Exodus 11:9

The LORD said to Moses, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt."

Study Bible

The LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch. 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 in Exodus 33:11, where God speaks to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."

Pharaoh will not listen to you
Pharaoh's hardened heart is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative. This phrase highlights the divine foreknowledge and sovereignty of God, who predicts Pharaoh's resistance. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is mentioned multiple times (e.g., Exodus 7:3, 9:12), illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will. Pharaoh's refusal to listen is part of God's plan to demonstrate His power and glory.

so that My wonders may be multiplied
The wonders refer to the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, each demonstrating His supremacy over the Egyptian gods and natural forces. These acts serve as signs and judgments, revealing God's power and justice. The multiplication of wonders is a means to display God's might not only to the Egyptians but also to the Israelites, reinforcing their faith and understanding of God's covenant promises.

in the land of Egypt
Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient world, serves as the backdrop for God's dramatic deliverance of His people. The geographical setting emphasizes the contrast between the oppressive rule of Pharaoh and the liberating power of God. The plagues challenge the religious and cultural systems of Egypt, showcasing God's authority over all creation. This setting also foreshadows the eventual Exodus, a pivotal event in Israel's history and a type of Christ's redemptive work, as seen in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:7, where Christ is referred to as our Passover lamb).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, tasked with delivering God's message to Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened, serving as an instrument through which God will display His wonders.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues and God's demonstration of power.

5. The Plagues
A series of divine judgments on Egypt, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites and to reveal God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God's control over the events in Egypt demonstrates His sovereignty. He uses Pharaoh's resistance to display His power and fulfill His purposes.

Purpose in Hardship
Just as God used Pharaoh's hardened heart to reveal His wonders, He can use difficult circumstances in our lives to accomplish His greater purposes.

Faithfulness to Promises
God's actions in Egypt are a testament to His faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.

The Role of Obedience
Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, despite Pharaoh's resistance, highlights the importance of faithfulness in our calling, regardless of immediate results.

God's Glory Revealed
The ultimate purpose of the plagues was to reveal God's glory. Our lives should similarly aim to reflect and reveal God's glory to those around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serve God's purposes, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of the Exodus, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' life to our own situations where we face resistance or challenges?

4. What are some "wonders" or acts of God that you have witnessed in your life, and how have they strengthened your faith?

5. How can we ensure that our lives are a reflection of God's glory, similar to how the plagues revealed God's power to the Egyptians?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:3-5
This passage introduces the concept of God hardening Pharaoh's heart to multiply His signs and wonders, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 11:9.

Romans 9:17
Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate God's sovereign purpose in using individuals to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth.

Psalm 105:27-36
This psalm recounts the plagues in Egypt, emphasizing God's mighty acts and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.