How does Exodus 9:30 reveal Pharaoh's heart condition despite witnessing God's power? The Setting in Exodus 9 - After five devastating plagues, the LORD sends the sixth (boils) and then warns of the seventh (hail). - Moses relays God’s word that the hail will be unlike anything Egypt has ever seen (Exodus 9:18). - Some Egyptians heed the warning; others leave their servants and livestock in the fields (Exodus 9:20-21). - In the middle of this confrontation, Moses states: “But as for you and your servants, I know that you still do not fear the LORD God.” (Exodus 9:30) Key Phrase: “Do Not Fear the LORD” - “Fear” (Hebrew yārē’) involves reverence, awe, and submission. - A genuine fear of God leads to repentance (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). - Moses’ declaration exposes Pharaoh’s ongoing refusal to submit, even after undeniable demonstrations of divine power. Indicators of Pharaoh’s Heart Condition 1. Persistent Unbelief - Exodus 5:2: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice…?” - Despite six plagues, his question remains effectively unanswered in his heart. 2. Hardened Will - Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34-35 record Pharaoh hardening his own heart. - God later confirms this hardness judicially (Exodus 10:1). 3. Selective Compliance - He occasionally offers half-measures (Exodus 8:25-28; 10:8-11), signaling manipulation, not submission. 4. Disregard for Warnings - Some officials now fear the LORD (Exodus 9:20), but Pharaoh stands unmoved, revealing spiritual isolation. 5. Absence of Godward Sorrow - Any “confession” (Exodus 9:27) is crisis-driven; once the pressure lifts, obedience vanishes (Exodus 9:34). Contrast: Those Who Did Fear the LORD - Egyptian servants who sheltered livestock display reverence in action (Exodus 9:20). - The difference underscores Pharaoh’s stubborn autonomy versus genuine fear that produces obedience (James 2:17). Why Miracles Alone Did Not Change Him - Miraculous signs expose but do not override the human will (Luke 16:31). - Romans 1:21: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks…” - The plagues intensified accountability; Pharaoh’s rejection becomes more culpable. Lessons for Today - Witnessing God’s works does not guarantee a soft heart; humble fear does (Hebrews 3:12-13). - Supernatural intervention demands response; neutrality equals resistance (Matthew 12:30). - True fear of the LORD manifests in obedience, repentance, and lasting change, not momentary concessions. Summary Exodus 9:30 lays bare Pharaoh’s spiritual state: knowledge without reverence, exposure without surrender. The verse stands as a timeless reminder that the determining factor is not the magnitude of God’s power displayed before us, but the posture of our hearts toward Him. |
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