Exodus 8:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.

NIV: But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

NASB: But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go.

CSB: But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also and did not let the people go.

NLT: But Pharaoh again became stubborn and refused to let the people go.

KJV: And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

NKJV: But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.

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).

Exodus 8:20–32 presents the fourth plague in response to Pharaoh's continued resistance to Israelite freedom. This involves droves of insects: possibly flies or the larger, biting horseflies. The Hebrew word simply means "swarms." There are so many flies that they even cover the ground. This time, Israelite territory is specifically exempt from the disaster. That restriction further removes doubts that this was an unplanned coincidence. Pharaoh seems willing to allow some measure of freedom for Israel, but quickly changes his mind.

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.