Exodus 9:7

KJV

And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Pharaoh {H6547} sent {H7971}, and, behold, there was not one {H259} of the cattle {H4735} of the Israelites {H3478} dead {H4191}. And the heart {H3820} of Pharaoh {H6547} was hardened {H3513}, and he did not let the people {H5971} go {H7971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the people of Isra'el had died. Nevertheless, Pharaoh's heart remained stubborn, and he didn't let the people go.

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.

American Standard Version

And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he did not let the people go.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 9:7 profoundly illustrates Pharaoh's unyielding defiance in the face of overwhelming divine evidence. Following the devastating fifth plague, which decimated Egyptian livestock but miraculously spared every animal belonging to the Israelites, Pharaoh dispatched observers to verify the distinction. Despite the irrefutable proof of God's precise power and His protective covenant with Israel, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, solidifying his refusal to release the people, thereby escalating the divine judgment and human rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following the fifth plague, the severe pestilence on Egyptian livestock, detailed in [Exodus 9:1-6](/exodus/9-1-6 "The Fifth Plague: Pestilence on Livestock"). Prior to this plague, the Lord had explicitly declared through Moses that He would make a distinction between the livestock of Egypt and the livestock of Israel, ensuring that [not one of the Israelites' animals would die](/exodus/9-4 "God's distinction in the livestock plague in Exodus 9:4"). Pharaoh's act of "sending" to verify this claim underscores the miraculous and undeniable nature of the plague. His subsequent hardening of heart directly sets the stage for the increasingly severe judgments that follow, including the plagues of boils ([Exodus 9:8-12](/exodus/9-8-12 "The Sixth Plague: Boils")) and hail ([Exodus 9:13-35](/exodus/9-13-35 "The Seventh Plague: Hail")), demonstrating the escalating conflict between divine sovereignty and human stubbornness that permeates the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/ "The Book of Exodus").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society, and its pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god, embodying the power and stability of the nation. Livestock was a crucial component of the Egyptian economy, providing food, labor, and sacrificial animals for their gods. The targeted destruction of their livestock, while Israel's remained untouched, was not merely an economic blow but a direct assault on the perceived power of Egyptian deities and the pharaoh himself. This plague, like others, challenged the authority of specific Egyptian gods, such as Apis (the bull god) or Hathor (the cow goddess), by demonstrating the Lord's supreme power over life and death, and His ability to execute precise judgment. Pharaoh's inquiry and subsequent hardening of heart must be understood within this framework of a ruler who believed himself divine and was unwilling to concede to the God of a slave people, even when faced with overwhelming evidence.

* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 9:7](/exodus/9-7 "Exodus 9:7 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Distinction**, where God visibly separates His people from their oppressors, providing protection amidst judgment. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Pharaoh's Hardened Heart**, a recurring motif that illustrates human rebellion against divine authority and the spiritual consequences of persistent obstinacy, as seen throughout [Exodus 7-11](/exodus/7 "The Plagues of Egypt"). Thirdly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that even human defiance cannot thwart His ultimate plan for liberation and that His judgments are precise, purposeful, and designed to reveal His glory to all nations, fulfilling His promise to [make His name known](/exodus/9-16 "God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh"). This verse is a critical step in the unfolding drama of God's redemptive work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** H3820, a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. In this verse, "heart" refers to Pharaoh's inner being—his will, resolve, and moral center. Its hardening signifies a deep-seated spiritual and volitional resistance, not merely an emotional reaction, but a deliberate choice of his entire inner person.
* **Hardened (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** H3513, or כָּבֵד; a primitive root; to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable; causatively, to make weighty (in the same two senses). Here, it specifically means to be heavy, dull, or stubborn. When applied to the heart, it denotes a state of insensitivity, obstinacy, and an unwillingness to yield, making Pharaoh's will impervious to divine persuasion and undeniable evidence.
* **Cattle (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** H4735, from קָנָה; something bought, i.e. property, but only livestock; abstractly, acquisition. This term refers specifically to the livestock—flocks, herds—which were the subject of the fifth plague. The complete preservation of Israel's "cattle" stands as a stark, tangible sign of God's power and His protective covenant, making Pharaoh's subsequent hardening even more egregious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead."**: This clause highlights Pharaoh's investigative action and the undeniable outcome. Pharaoh, perhaps skeptical or seeking empirical validation, dispatched his own people to verify Moses' claim. The result, "not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead," was a profound, visible miracle. This absolute distinction—the complete decimation of Egyptian livestock contrasted with the total preservation of Israel's—served as irrefutable proof of the Lord's unique sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and His ability to execute precise judgment while simultaneously providing specific protection. This divine demarcation was not merely a side effect but a deliberate act designed to manifest God's glory and demonstrate His unique identity as the one true God to both Egyptians and Israelites, leaving no room for doubt about His power.

* **"And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go."**: Despite the overwhelming and verifiable evidence, Pharaoh's response was not repentance or submission, but increased obstinacy. The phrase "the heart of Pharaoh was hardened" signifies a stubborn refusal to yield, a spiritual insensitivity, or a deliberate obstinacy. While previous verses state that God would harden Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God hardening Pharaoh's heart") and [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God hardening Pharaoh's heart")), this particular instance in [Exodus 9:7](/exodus/9-7 "Exodus 9:7 KJV") is often understood to emphasize Pharaoh's own agency in his continued defiance. His heart became heavy with resistance, rather than being softened by the overwhelming evidence of God's power. This interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a profound theological theme in the Exodus story, illustrating that while God works out His purposes, human beings are accountable for their choices to resist or obey His revealed will. Pharaoh's continued refusal to "let the people go" directly led to further, more severe plagues.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, juxtaposing the death of Egyptian livestock with the complete preservation of Israelite animals, powerfully emphasizing God's selective judgment and protection. This stark difference serves as **Evidence** of God's power, making Pharaoh's subsequent actions even more culpable. The phrase "the heart of Pharaoh was hardened" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents Pharaoh's entire inner being—his will, intellect, and emotions—indicating a profound spiritual state of unyielding resistance. This hardening is also a recurring **Motif** throughout the Exodus narrative, highlighting the escalating tension and the theme of human obstinacy versus divine sovereignty. Finally, the entire sequence of plagues, culminating in Pharaoh's continued defiance, serves as **Foreshadowing**, signaling the inevitability of more severe judgments and the ultimate, climactic confrontation at the Red Sea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 9:7 is a powerful theological statement on divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of God's justice. It demonstrates God's absolute control over creation and His ability to execute precise, targeted judgments while simultaneously extending meticulous protection to His covenant people. Pharaoh's continued hardening, despite undeniable proof, underscores the perilous nature of resisting God's revealed will. This verse is not merely a historical account but a profound lesson on the consequences of spiritual obstinacy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through both judgment and salvation.

* [Psalm 91:7](/psalm/91-7 "Psalm 91:7 - God's Protection Amidst Calamity")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Sovereignty in Hardening Hearts")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 9:7 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it provides immense reassurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign ability to protect and provide for His people, even amidst widespread trouble or judgment in the world. We are reminded that our security is not in our circumstances, but in the steadfast character of our God, who makes a clear distinction between those who are His and those who are not. Secondly, the verse serves as a stark warning against persistent rebellion and stubbornness in the face of divine truth. Pharaoh's tragic story illustrates that when individuals or nations refuse to acknowledge God's power and obey His will, their hearts can become progressively hardened, leading to increasingly severe and self-destructive consequences. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, repentance, and obedience when confronted with God's revealed truth, rather than mirroring Pharaoh's ultimately ruinous resistance. It calls us to examine our own hearts for areas of stubbornness and to yield to the Lord's leading, trusting in His perfect plan and righteous judgments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear will, even subtly, leading to a hardening of my own heart?**
* **How does the divine distinction shown in this plague encourage me about God's protection and provision in my own life amidst global challenges?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is soft and responsive to God's voice, rather than hardened by skepticism or pride?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh send to verify the plague's effects on Israelite livestock?**

Answer: Pharaoh sent to verify the plague's effects because the distinction between Egyptian and Israelite livestock was a direct, audacious claim made by Moses, attributing precise, selective power to the Lord. As a divine king in his own right, Pharaoh likely harbored skepticism or felt compelled to empirically confirm such an unprecedented and specific divine intervention. His action indicates a need for tangible proof, but the undeniable evidence only served to confirm God's miraculous power and unique sovereignty, making his subsequent hardening of heart even more profound and inexcusable.

**What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was "hardened" in this verse, and who is responsible?**

Answer: In [Exodus 9:7](/exodus/9-7 "Exodus 9:7 KJV"), the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (from the Hebrew _kâbad_, meaning "to be heavy" or "dull") implies his own active resistance and stubborn refusal to yield, despite overwhelming evidence of God's power. While the text elsewhere states that God would harden Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 4:21](/exodus/4-21 "God hardening Pharaoh's heart") and [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "God hardening Pharaoh's heart")), this instance emphasizes Pharaoh's personal agency. His heart became "heavy" or "dull," indicating a deliberate choice to remain obstinate and spiritually insensitive to God's clear commands and demonstrations of power. This highlights the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the Exodus narrative.

**How does this plague, and Pharaoh's reaction, contribute to the overall narrative of Exodus?**

Answer: The fifth plague and Pharaoh's reaction significantly advance the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") by intensifying the conflict between God and Pharaoh. It highlights God's increasing power, precision in judgment, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, while simultaneously showcasing Pharaoh's unyielding defiance. Each subsequent plague becomes more severe, demonstrating God's justice and sovereignty, and Pharaoh's continued hardening ensures that God's glory will be fully revealed through the ultimate act of liberation at the Red Sea, culminating in the complete triumph of the Lord over all the gods of Egypt, as prophesied in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "God's judgment on the gods of Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 9:7](/exodus/9-7 "Exodus 9:7 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") profoundly foreshadows Christ in several significant ways. The divine distinction and protection afforded to Israel's livestock, sparing them from the plague that decimated Egypt, prefigure the ultimate spiritual distinction and protection offered to those who are "in Christ." Just as God's judgment fell upon Egypt while His people were miraculously preserved, so too does Christ's atoning work on the cross bear the full weight of judgment for sin, offering salvation and eternal protection to all who believe, shielding them from the wrath to come ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Pharaoh's hardened heart, representing humanity's pervasive rebellion against God's authority, finds its ultimate answer in Christ. Unlike Pharaoh, who stubbornly resisted the divine will, Jesus willingly yielded to the Father's perfect plan, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), to break the power of sin and transform hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, responsive to God's grace and truth ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Christ is the ultimate Deliverer, accomplishing a far greater exodus from the bondage of sin and death, leading His people into true freedom and life in Him ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")).

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 7:14

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

Exodus 8:32

And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

Daniel 5:20

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

Romans 9:18

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

Isaiah 48:4

Because I knew that thou [art] obstinate, and thy neck [is] an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

Proverbs 29:1

¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth [his] neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.