What does Exodus 8:32 mean?

After the first two plagues, Pharaoh claimed that he would release the enslaved nation of Israel (Exodus 8:8). He broke that promise as soon as the disaster was over (Exodus 8:15). Two more plagues led Pharaoh to an arrangement with Moses: Moses would pray for relief, then Pharaoh would free the people (Exodus 8:28). Moses agreed to this, with a warning against further deceit (Exodus 8:29). Though Aaron would have spoken the words (Exodus 7:2), the communication came from God through Moses.

Despite all that has happened so far, Pharaoh once again proves his word to be worthless. When the flies are gone, so is his willingness to release the slaves. This is an example of the king's repeated "hardening" against the Lord (Exodus 7:14, 22; 8:15, 19; 9:7). Eventually, he runs out of chances (Proverbs 29:1), and God begins to use him as an illustration of judgment (Exodus 7:23; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8). This pattern is so foolish that even pagans of future generations will remember it (1 Samuel 6:6).

Pharaoh ultimately never learns his lesson. The Lord will break his will enough that Israel can leave Egypt (Exodus 12:30–31, 41). But the obstinate king will still pursue his own way (Exodus 14:6–7), with devastating consequences (Exodus 14:26–27).