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Exodus 9:17

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As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

As yet exaltest {H5549} thou thyself against my people {H5971}, that thou wilt not let them go {H7971}?

Since you are still setting yourself up against my people and not letting them go,

Still, you lord it over My people and do not allow them to go.

As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

Commentary

Exodus 9:17 captures a pivotal moment in the escalating confrontation between God and Pharaoh, specifically during the series of devastating plagues brought upon Egypt. This verse serves as a direct divine accusation against Pharaoh's persistent pride and defiance.

Context

This declaration from God, delivered through Moses, comes after several plagues have already afflicted Egypt—including the plague of boils, which afflicted both Egyptians and their livestock (Exodus 9:10). Despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and the severe suffering of his people, Pharaoh continues to refuse God's command to release the Israelites from bondage. The verse immediately precedes the announcement of the seventh plague, a devastating hail storm, highlighting the immense pressure Pharaoh was under, yet still he resisted. This persistent refusal is central to understanding the theme of Pharaoh's hardened heart, a recurring motif in the Exodus narrative.

Key Themes

  • Pharaoh's Defiance and Arrogance: The phrase "exaltest thou thyself against my people" directly challenges Pharaoh's pride and his perceived authority over God's chosen people. It underscores his stubborn resistance to divine will, viewing himself as superior even to the Almighty. This self-exaltation is presented as the very reason for the continuing judgment.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: God's question is rhetorical, emphasizing that He is fully aware of Pharaoh's rebellion and is actively responding to it. This verse reinforces God's ultimate control and His determination to deliver His people, regardless of human opposition. It speaks to the inevitability of God's judgment against those who oppose His purposes.
  • God's Unwavering Purpose: Despite Pharaoh's continued refusal to "let them go" (Exodus 5:1), God's intention to liberate Israel remains firm. This verse, along with the preceding one (Exodus 9:16), clarifies that God allowed Pharaoh's stubbornness to persist specifically to display His power and make His name known throughout the earth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "exaltest thyself" (תִּסְתּוֹסֵף, tistoseph from סתר, satar, meaning to hide, conceal, or be strong/defiant) carries the connotation of persistent, defiant resistance or even hiding oneself from God's command. It suggests that Pharaoh was not merely ignorant but actively and stubbornly standing against God's clear will, elevating his own power and will above the divine.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:17 serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of pride and defiance against God. Just as Pharaoh's stubbornness led to increasing judgment, so too does resistance to God's will in our lives. This verse encourages humility and submission to divine authority. It also highlights God's patience, even in the face of persistent rebellion, but also His unwavering commitment to His purposes and His people. Ultimately, God's power will prevail, bringing about His promised deliverance and redemption.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 37:29 (2 votes)

    Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

  • Job 40:9 (2 votes)

    Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

  • Isaiah 10:15 (2 votes)

    Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.

  • Isaiah 45:9 (2 votes)

    Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?

  • Isaiah 37:23 (2 votes)

    Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 37:24 (2 votes)

    By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, [and] the forest of his Carmel.

  • Acts 12:23 (2 votes)

    And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.