Exodus 8:15
But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go wasn't just a stubborn decision; it was a deliberate choice to harden his own heart after he saw the relief. This highlights that true repentance isn't just about feeling better when things are bad, but about a lasting change in allegiance, something Pharaoh actively chose against.
Pharaoh, terrified by the plague of frogs, begs Moses and Aaron to intercede with God for its removal, promising to let Israel go if the plague ceases. Moses agrees, setting a time for the frogs' departure, but as soon as relief comes, Pharaoh reneges on his promise, hardening his heart as God had predicted.
Pharaoh called for Moses, begging for relief. He promised to let Israel go if the frogs disappeared. But as soon as the plague lifted, his promise vanished too. What’s the difference between temporary relief and true change?
This passage reveals a critical pattern in Pharaoh's response to God's power. When affliction hits, he feels the pinch and makes promises. He cries out for respite, a breathing space from the pain. But once the immediate pressure is gone, his heart hardens again. This isn't just about Pharaoh; it's a mirror reflecting how easily we can seek relief without seeking the Lord. True repentance isn't just about stopping a bad behavior; it's about a fundamental shift in our heart's allegiance.
The verse ends with a crucial phrase: 'as the LORD had said.' God knew Pharaoh would react this way. Does that mean Pharaoh wasn't truly responsible for his choice?
The phrase 'as the LORD had said' is profound. It tells us that God isn't surprised by Pharaoh's actions. He foreknew this hardening of heart. This raises an important question: if God knew, is Pharaoh free? The answer is a resounding yes! The biblical text consistently presents Pharaoh as the active agent in hardening his own heart. God's foreknowledge doesn't negate human responsibility; rather, it underscores the incredible depth of Pharaoh's rebellion against a God who already knew his defiant trajectory.
Understand the original words
kabad · Hebrew Verb
The state of being obstinate, stubborn, or insensitive to divine authority; in this context, it refers to Pharaoh's volitional refusal to yield to God's command despite clear evidence of God's power.
revachah · Hebrew Noun
A period of relief or ease from hardship or pressure; it signifies a temporary suspension of divine judgment, which, in the case of the unrepentant, often leads to further rebellion.
This verse highlights a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative: Pharaoh's pattern of temporary repentance driven by crisis, followed by a hardened heart once the pressure is off. This wasn't just Pharaoh's personal failing, but a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, as foretold by Moses.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
Moses, led by God, confronts Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelite slaves. Pharaoh initially refuses, leading to a series of devastating plagues upon Egypt.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Plague of Frogs
God sends a plague of frogs upon Egypt, covering the land and entering homes. Pharaoh cries out to Moses for relief, promising to let the Israelites go if the frogs are removed.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Broken Promise
After Moses prays and the frogs are removed, Pharaoh sees his respite and hardens his heart, refusing to let the Israelites go as he had promised.
c. 1446 BC
Subsequent Plagues
Following the plague of frogs, God continues to send plagues upon Egypt (gnats, flies, livestock disease, etc.) as Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart after each crisis.
This passage describes the Israelites' pattern of crying out to God in distress but then returning to hypocrisy and lies when God delivers them, mirroring Pharaoh's insincere repentance and relapse into hardened sin.
Romans 2:4-5This passage speaks about despising God's kindness and forbearance, and how this leads to treasuring up wrath. Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart after God shows 'respite' perfectly illustrates this concept.
John 12:37-40Jesus quotes Isaiah, explaining that despite many signs, people's hearts remained hardened and they did not believe. This reflects Pharaoh's similar stubbornness, refusing to believe even after experiencing God's direct power.
Hebrews 3:12-13This New Testament warning against a hardened heart and falling away from God directly echoes Pharaoh's behavior – he experienced God's intervention but chose not to listen, hardening his heart after a temporary relief.
Proverbs 28:14This proverb states that the person who fears the Lord will prosper, but the one with a hardened heart will fall into trouble. Pharaoh's persistent hardening of his heart after God's repeated warnings and plagues exemplifies this truth.
calvinExodus 8:8-15: "Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD."
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.
Tunc vocavit Pharao Mosen et Aharon, ac dixit, Precamini Jehovam ut auf…
gillExodus 8:15: "But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite,.... From his affliction, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; the plague was removed, and he found himself and his people at ease: or there was a "breathing" (c); before he and his people were so oppressed, that they could scarce breathe, but now being delivered from the judgment on them with which they were straitened, wer…
Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go wasn't just a stubborn decision; it was a deliberate choice to harden his own heart after he saw the relief. This highlights that true repentance isn't just about feeling better when things are bad, but about a lasting change in allegiance, something Pharaoh actively chose against.
Pharaoh, terrified by the plague of frogs, begs Moses and Aaron to intercede with God for its removal, promising to let Israel go if the plague ceases. Moses agrees, setting a time for the frogs' departure, but as soon as relief comes, Pharaoh reneges on his promise, hardening his heart as God had predicted.
Pharaoh, terrified by the plague of frogs, begs Moses and Aaron to intercede with God for its removal, promising to let Israel go if the plague ceases. Moses agrees, setting a time for the frogs' departure, but as soon as relief comes, Pharaoh reneges on his promise, hardening his heart as God had predicted.
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"But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said." — Pharaoh's refusal to let Israel go wasn't just a stubborn decision; it was a deliberate choice to harden his own heart after he saw the relief. This highlights that true repentance isn't just about…
