Exodus 11:10

Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.

Study Bible

Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron, as God's chosen leaders, performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt to demonstrate God's power and authority. These wonders included the ten plagues, which were direct challenges to the Egyptian gods and demonstrated God's supremacy. The plagues served as both judgment against Egypt and a means to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The wonders were not just acts of power but also signs pointing to God's covenant faithfulness to Israel.

but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative. It highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart, God later confirmed Pharaoh's decision by hardening it further. This act served to fulfill God's purposes, demonstrating His power and ensuring that His name would be proclaimed throughout the earth. It also underscores the biblical principle that persistent rejection of God can lead to a judicial hardening.

so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land
Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites was part of God's plan to display His power and deliver His people with a mighty hand. The Israelites' eventual exodus from Egypt is a pivotal event in biblical history, symbolizing redemption and foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. The land of Egypt, a place of bondage, contrasts with the Promised Land, a place of freedom and blessing. This phrase emphasizes God's control over historical events to achieve His redemptive purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is central to the account of the Exodus.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in confronting Pharaoh and performing signs and wonders.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened by the LORD, leading to his refusal to release the Israelites.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and from which God plans to deliver them through Moses and Aaron.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the events in Egypt demonstrates His ultimate authority over human affairs. Believers can trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem challenging.

The Danger of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a warning against resisting God's will. Christians are encouraged to remain open and responsive to God's guidance.

The Role of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's obedience in performing wonders before Pharaoh highlights the importance of following God's commands, even when the outcome is uncertain.

God's Purpose in Judgment
The plagues and Pharaoh's hardened heart reveal God's purpose in demonstrating His power and delivering His people. Believers can find assurance in God's justice and deliverance.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite Pharaoh's resistance, Moses and Aaron remain faithful to their mission. Christians are called to persevere in faith, trusting in God's timing and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart illustrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in God's plan for our lives?

2. In what ways can we guard against having a hardened heart, and what practices can help us remain receptive to God's voice?

3. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in the face of Pharaoh's resistance inspire us to follow God's commands in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the plagues and God's deliverance of the Israelites that apply to our understanding of God's justice and mercy today?

5. How can we remain faithful and persevere in our faith when facing adversity or opposition, as demonstrated by Moses and Aaron's example?

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 11:10.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing mercy and hardening whom He wills.

Hebrews 3:7-8
The writer warns against hardening our hearts, using the Israelites' experience as a cautionary example.