What is the meaning of Exodus 10:20? But the LORD • The verse opens with a sharp contrast: Pharaoh has just pleaded for relief from the plague of locusts (Exodus 10:16-19), yet “But the LORD” signals that final authority rests with God, not the king of Egypt. • Scripture frequently uses this pivot to highlight God’s supremacy over human plans—see Genesis 50:20; Psalm 33:10-11; Acts 12:23-24. • The name LORD (Yahweh) stresses covenant faithfulness; He is acting to keep His promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14 and reaffirmed in Exodus 3:7-10. hardened Pharaoh’s heart • Earlier, God foretold this action (Exodus 4:21; 7:3), and by this point in the plague narrative it has occurred several times (9:12). • Pharaoh also hardened his own heart (8:15, 32; 9:34), showing a tandem of divine judgment and human responsibility. Romans 9:17-18 cites this very episode to teach that God’s sovereign purpose stands even through human rebellion. • The hardening is judicial—God confirms Pharaoh in the stubbornness he already chose, similar to the “strong delusion” sent on those who refuse truth in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. • Far from being arbitrary, the hardening puts God’s power on display (Exodus 9:16) and sets the stage for Israel’s salvation (Exodus 14:31). and he would not let • Pharaoh’s continued refusal reveals the depth of his pride. Though the plagues have devastated Egypt, he clings to control, mirroring the warning of Proverbs 29:1 about repeated stubbornness leading to sudden ruin. • Each “would not let” amplifies the contrast between God’s patience and Pharaoh’s rebellion (Exodus 8:2; 9:2; 10:4). The king’s defiance becomes the canvas on which God paints His glory. • Personal choice remains evident. Like the people in Revelation 16:9 who “did not repent,” Pharaoh’s resolve intensifies under judgment, illustrating how sin can enslave the will (John 8:34). the Israelites go • God’s objective is freedom for His covenant people so they can serve Him (Exodus 7:16; 8:1). Redemption is always unto worship. • This deliverance foreshadows a greater exodus accomplished by Christ (Luke 9:31), freeing believers from the tyranny of sin (Colossians 1:13-14). • The conflict underscores two masters: Pharaoh who demands service and Yahweh who liberates for service. Jesus echoes this divide in Matthew 6:24. • Though Pharaoh resists here, God will soon compel him to send Israel out with urgency (Exodus 12:31-33), proving that no power can ultimately block God’s saving plan (Isaiah 43:13). summary Exodus 10:20 showcases God’s sovereign hand (“the LORD”), His righteous judgment in hardening a defiant ruler, Pharaoh’s accountable refusal, and the unwavering commitment to release His people. The verse reminds us that God’s purposes prevail over human obstinacy, ensuring both the display of His glory and the deliverance of those He calls His own. |
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