What does Exodus 9:30 mean?

Moses ends his response to Pharaoh (Exodus 9:29) with a blunt remark. Despite the Egyptian king's words, his prior stubbornness means he cannot be trusted (Exodus 8:8, 15, 25, 32). He is trying to get the hail to stop (Exodus 9:24–25), but once the danger is gone, he will still be in rebellion against God. Moses needs no supernatural powers to know this. Proverbs 9:10 says fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (cp. Proverbs 1:7; 15:33). This "fear" includes reverence and worship—not the rejection and hardened heart displayed by Pharaoh.

When Pharaoh—as predicted—goes back on his word again (Exodus 9:34–35), he will cross at least two lines. It will be the last time he controls his own "heart," still choosing stubbornness. From then on, he will be a living illustration of God's judgment (Exodus 4:21). Secondly, Pharaoh's advisors and servants begin to openly question their king's obstinate attitude (Exodus 10:7). However, their desire does not seem to be primarily for obedience, but negotiation. They see the damage to Egypt and want it to end. In this instance, like their king, his servants would also choose to be stubborn (Exodus 9:34). God offered many opportunities to repent, yet there was no positive response from the Egyptians.