Bible Strands
Exodus 9:12
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrative records Yahweh acting upon Pharaoh’s heart after the plague of boils incapacitates the Egyptian magicians. This occurs at the moment Yahweh prepares to send Moses back to Pharaoh with a renewed demand.
The words — The verb וַ/יְחַזֵּ֤ק (va/y.cha.Zek) literally means "he made strong" or "he hardened," describing Yahweh's action on Pharaoh's לֵ֣ב (lev) or "heart." The phrase וְ/לֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע (ve./Lo' sha.Ma') states "and he did not listen" to Moses and Aaron.
The thread — This pattern of divine hardening paired with royal refusal recurs in Exodus 4:21 and Exodus 7:13, where Yahweh explicitly predicts Pharaoh's resistance. The motif of stubborn refusal also appears in Psalms 81:11 regarding Israel's disobedience.
Why it lands — The text establishes that Pharaoh's continued refusal aligns with Yahweh's prior declaration to Moses, framing the conflict as a fulfilled divine statement rather than a surprise. It requires the reader to track how repeated divine warnings and human resistance intersect in the narrative sequence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses.
Cross-references
- Exodus 4:21 The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
- Exodus 7:13 Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
- Psalms 81:11 But My people would not listen to Me, and Israel would not obey Me.
- Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish