Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 10:1. It's a really important verse about God’s plan to deal with Egypt’s Pharaoh. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is telling Moses to intervene and force Pharaoh to make a choice. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This establishes that this isn't just a casual command; it’s a deliberate action by God. “…Go in unto Pharaoh:” God is instructing Moses to go directly to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. “…for I have hardened his heart…” : This is the core of the verse. "Hardened" means to make someone inflexible or resistant to change. God believes Pharaoh has become so stubborn and unwilling to listen to God’s will that he's actively resisting what God wants to happen. “…and the heart of his servants…” : God is also noting that Pharaoh's officials are also becoming resistant, driven by fear or self-interest rather than obedience. "...that I might shew these my signs before him:" This is where it gets a bit more complex. God wants to demonstrate (show) his power and authority to Pharaoh. He’s going to point out the consequences of this resistance, showing Pharaoh what will happen if he doesn't listen. What does this mean in the context of the story? This verse is a key part of the Old Testament account of God’s plan to bring about the downfall of Egypt and its people. It sets the stage for the coming of the plagues – a series of horrific events designed to destroy everything Pharaoh and his people have built. It's essentially a warning that God isn’t just telling Pharaoh; He’s forcing him to respond in a way that will ultimately lead to disaster. In short, this verse is about God’s power to influence events, and he uses it to demonstrate his authority and force a change in Pharaoh's behavior. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the significance of this event in the story of the Exodus?