Exodus 9:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them,

NIV: If you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them back,

NASB: For if you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them,

CSB: But if you refuse to let them go and keep holding them,

NLT: If you continue to hold them and refuse to let them go,

KJV: For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still,

NKJV: For if you refuse to let them go, and still hold them,

Following the repeated call to free the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:1; 7:16; 8:1, 20), the Lord's message to Pharaoh continues with a warning. God again predicts what will happen if Pharaoh continues enslave the nation of Israel (Exodus 1:11–14). God's purpose in these incidents was the freedom of His people (Exodus 3:20). This threat is made against Egyptian cattle; by extension, it is a challenge to Egyptian gods represented by such animals, such as Apis and Hathor.

This is the third time the Lord warns Pharaoh about what is about to happen. The first was at the plague of frogs (Exodus 8:2). The second time was prior to the plague of flies (Exodus 8:21). Another warning will take place before the plague of locusts (Exodus 10:4). God offered many opportunities for Pharaoh to repent and relent prior to His judgments upon Egypt. Only after Pharaoh repeatedly chooses to be stubborn (Exodus 5:2; 7:14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7) does the Lord begin forcing obstinance on him (Exodus 4:21; 10:1–2).

Exodus 9:1–7 describes the fifth of God's ten plagues on Egypt (Exodus 3:20). Through Moses, the Lord threatens to strike Egyptian livestock while leaving Hebrew animals safe. Pharaoh, Egypt's king, refuses to release the people, so the plague occurs. Despite this, Pharaoh remains stubborn.

After four devastating plagues, Pharaoh continues to resist God's command to free the Hebrew slaves. Through Moses, the Lord sends two more: death of Egyptian livestock and an epidemic of skin lesions. Pharoah refuses to respond to the first, and God makes him stubborn after the second. This leads to the most terrifying sign yet: the seventh plague of hail and fire. Pharoah claims to repent. Yet as soon as the hail stops, he again chooses obstinance. After this, the Lord will use Pharaoh as a tool to demonstrate divine judgment.

Moses and Aaron brought the Lord's command that Pharaoh should release Hebrew slaves (Exodus 5:1–4). Over and over, Egypt's king was obstinate. This resulted in divine plagues meant to demonstrate God's power and authority (Exodus 7:20; 8:6, 17, 24). In this chapter, God sends three more disasters: a plague on livestock, an epidemic of skin sores, and an obliterating storm of hail and lightning. Pharaoh will once again choose stubbornness, passing a point of no return (Proverbs 29:1). For the remaining plagues (Exodus 10—12) and after (Exodus 14:4), Pharaoh will be a living example of the Lord's divine judgment (Exodus 4:21).

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 4/19/2025 4:04:25 AM