of the plague accounts, with each plague followed by Pharaoh's hardening, creates a **climax** of divine judgment, building towards the ultimate demonstration of God's power in the Passover and the Red Sea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:35 is rich with profound theological implications, primarily centering on the nature of God, the human will, and the unfolding of redemptive history. It encapsulates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a paradox central to biblical theology. God's declaration that He would harden Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's initial prophecy of hardening Pharaoh's heart")) is consistently fulfilled, yet the narrative also repeatedly shows Pharaoh actively hardening his *own* heart ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his own heart after the frogs"), [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh sins and hardens his heart after the hail")). This reveals that God's sovereign plan does not negate human moral culpability. Pharaoh is fully responsible for his choices, even as those choices align with and fulfill God's declared purpose to display His power and glory. The verse also powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His prophetic declarations; what God declares, He brings to pass, assuring Israel and all future generations of the certainty of His promises. Finally, Pharaoh's persistent rebellion, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power, serves as a stark illustration of the hardening effect of pride and defiance against God, leading to increasingly severe judgments.

**Cross-References:**
* [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's initial prophecy of hardening Pharaoh's heart")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Paul's theological explanation of Pharaoh's hardening")
* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "The danger of persistent stubbornness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:35, though rooted in ancient history, speaks profoundly to contemporary life, offering crucial lessons for our faith, character, and understanding of God. Pharaoh's unyielding heart serves as a potent warning against the insidious dangers of spiritual stubbornness. When we repeatedly ignore God's promptings, His Word, or the clear consequences of our sin, our hearts can become increasingly resistant to truth, grace, and conviction. This spiritual hardening can lead to a perilous state where we are no longer able to respond to God's loving call, inviting greater spiritual insensitivity and ultimately, just condemnation. It challenges us to cultivate a soft heart, one that is humble, teachable, and quick to repent and obey, valuing God's truth above our own desires or pride. Furthermore, this verse offers immense comfort and confidence in God's unwavering purpose amidst a world that often feels chaotic and out of control. Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth, could not thwart God's plan. This reminds us that no human resistance, no political upheaval, and no personal trial can derail God's ultimate purposes. We can rest securely in His sovereign control, trusting that He is working all things—even the rebellion of others—to accomplish His good will and magnify His glory. Finally, the phrase "as the LORD had spoken" reinforces the absolute trustworthiness of Scripture. What God declares, He performs. This should deepen our confidence in all of God's promises—His promises of salvation, His promises to work all things for good for those who love Him, and His promises of future hope and a new heaven and earth. We can confidently build our lives on the sure and infallible foundation of His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear leading or ignoring His repeated warnings, and what might be the long-term consequences of such resistance on my spiritual health?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over Pharaoh's hardened heart strengthen my trust in His control over seemingly insurmountable challenges in my own life or in the world today?**
* **Considering God's absolute faithfulness to His word concerning Pharaoh, how does this encourage me to place greater reliance on God's promises for my personal future and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Did God make Pharaoh sin by hardening his heart?**

Answer: The biblical text presents a complex and profound theological interplay. While God explicitly states He would harden Pharaoh's heart ([Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God's initial prophecy of hardening Pharaoh's heart") and [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God's purpose for hardening Pharaoh's heart")), it also repeatedly shows Pharaoh hardening his *own* heart ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Pharaoh hardens his own heart after the frogs"), [Exodus 9:34](/exodus/9-34 "Pharaoh sins and hardens his heart after the hail"), and [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh for the eighth plague")). The most biblically faithful understanding is that God's hardening was not a coercion of an unwilling will, forcing Pharaoh to sin against his nature. Rather, it was a divine act that strengthened or confirmed Pharaoh's already existing inclination towards rebellion and defiance. God removed any softening influences, allowing Pharaoh's inherent stubbornness and pride to fully manifest, thereby demonstrating His power and justice through the very means of Pharaoh's resistance. Pharaoh remained morally culpable and fully responsible for his choices.

**Why would God harden Pharaoh's heart if He wanted to free Israel?**

Answer: God's purpose in hardening Pharaoh's heart was not to prevent Israel's release, but paradoxically, to prolong the confrontation so that He could display His mighty power and glory to both Egypt and Israel, and indeed, to all the earth. As [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh") clearly states, God raised Pharaoh up "that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." The extended series of plagues served multiple divine purposes: to utterly break Egypt's power, to discredit their pantheon of gods, to reveal Yahweh as the one true, sovereign God, and to ensure that Israel (and all future generations) would know Him as their mighty deliverer. Pharaoh's resistance became the very means by which God's glory was magnified, His justice was demonstrated, and His covenant promises to Israel were fulfilled with undeniable power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 9:35, with its stark portrayal of Pharaoh's hardened heart and God's sovereign purpose in the face of human rebellion, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from the physical bondage of Pharaoh and Egypt, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Deliverer who frees humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. Pharaoh's unyielding refusal to "let the children of Israel go" is a powerful type of the world's pervasive rebellion against God's will, a rebellion that ultimately culminated in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and Satan, accomplishing a far greater exodus for all who believe, delivering them from the domain of darkness into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from the domain of darkness")).

Furthermore, Pharaoh's hardened heart served God's purpose to display His power and glory through judgment. Similarly, the hardened hearts of many in Israel and the world who rejected Jesus ultimately served God's greater redemptive plan. The crucifixion, the supreme act of human rebellion against God's Son, became the very means by which God's greatest act of salvation was accomplished, demonstrating His unparalleled love, justice, and power over sin and death ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Jesus delivered up according to God's plan")). This cosmic irony reveals God's ability to orchestrate even the deepest human sin for His glorious purposes. Finally, the Old Testament narrative, exemplified by Pharaoh's hardened heart, highlights humanity's inherent inability to obey God without divine intervention. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, promises a radical, inward transformation of the heart. Instead of a heart hardened by sin and rebellion, God promises a new heart of flesh, empowered by His indwelling Spirit to obey His commands and walk in His ways ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "A new heart and a new spirit")). This profound spiritual transformation, made possible through Christ's atoning work and the gift of the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate answer to the problem of the hardened heart exemplified by Pharaoh, offering true freedom and intimacy with God.

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

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.