Definition: Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 6:6. It's a really important verse that speaks about God’s relationship with Israel and how they reacted to his plans. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the Israelites being stubborn and refusing to listen to God’s guidance, just like the Egyptians and Pharaoh did. It’s a warning about their behavior and a plea for them to change. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts..." : This is the core of the problem. "Harden your hearts" means becoming resistant, unwilling to listen to God's voice, and generally refusing to accept his will. It’s like putting a shield up against something that’s meant for you. "...as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?" : This is a comparison. The Egyptians were a powerful nation who built pyramids and enslaved people. And Pharaoh was a king who ruled over many people, including the Israelites. They both showed a lack of compassion and didn't let anyone go. This highlights that these people weren’t being kind or understanding to God. "when he had wrought wonderfully among them..." : This is key. The verse tells us God was working in a good way with the Israelites – creating a beautiful land, building things, and providing for them. It's like he was showing them a blessing. "...did they not let the people go, and they departed?" : This is the consequence of their stubbornness. God didn’t allow the Israelites to leave. Instead, they chose to disobey him and leave. They left because they refused to listen to his guidance. It's a clear example of them choosing to walk away from what he wanted for them. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a reminder that we all have the potential to harden our hearts – to become resistant to God’s love and will. It encourages us to: Listen to God's voice: Pay attention to what he tells you, even when it seems difficult or uncomfortable. Be open to his guidance: Don't close yourself off to the things that are meant for you. Don’t be stubborn: Resist the urge to push back against what is right. In short, this verse warns us about our tendency to resist God’s plan and encourages us to listen to him with an open heart. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular story or event from the Bible? Give you some practical advice on how to cultivate a more receptive heart to God?