Exodus 8:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

NIV: But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

NASB: But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

CSB: But when Pharaoh saw there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

NLT: But when Pharaoh saw that relief had come, he became stubborn. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had predicted.

KJV: But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

NKJV: But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.

As the plagues continue (Exodus 3:19–20), Egypt's Pharaoh will demonstrate an absurd level of stubbornness and pride. That he did not agree to release his slaves, at first, is not surprising (Exodus 5:1–4). His spiteful retaliation, however, was unfortunate (Exodus 5:6–9). When his magicians seem to duplicate signs and miracles (Exodus 7:10–12, 22–23), that gives him an excuse to resist the Lord's message. Here, at the end of the second plague, we see that Pharaoh is insincere. When under pressure, he appears to negotiate (Exodus 8:8), only to change his mind once the threat appears to be gone.

This comes as no surprise to the Lord (Exodus 7:4). Pharaoh will shut himself off to God's will over and over (Exodus 7:14, 22; 8:19, 32; 9:7). Eventually (Proverbs 29:1), the Lord will begin using Pharaoh to illustrate divine power and judgment (Exodus 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27). Even after his will is finally broken (Exodus 12:29–32), he will fall back into spiteful pride (Exodus 14:5–9) and suffer utter destruction (Exodus 14:26–30).

Exodus 8:1–15 describes the second plague: frogs. The rotting Nile (Exodus 7:20–23) spits out a wave of frogs into Egyptian streets and homes. Pharaoh's conjurers can also summon frogs—but they can't remove them. So, Pharoh turns to Moses. They schedule a specific moment to lift the plague. This explicit timing made it clear that Israel's God, not the Egyptian frog goddess Heqet, was in control. As soon as the pressure of the plague is off, Pharoah changes his mind about releasing the Israelites.

After Pharaoh ignores the first plague (Exodus 7:20–23), God sends a swarm of frogs. Pharaoh's magicians can summon frogs, but they can't get rid of them. So, he appeals to Moses. Though the plague is lifted, Pharaoh re-jects the command to release Israelite slaves. This leads to a plague of gnats and then one of flies, with similar results. The arrival of these creatures might have been caused by the corruption of the Nile River, but only God's supernatural work could make them disappear. Future plagues will be increasingly severe (Exodus 9:6, 10, 22; 10:4, 22; 12:29–32).

Moses and Aaron offered a sign to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10–13), but he still refused to release the Hebrew slaves (Ex-odus 1:11–14). This triggered the first of the ten plagues of Egypt: turning water into blood (Exodus 7:20–21). This chapter includes the next three disasters: frogs, gnats, and flies. Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to concede each time. Upcoming plagues will escalate (Exodus 9:6, 10, 22, 10:4, 22), leading to the death of Egypt's firstborn (Exodus 12:29–32) and Israel's release (Exodus 12:41).

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.

Accessed 3/28/2025 2:29:24 PM