Exodus 9:34

ESV But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

NIV When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts.

NASB But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had stopped, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

CSB When Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his officials.

NLT But when Pharaoh saw that the rain, hail, and thunder had stopped, he and his officials sinned again, and Pharaoh again became stubborn.

KJV And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

NKJV And when Pharaoh saw that the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet more; and he hardened his heart, he and his servants.

What does Exodus 9:34 mean?

In response to some earlier plagues, Pharaoh promised to release the Hebrew slaves. Every time, he broke his word and kept them captive (Exodus 8:8, 15, 25, 32). In other instances, he didn't even pretend to cooperate (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:19). After six prior plagues (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10), Egypt has been thrashed by hail and lightning (Exodus 9:24–25). Pharaoh begged for relief, promising freedom (Exodus 9:28). God ended the storm when Moses stretched out his hands, but Moses—and God—knew this was another insincere deception (Exodus 9:29–30).

Though Egypt's king is the primary culprit, his advisors and fellow Egyptians are not blameless in these events. This verse notes that they defied God "again." This parallels Pharaoh's confession (Exodus 9:27) that they were in error. The chain of disaster will begin to weaken Egyptian resolve. When the next plague is threatened, advisors will suggest negotiation (Exodus 10:7).

Worse, this is when Pharaoh crosses a terrible line and loses the opportunity to repent (Proverbs 29:1). Until now, he has defied God using his own free will—with one exception (Exodus 9:12). God is open to anyone who seeks Him in sincerity and faith (John 6:37). He forgives every sin of His born-again people (John 3:16–17). However, no one has unlimited time to respond to His call (Luke 13:25; Hebrews 9:27; Isaiah 55:6). After this rebellion, the Lord will provide no chance for Pharaoh to avoid judgment (Exodus 4:21; 10:1). Instead, the king will be used as a tool to display the wrath of God (Exodus 10:20, 27; 11:10; 14:8–9).

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