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Book of Exodus - Chapter 10 - Verse 27

10:27
But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.

Meaning

In this verse, the Bible describes how the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, causing him to stubbornly refuse to let the Israelites go. This act of hardening Pharaoh's heart is a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over all things, including the hearts of men. Throughout the story of the Exodus, we see God using Pharaoh's hardened heart as a means to display His glory and power through the miraculous plagues and eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. By hardening Pharaoh's heart, God was able to fulfill His ultimate purpose of demonstrating His power and delivering His people from bondage. This verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over all things, even the hearts of kings and rulers, and highlights His ability to use even the most stubborn opposition to accomplish His divine plan.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse stating "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go," it is essential to consider the context in which it is found. This passage, found in the book of Exodus, depicts the struggle between Moses, representing God's people, and Pharaoh, who symbolizes a tyrannical ruler opposed to God's will. In this context, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart by the LORD can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power over all things, including the hearts of individuals. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart does not mean that God forced Pharaoh to act against his will, but rather that God allowed Pharaoh's heart to remain steadfast in its resistance to God's commands. This theological interpretation underscores the overarching theme of God's authority and control over human affairs, even in the face of stubborn opposition.

American Standard Version

But Jehovah hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.
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