Exodus 10:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh 's heart, and he would not let them go.

NIV: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go.

NASB: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go.

CSB: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was unwilling to let them go.

NLT: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart once more, and he would not let them go.

KJV: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.

NKJV: But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.

Before Moses came back to Egypt, God indicated that he would make the Egyptian king stubborn (Exodus 4:21). But this did not happen immediately. Pharaoh was given multiple chances (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 21; 9:1, 13) confirmed with supernatural signs (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) to obey the Lord's command to release the Israelite slaves. He has rejected these over and over (Exodus 5:2; 7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 35). In those instances, Scripture indicates that Pharaoh's heart was "hard" or "hardened."

The same expression is used elsewhere in Scripture. It always indicates someone who resists God: a person who refuses to listen to His conviction and wisdom, such as Sihon of Heshbon (Deuteronomy 2:30), Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chronicles 36:13), Belshazzar (Daniel 5:20), Jesus' enemies (John 12:40), and at times even Jesus' disciples (Mark 6:52; 8:17). The Lord warned against the Jews hardening their hearts (Deuteronomy 15:7). Many of Israel's enemies hardened their hearts so they would be completely destroyed (Joshua 11:20). This is a recipe for disaster (Job 9:4; Proverbs 28:14).

Of course, in some of these incidents, the Bible notes that God was the one responsible for the obstinance: that He "hardened" people. This is part of God's power, and His right, to use His creations as He sees fit (Romans 9:18). Eventually, Pharaoh ran out of time to submit to God (Proverbs 29:1). When that moment came, God began using Pharaoh as a demonstration of divine wrath. This meant removing his ability to choose and condemning him to even more punishment (Exodus 10:1–2). Here, this means Pharaoh will angrily reject another opportunity to avoid disaster.

Exodus 10:21–29 explains the ninth plague. A supernatural darkness falls on Egypt. It seems that no light source could penetrate this darkness; the Egyptian people are forced to shelter in place for three days. Yet again, this trouble does not affect the Israelite slaves who live in Goshen. Pharaoh once again tries to negotiate, this time offering to let the people leave if they leave their livestock. Moses refuses, saying they must take everything. The Egyptian king dismisses Moses with a threat to kill him if they ever meet in person again. Moses seems to accept this without concern.

Moses warns Pharaoh that an eighth plague will come if the Hebrew slaves are not set free. This will be the worst locust invasion the nation will ever see. Pharaoh's advisors beg him to negotiate. He offers to release only Israelite men, which Moses rejects. The locust plague eradicates everything that survived the earlier hailstorm. Pharaoh pleads for relief, only to break his promise once again when the danger has passed. Next come three days of intense darkness. Pharaoh once again tries to arrange a partial release. When Moses refuses, Pharaoh threatens to kill him if he ever comes back.

Seven times, God has sent supernatural judgment against the nation of Egypt (Exodus 7—9). Each time, Pharaoh has refused to obey God's command to release the Israelite slaves. As a result, God will no longer give Pharaoh the ability to repent (Proverbs 29:1). Despite an epic, devastating locust invasion and three days of darkness, Pharaoh still refuses to submit. Rather, he threatens Moses with death. This will lead Moses to predict the last and worst of the ten plagues (Exodus 11). The tragic death of Egypt's firstborn during the Passover (Exodus 12) will finally lead to Israelite freedom.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.