Book of Exodus - Chapter 9 - Verse 35

Within the Book of Exodus in the Bible, this verse highlights the ongoing struggle between the Egyptian Pharaoh and Moses, who was acting as a messenger of the Lord. The phrase "And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened" signifies that Pharaoh's heart was stubborn and resistant to the demands of Moses to release the Israelites from slavery. Despite witnessing various miracles and warnings from the Lord, Pharaoh remained steadfast in his decision to keep the Israelites in bondage. This verse serves as a testament to the power struggle between the human will and divine intervention, showcasing the consequences of defiance against God's word. Ultimately, Pharaoh's hardened heart led to the fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Moses, demonstrating the sovereignty and authority of the Lord over all earthly rulers.

Pharaoh's hardened heart in this verse is a crucial theme in the story of the Exodus. The theological interpretation of this phrase suggests that Pharaoh's heart being hardened was a result of his own stubbornness and refusal to heed the word of God. This hardening of his heart ultimately led to the suffering of the Israelites and the ten plagues that were unleashed upon Egypt. The phrase 'as the LORD had spoken by Moses' emphasizes the divine purpose behind Pharaoh's actions, as God had foreseen and even foretold the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. Through word studies, we can see that the Hebrew word for 'hardened' can also mean 'strengthened' or 'made heavy,' implying a deliberate action on Pharaoh's part to resist the will of God. The story of Pharaoh's hardened heart serves as a reminder of the consequences of arrogance and disobedience, as well as the power of God's sovereignty over even the most hardened of hearts.