Exodus 10:1

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials, that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them,

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Moses, a recurring theme in the narrative of Exodus. Moses is portrayed as a prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This divine communication underscores the authority and authenticity of Moses' mission. It also reflects the intimate relationship between God and Moses, as seen throughout the Pentateuch.

Go to Pharaoh
The command to "go to Pharaoh" is a continuation of Moses' mission to confront the Egyptian ruler and demand the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh, the title for the king of Egypt, was considered a god by his people, making this confrontation not just a political challenge but a spiritual one. This phrase sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty.

for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a complex theological concept. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over human will and serves to fulfill His purposes. This hardening is both a divine act and a response to Pharaoh's own stubbornness. The hardening of the officials' hearts indicates that the resistance to God's will is not limited to Pharaoh alone but extends to his entire administration, emphasizing the systemic nature of the opposition to God's plan.

that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them
The purpose of the hardening is to allow God to display His power through miraculous signs, which are the plagues. These signs serve multiple purposes: they are judgments against the gods of Egypt, they demonstrate God's supremacy, and they are a means of revealing His power to both the Egyptians and the Israelites. The plagues are also prophetic, foreshadowing future judgments and deliverances, and they typify the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who performs signs and wonders to reveal God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the events to demonstrate His power and sovereignty.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by God to fulfill His divine purposes.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and where God is performing signs and wonders to secure their release.

5. The Signs
Miraculous events orchestrated by God to demonstrate His power and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all events, even the hardening of hearts, to fulfill His divine purposes.

Purpose of Hardening
Understand that God may allow resistance to His will to display His power and bring about His greater plan.

Role of Obedience
Like Moses, we are called to obey God's commands, even when facing opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Signs and Wonders
Reflect on how God uses miraculous events to reveal His character and intentions to both believers and non-believers.

Faith in Adversity
Trust in God's plan and timing, even when circumstances seem difficult or when facing hardened hearts.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways can we see the purpose of God's signs and wonders in our own spiritual journey today?

3. How does Moses' obedience to God's command in the face of Pharaoh's hardened heart inspire us to act in faith?

4. What are some modern-day "Pharaohs" or obstacles that challenge our faith, and how can we rely on God's power to overcome them?

5. How do the events in Exodus 10:1 connect with the New Testament teachings on God's sovereignty and human responsibility?

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 10:1.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in hardening hearts for His glory.

Deuteronomy 6:22
This verse recounts the signs and wonders performed in Egypt, emphasizing their role in Israel's deliverance.

Psalm 105:27-28
The psalmist reflects on the plagues in Egypt as a testament to God's mighty works.