Exodus 7:3

But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt,

Study Bible

But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart
This phrase indicates God's sovereign will in the events that unfold in Egypt. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme in Exodus, emphasizing God's control over human affairs. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the heart was seen as the center of decision-making and will. The hardening can be understood as God allowing Pharaoh to persist in his own stubbornness, which serves to demonstrate God's power and glory. This concept is echoed in Romans 9:17-18, where Paul discusses God's sovereignty in showing mercy and hardening whom He wills. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart also sets the stage for the plagues, which are both judgments against Egypt's gods and a demonstration of God's supremacy.

and though I will multiply My signs and wonders
The signs and wonders refer to the ten plagues that God brings upon Egypt. These acts are not only judgments but also serve as a revelation of God's power and authority over creation. Each plague challenges the authority of the Egyptian gods, such as the Nile turning to blood opposing Hapi, the god of the Nile. The multiplication of signs and wonders is a fulfillment of God's promise to Moses in Exodus 3:20, where He assures Moses that He will stretch out His hand and strike Egypt with all His wonders. This phrase also foreshadows the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament, where signs and wonders are used to authenticate His divine mission and authority.

in the land of Egypt
Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient world, serves as the backdrop for God's demonstration of power. The land of Egypt is significant as it represents a place of bondage for the Israelites, and God's deliverance from Egypt becomes a central theme in Israel's identity and faith. The geographical setting underscores the historical reality of the Exodus narrative, with archaeological evidence supporting the existence of a powerful Egyptian empire during this period. The plagues and the eventual Exodus are pivotal events that shape the narrative of the Old Testament, symbolizing God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant people. The land of Egypt also serves as a type of the world or sin, from which believers are delivered through Christ, as seen in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart God declares He will harden. Pharaoh represents the opposition to God's will and the oppression of God's people.

2. Moses
God's chosen leader to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one through whom God communicates His will and performs signs and wonders.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It serves as the backdrop for God's demonstration of power and judgment.

4. Signs and Wonders
Miraculous acts performed by God through Moses and Aaron to demonstrate His power and authority over Egypt and its gods.

5. God (Yahweh)
The sovereign Lord who declares His intention to harden Pharaoh's heart, showcasing His ultimate control over human affairs and His plan for redemption.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of all events, including the hearts of rulers. His plans are not thwarted by human resistance.

Purpose in Hardening
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves a divine purpose, allowing God to display His power and deliver His people. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours.

Human Responsibility
While God hardens hearts, individuals are still responsible for their actions. Pharaoh's repeated refusals show a willful rejection of God's commands.

Signs and Wonders as Revelation
Miracles serve to reveal God's character and authority. They are not just for spectacle but to lead people to acknowledge Him.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when circumstances seem dire, believers can trust that God is working for His glory and our good, just as He did in Egypt.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in hardening Pharaoh's heart affect your view of difficult circumstances in your life?

2. In what ways can we see God's purpose in allowing resistance or opposition in our spiritual journey?

3. How do the signs and wonders in Exodus 7 relate to the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from Pharaoh's response to God's commands about the dangers of a hardened heart?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt to our own experiences of spiritual liberation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing mercy and judgment.

Exodus 4:21
Earlier, God tells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, setting the stage for the events in Exodus 7.

Deuteronomy 2:30
Similar language is used regarding the hardening of King Sihon's heart, showing a pattern of God using such actions to fulfill His purposes.