Exodus 9:27

Exodus 9:27 KJV Commentary

Exodus 9:27 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, revealing the temporary breaking of Pharaoh's stubborn will under immense divine pressure. This verse directly follows the devastating plague of hail, a judgment that brought widespread destruction upon the land, crops, livestock, and even people, demonstrating God's overwhelming power against the false gods of Egypt.

Context

By the time of Exodus 9:27, Egypt had endured seven severe plagues sent by God through Moses and Aaron. Each plague was a targeted strike against Pharaoh's defiance and the idolatry of Egypt. The plague of hail, described vividly in Exodus 9:23-26, was particularly destructive, unique in its combination of fire and ice. This profound devastation finally compelled Pharaoh to send for Moses and Aaron, leading to this dramatic, albeit fleeting, confession.

Key Themes

• Pharaoh's Temporary Confession: For the first time, Pharaoh explicitly admits, "I have sinned this time." This is a significant departure from his previous evasions and broken promises. However, his subsequent actions reveal this to be a confession born of duress and fear of immediate consequences, rather than genuine repentance or a true change of heart.
• Divine Righteousness vs. Human Wickedness: Pharaoh's declaration, "the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked," is a profound theological statement. It acknowledges God's absolute justice and His vindication in bringing these judgments, contrasting it starkly with the moral depravity and rebellion of Pharaoh and his people. This truth echoes throughout scripture, affirming God's just character even in judgment (Psalm 145:17).
• The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart: Despite this confession, the narrative consistently shows that Pharaoh's heart would harden again, leading to further plagues and ultimately his downfall. This verse highlights the deceptive nature of a confession made under duress, which lacks the transformative power of true repentance (Exodus 10:1).

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "sinned" is chata (חָטָא), which literally means "to miss the mark." Here, it signifies a moral failing and an offense against God's will and authority.
• "Righteous" is tzaddiq (צַדִּיק), indicating God's perfect justice, uprightness, and moral integrity. His actions are always in accord with His holy character.
• "Wicked" is rasha (רָשָׁע), meaning guilty, unrighteous, or condemned. Pharaoh's admission here is a stark acknowledgment of his moral culpability before the just God.

Practical Application

Exodus 9:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• The Nature of True Repentance: Pharaoh's confession serves as a powerful contrast to genuine repentance. True repentance involves not just acknowledging sin under pressure, but a fundamental change of heart, a turning away from sin, and a commitment to obey God's will, as seen in the call for repentance for the remission of sins.
• Acknowledging God's Sovereignty: Even in the midst of his rebellion, Pharaoh was forced to acknowledge God's ultimate authority and justice. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation and all human affairs, and His judgments are always righteous.
• The Consequences of Resistance: The ongoing struggle between Pharaoh and God illustrates the futility and danger of resisting divine will. Ultimately, resisting God leads to increasingly severe consequences, as seen throughout the Exodus narrative and in principles like what a man sows, he will also reap.