Exodus 10:20 – “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 10:20 reveals a crucial moment in the story of the plagues in Egypt. After the devastating plague of locusts was lifted in response to Moses’ prayer, Pharaoh once again hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites go. However, this verse emphasizes that it was the Lord who hardened Pharaoh’s heart, leading to his continued resistance against God’s command. This action by God ensured that the full extent of His power and judgment would be displayed in Egypt.

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart raises significant questions about human free will and divine sovereignty. On one hand, Pharaoh had repeatedly chosen to resist God, but this verse suggests that God also played a role in solidifying Pharaoh’s stubbornness. The purpose behind this hardening was to bring about God’s greater plan—both to demonstrate His power over the gods of Egypt and to deliver His people in a way that would leave no doubt about His supremacy.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is set during the series of ten plagues that God brought upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The plagues had escalated in severity, with the plague of locusts being the eighth. Each time, Pharaoh initially showed signs of relenting, only to harden his heart once the immediate threat was removed. This verse marks another instance of Pharaoh’s refusal to obey God’s command.

In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh was considered a divine ruler, and his stubbornness can be seen as a challenge to the authority of the God of Israel. The repeated hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, whether by his own choice or by God’s intervention, set the stage for the final and most severe plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn and the ultimate liberation of the Israelites.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 10:20 presents a complex interaction between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. The fact that the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart indicates that God can and does intervene in human decisions to bring about His purposes. This raises important questions about the nature of free will and predestination. However, it is also clear from the broader narrative that Pharaoh had consistently chosen to resist God, and God’s hardening of his heart was both a judgment and a means of fulfilling His divine plan.

This verse also emphasizes the seriousness of resisting God. Pharaoh’s continued defiance, even after witnessing God’s power, illustrates the dangers of a hardened heart. It serves as a warning about the consequences of persistent rebellion against God’s will and the reality that, at some point, God may give people over to their stubbornness as a form of judgment.

Literary Analysis

Exodus 10:20 is a short but powerful verse that marks a turning point in the narrative of the plagues. The phrase “the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart” is significant, as it shifts the focus from Pharaoh’s own decisions to God’s active involvement in the situation. The repetition of this theme throughout the plague narratives builds tension and foreshadows the dramatic climax that is to come.

The verse is also notable for its simplicity and finality. After the long descriptions of the plagues and Pharaoh’s interactions with Moses, this verse abruptly concludes the episode with Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go. The brevity of the verse underscores the inevitability of the continuing conflict and the approaching judgment.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 9:17-18 – “For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.” This passage in Romans reflects on the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart as part of God’s sovereign plan.
• Isaiah 63:17 – “Why, Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance.” This verse in Isaiah echoes the theme of God hardening hearts as a form of judgment.
• Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” This New Testament verse warns against the hardening of the heart due to sin, paralleling the consequences seen in Pharaoh’s story.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 10:20 serves as a reminder of the dangers of hardening one’s heart against God. It challenges believers to examine their own lives for areas where they might be resisting God’s will and to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. The verse also emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, recognizing that continued defiance can lead to spiritual blindness and judgment.

This verse encourages Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult to understand. God’s purposes are ultimately for His glory and the good of His people, and His actions, though sometimes mysterious, are always just and righteous.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Exodus 10:20, while highlighting God’s judgment, also reflects His love in the broader narrative of deliverance. God’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was not arbitrary but served a greater purpose—demonstrating His power and bringing about the liberation of His people. God’s love for the Israelites is evident in His determination to free them from slavery, even if it required severe judgments on their oppressors.

God’s love is also seen in His patience throughout the plagues. Despite Pharaoh’s repeated refusals, God continued to provide opportunities for repentance. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart shows that God’s justice and mercy are intertwined—His actions are aimed at bringing about ultimate good, even when they involve difficult judgments.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 10:20 connects to Jesus Christ by highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Just as God used Pharaoh’s hardened heart to fulfill His plan for Israel’s deliverance, Jesus’ crucifixion was part of God’s sovereign plan to bring about the salvation of humanity. Even though human leaders like Pontius Pilate and the religious authorities made their own decisions, God’s greater purpose was accomplished through them (Acts 2:23).

Jesus also taught about the dangers of a hardened heart, calling people to repentance and faith. He warned against the spiritual blindness that can come from resisting God’s truth, urging His followers to remain open and responsive to God’s word (Mark 8:17-18).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to examine your own heart for areas of resistance to God’s will?
2. What can we learn from Pharaoh’s example about the dangers of repeated defiance against God?
3. How does this verse help you understand the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility?
4. In what ways does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s justice and mercy working together?
5. How does Jesus’ teaching on a hardened heart inspire you to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life?

Exodus 10:20 is a powerful reminder of the dangers of a hardened heart and the importance of remaining open and responsive to God’s will. It challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to seek His guidance in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that His purposes are always for our good and His glory.