Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 4:21. It’s a really important and complex passage about God’s plan to liberate His people from slavery. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s control over Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, and his decision to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. It’s essentially saying that God will influence Pharaoh to make things happen that will help the Israelites escape slavery. Let's unpack it word by word: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This sets up a conversation between God and Moses, who is God’s chosen leader. “…when thou goest to return into Egypt…” : Moses is about to leave Egypt – he’s going back home. This is a crucial point – it's not just going to leave; it's returning with the promise of freedom. “…see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh…” : This is the key part. God wants Moses to do things in front of Pharaoh, to show him what’s happening. He’s telling Moses to perform specific actions for Pharaoh. “which I have put in thine hand” : This is a bit tricky. It means that God has given Moses the power – or responsibility – to influence Pharaoh. “…but I will harden his heart…” : This is where it gets more complex. God isn't forcing Pharaoh to do anything. Instead, he’s saying that Pharaoh will resist and become stubborn in his refusal to let the people go. “Harden his heart” means making him resistant or unwilling to listen to God’s will. “…that he shall not let the people go.” : This is the core of the verse – God wants Pharaoh to not allow the Israelites to leave. He wants him to maintain control and prevent them from escaping. In simpler terms: God is setting a plan in motion, and Moses has been given the task of actively influencing Pharaoh to make sure the people don't escape. It’s about God using his power to actively resist Pharaoh's refusal to let go. What does this verse mean for us? It speaks to themes of: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control, and He has a plan. Opposition & Resistance: We often see this verse as a challenge – God is actively pushing against human resistance. Faith and Obedience: It highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan even when it seems impossible. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like the Israelites being trapped)?