What does Exodus 7:8 mean?

This brief verse begins a new phase in the book of Exodus. Previously, God commanded Moses and Aaron to appear before Pharaoh (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:19–23). As predicted, Pharaoh refused to listen to their initial request (Exodus 5:6–9). What follows (Exodus 7:9) starts the first of ten cycles of command, rejection, miraculous judgment, divine mercy, and further rejection. This will continue until Egypt has been devastated and demands the Hebrews go free (Exodus 12:33–36, 41).