Exodus 9:35

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of Exodus 9:35

Exodus 9:35 concludes the account of the seventh plague, the devastating hail, which struck Egypt. This verse immediately follows Pharaoh's temporary concession and subsequent relapse into defiance after the plague ceased. Throughout the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh's heart is depicted as hardening, preventing him from releasing the Israelite slaves. This particular verse highlights the culmination of Pharaoh's resistance at this stage, reiterating a pattern of stubbornness that would continue until the final, climactic plague.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Human Will: The verse states, "as the LORD had spoken by Moses," emphasizing that Pharaoh's hardened heart was part of God's predetermined plan (Exodus 4:21, Exodus 7:3). This doesn't negate Pharaoh's own responsibility, as earlier verses show Pharaoh hardening his own heart (Exodus 8:15, Exodus 9:34). It illustrates the complex interplay between God's sovereign will and human choices.
  • Pharaoh's Persistent Rebellion: Despite the overwhelming evidence of God's power through the first seven plagues, Pharaoh remained obstinate. His refusal to "let the children of Israel go" demonstrates deep-seated pride and defiance against the Most High God, even at great cost to his nation.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The phrase "as the LORD had spoken by Moses" underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the certainty of God's word. What God declared would happen, did happen, precisely as foretold. This pre-announcement of Pharaoh's resistance highlights God's control over historical events.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hardened" in Exodus 9:35 is `חָזַק` (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," "to be firm," or "to strengthen." When used in the context of the heart, it implies a strengthening of resolve, often in a negative sense of stubbornness or resistance. This is one of several Hebrew verbs used in the Exodus narrative to describe the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, including `כָּבֵד` (kaved, "to be heavy" or "dull") and `קָשָׁה` (qashah, "to be stiff" or "stubborn"). The use of chazaq here suggests a firming up of Pharaoh's will against God's command.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:35 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths for believers today:

  • The Danger of Stubbornness: Pharaoh's example illustrates the perilous consequences of continually resisting God's will and ignoring His clear signs. Persistent rebellion leads to greater hardening and more severe judgment.
  • God's Unwavering Purpose: Even in the face of human defiance, God's plans are never thwarted. He uses all circumstances, even the rebellion of rulers, to accomplish His ultimate purposes and display His glory (Romans 9:17).
  • Trust in God's Word: The fulfillment of God's word concerning Pharaoh's heart reinforces the reliability and authority of Scripture. We can have confidence that what God has spoken, He will bring to pass.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 4:21 (4 votes)

    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.