Exodus 7:23

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.

And Pharaoh {H6547} turned {H6437} and went {H935} into his house {H1004}, neither did he set {H7896} his heart {H3820} to this {H2063} also.

Pharaoh just turned and went back to his palace, without taking any of this to heart.

Instead, Pharaoh turned around, went into his palace, and did not take any of this to heart.

And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he lay even this to heart.

Commentary

Exodus 7:23 describes Pharaoh's immediate reaction after the first plague, where the waters of Egypt were turned to blood. Despite witnessing a profound supernatural event and its devastating impact, Pharaoh remained defiantly unmoved.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic demonstration of God's power through Moses and Aaron. Aaron, at God's command, struck the Nile, turning all the water in Egypt into blood (Exodus 7:19). This was the first of the ten plagues designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Even though Pharaoh's magicians could replicate some aspects of the sign (turning a staff into a serpent, and seemingly turning water to blood on a smaller scale), they could not undo the plague. The entire land suffered from lack of potable water for seven days.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness: The verse starkly illustrates Pharaoh's deep-seated resistance to God's command. Despite undeniable evidence of divine power, he chose to ignore it. His turning and going into his house signifies a deliberate dismissal of Moses, Aaron, and the God they represented.
  • The Hardened Heart: The phrase "neither did he set his heart to this also" is crucial. It reveals not just a lack of understanding, but a willful refusal to consider, believe, or respond to the clear demonstration of God's authority. This initial act of disregard sets the stage for Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart throughout the subsequent plagues.
  • Divine Revelation Ignored: God was clearly revealing His power and purpose through the plague, yet Pharaoh consciously chose to harden himself against this truth. This highlights the human capacity to reject even overwhelming evidence when it conflicts with one's own will or agenda.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "did he set his heart" is sรฎm lฤ“แธ‡ (ืฉื‚ึดื™ื ืœึตื‘). The word lฤ“แธ‡ (ืœื‘) refers to the "heart" in the biblical sense, which is not merely the seat of emotions but also the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. Therefore, "did not set his heart" means Pharaoh did not give serious consideration, attention, or commitment to the sign. It implies a deliberate act of choosing to ignore or dismiss the implications of what he had just witnessed, rather than a simple failure to comprehend.

Related Scriptures

  • This verse begins a pattern of Pharaoh's obstinacy that continues throughout the plague narrative, eventually leading to God's active hardening of Pharaoh's heart.
  • The concept of a hardened heart is seen elsewhere in Scripture, warning against spiritual deafness and rebellion, as in Proverbs 29:1: "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
  • Pharaoh's refusal to heed divine warnings contrasts sharply with instances where individuals or nations did humble themselves, such as the Ninevites' repentance in Jonah 3:10.

Practical Application

Exodus 7:23 serves as a powerful warning against spiritual apathy and the danger of ignoring God's warnings. Pharaoh's response illustrates that divine revelation, no matter how clear, can be rejected by a stubborn will. For a modern audience, this verse prompts self-reflection: Do we truly "set our hearts" to God's word and His demonstrations in our lives, or do we, like Pharaoh, turn away and dismiss what challenges our comfort or established beliefs? An open and receptive heart is crucial for spiritual growth and obedience, leading to blessings rather than judgment.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:17 (2 votes)

    ยถ Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

  • Psalms 62:10 (2 votes)

    Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].

  • Proverbs 24:32 (2 votes)

    Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction.

  • 1 Samuel 4:20 (2 votes)

    And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard [it].

  • Job 7:17 (2 votes)

    ยถ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

  • Jeremiah 5:3 (2 votes)

    O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

  • Habakkuk 1:5 (2 votes)

    ยถ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].