Exodus 9:17
You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "exalting yourself" carries a strong sense of Pharaoh actively building up opposition, like constructing a barrier, against God's people and, by extension, against God Himself. This isn't just stubbornness; it's a strategic, almost military, stance of defiance that God calls out.
Pharaoh has just experienced the devastating plague of hail, which destroyed crops and livestock for the Egyptians but spared the Israelites in Goshen. Despite this clear demonstration of God's power and wrath, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he still refuses to let Moses and the Israelites go. God, through Moses, confronts Pharaoh directly, questioning his persistent pride and defiance in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.
Pharaoh's refusal wasn't just about politics; it was a direct challenge to the Almighty. How can pride blind us to the divine?
The verse confronts Pharaoh directly: "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people..." This isn't just stubbornness; it's outright defiance. The Hebrew word here implies 'raising a mound' or 'obstructing,' picturing Pharaoh as building a barrier against God's will and His people.
God Identifies with His People
God states, "my people." This is crucial. When Pharaoh oppressed Israel, he wasn't just hurting slaves; he was attacking those God called His own. God's people are His cherished possession, and any offense against them is an offense against Him. Pharaoh's pride elevated himself above God by refusing to acknowledge God's authority over both the Israelites and Egypt.
The Cost of Defiance
This ongoing rebellion, this 'exalting oneself,' demonstrates a deep-seated pride that refuses to yield even when faced with overwhelming power. It’s a blindness that tragically leads to greater destruction, not just for the oppressed, but ultimately for the oppressor and their nation.
God offers a specific, immediate threat – hail. Yet, Pharaoh's response reveals a deeper issue than just the immediate danger. What keeps us from choosing wisely?
The unfolding plague of hail, announced for the very next day, presents a clear choice for Pharaoh. He has the option to save his people, his cattle, and his land by letting the Israelites go.
Divine Precision vs. Human Hardness
God's announcement is incredibly precise: "Behold, tomorrow, about this time..." This isn't a vague threat; it's a scheduled judgment. This precision underscores that God is in control of nature and time itself. It's meant to be undeniable proof that His power is absolute.
The Warning Ignored
Despite this stark warning and the clear path to safety, the text reveals that Egyptians, fearing God's word, took action to protect themselves and their property. This contrast sharpens Pharaoh's own obstinacy. His refusal isn't due to a lack of information or opportunity, but a hardened heart that chooses defiance over deliverance, ultimately leading to greater devastation.
Understand the original words
mitsolel · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the act of pridefully setting oneself above others or against divine authority. It is the antithesis of the humility God requires of both rulers and the common man.
This verse speaks into a prolonged, escalating conflict between Pharaoh and God over the freedom of Israel. It highlights Pharaoh's persistent pride and defiance, even as God unleashes increasingly severe judgments, showing a pattern of hardened hearts refusing to yield to divine authority.
~1446 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
Following a period of prosperity, the Israelites grew numerous, prompting a new pharaoh to enslave them out of fear. This marked the beginning of their long suffering in Egypt.
~1446 BC
Moses Appointed and First Plagues Begin
God calls Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh, demanding the release of His people. The first four plagues (water to blood, frogs, gnats, flies) begin, testing Pharaoh's heart and God's power.
~1446 BC
Fifth and Sixth Plagues
The plague of livestock disease and the plague of boils strike Egypt, showing God's increasing judgment. Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, refusing to let Israel go.
~1446 BC— this verse
Seventh Plague: Devastating Hail
God sends a severe hailstorm mixed with fire upon Egypt, destroying crops, livestock, and people in the fields. Only the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, is spared.
This passage directly quotes Exodus 9:17, highlighting God's sovereign purpose in raising up Pharaoh to demonstrate His power, adding a theological layer to Pharaoh's defiance.
Psalm 105:25This Psalm recounts the Exodus, describing how God 'turned their hearts to hate His people,' which provides a broader context for Pharaoh's stubbornness as part of God's plan.
John 12:43Jesus speaks about people loving the praise of men more than the praise of God, mirroring Pharaoh's pride and his refusal to obey God due to his own ego and desire for power.
Proverbs 16:18The proverb 'Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall' perfectly encapsulates Pharaoh's escalating arrogance in the face of God's judgments, foreshadowing his ultimate doom.
gillExodus 9:17: "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?"
As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? And so against God himself, disobeying his commands, despising his messengers, and slighting his miracles, and hardening his heart against him, and refusing to let Israel go, after all; thereby showing the most intolerable pride and insolence not only against the Lord's poor people, but against himself, for what is done to…
clarkeExodus 9:17: "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?"
As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people - So it appears that at this time he might have submitted, and thus prevented his own destruction.
The phrase "exalting yourself" carries a strong sense of Pharaoh actively building up opposition, like constructing a barrier, against God's people and, by extension, against God Himself. This isn't just stubbornness; it's a strategic, almost military, stance of defiance that God calls out.
Pharaoh has just experienced the devastating plague of hail, which destroyed crops and livestock for the Egyptians but spared the Israelites in Goshen. Despite this clear demonstration of God's power and wrath, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he still refuses to let Moses and the Israelites go. God, through Moses, confronts Pharaoh directly, questioning his persistent pride and defiance in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.
Pharaoh has just experienced the devastating plague of hail, which destroyed crops and livestock for the Egyptians but spared the Israelites in Goshen. Despite this clear demonstration of God's power and wrath, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he still refuses to let Moses and the Israelites go. God, through Moses, confronts Pharaoh directly, questioning his persistent pride and defiance in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.
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~1446 BC
Pharaoh's Partial Repentance and Recantation
After the hail, Pharaoh briefly acknowledges his sin and God's righteousness, promising to let the people go. However, as soon as the plague ends, he and his officials harden their hearts again.
~1446 BC
Eighth Plague: Locusts
Following the hail, God sends a plague of locusts that devour any remaining vegetation. Pharaoh again seems to repent, but his heart remains unyielding.
~1446 BC
Ninth Plague: Thick Darkness
A heavy, suffocating darkness covers Egypt for three days, during which the Israelites have light in their dwellings. This plague strikes terror into the Egyptians and further hardens Pharaoh's resolve.
"You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go." — The phrase "exalting yourself" carries a strong sense of Pharaoh actively building up opposition, like constructing a barrier, against God's people and, by extension, against God Himself. This isn't…
