Exodus 10:20

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Study Bible

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart
This phrase indicates divine intervention in Pharaoh's decision-making process. In the context of the plagues, it shows God's sovereignty and His purpose to demonstrate His power and glory (Exodus 9:16). The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, emphasizing the tension between divine will and human agency. It also serves as a warning against pride and resistance to God's commands. Theologically, it raises questions about free will and predestination, which are explored in other scriptures such as Romans 9:17-18. This hardening is not arbitrary but part of God's plan to deliver Israel and establish His covenant with them.

and he would not let the Israelites go
This refusal is a direct result of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Historically, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, a powerful nation with a polytheistic belief system. Pharaoh's refusal to release them reflects not only his stubbornness but also the economic and social implications of losing a large labor force. Culturally, Pharaoh was seen as a god-king, and his decisions were considered divine. This sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. Theologically, this phrase foreshadows the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, which is a type of Christ's deliverance of humanity from sin. The Exodus narrative is foundational for understanding redemption and liberation themes throughout the Bible, culminating in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate deliverer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods through the plagues.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by the LORD, leading him to refuse the release of the Israelites.

3. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, enslaved in Egypt, whom God intends to deliver through Moses.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments on Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the hearts of rulers demonstrates His ultimate authority over human affairs. Believers can trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Human Responsibility
While God hardened Pharaoh's heart, Pharaoh also repeatedly chose to resist God. This duality highlights the mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
A hardened heart leads to spiritual blindness and resistance to God's will. Believers should guard against hardening their hearts by remaining open and responsive to God's Word.

God's Purpose in Judgment
The plagues were not only judgments but also revelations of God's power and glory. God's actions in history serve to reveal His character and purposes.

Deliverance and Redemption
The account of the Exodus foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and redemption found in Christ. Believers can find hope in God's power to save and deliver.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives?

2. In what ways can we guard against having a hardened heart in our own spiritual journey?

3. How does the account of the plagues and Pharaoh's resistance relate to the broader biblical theme of deliverance and redemption?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's repeated refusal to obey God, and how can we apply these lessons to our own decision-making processes?

5. How do the events in Exodus 10:20 connect with the New Testament teachings on God's sovereignty and human responsibility, particularly in Romans 9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 4:21
This verse introduces the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 10:20.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing mercy and hardening whom He wills.

1 Samuel 6:6
The Philistines recall the hardening of Pharaoh's heart as a warning against resisting God's will.