Exodus·Chapter 10

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you might be resisting change. Is there a relationship, a habit, or a belief that you’re clinging to, even though it’s not healthy for you? Write it down and pray about it. Ask yourself: what would it look like to let go? Consider taking a small step toward change, whether it’s having a tough conversation, setting a new goal, or seeking help. Challenge yourself to be open to the possibilities that could come from letting go of what’s holding you back.

Chapter Context

Leading up to this moment, God has sent a series of plagues to Egypt, each one more intense than the last, all aimed at convincing Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. But with each warning, Pharaoh's heart gets harder, and he digs in his heels even more. This verse comes at a climax in the story—the stakes are sky-high, and the tension is palpable. God hardening Pharaoh's heart is like throwing gasoline on a fire, propelling the narrative forward. It sets the stage for the final showdown between God’s power and Pharaoh’s pride, which will ultimately lead to a dramatic conclusion that changes everything for both sides.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• lord - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• hardened - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• pharaoh’s - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• heart - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• and - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• would - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• let - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What do you think it means to have a heart that is hardened, and how might that apply to your own life today?

Related Verses

• Exodus 7:3 - God says He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, showing His control over the situation.
• Romans 9:17 - Paul references Pharaoh to illustrate how God can use even hard hearts for His purposes.
• Isaiah 63:17 - This verse questions why the people have turned away, connecting to the theme of hardened hearts against God.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Exodus 10:27. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine Judgement, God's Sovereignty, Pharaoh's Stubbornness, Call to Worship, Consequences of Sin, Generational Lessons, Compromise and Reluctance

Key Verses

Exodus 10:1-2, Exodus 10:3-4, Exodus 10:14, Exodus 10:16-17, Exodus 10:20

Historical Context

Exodus 10 is situated within a series of divine plagues intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The narrative highlights the ongoing struggle between Moses, as God's representative, and Pharaoh, who embodies resistance to God's will. This chapter follows the seventh plague, hail, which decimated much of Egypt's agricultural landscape. The locusts serve as a continuation of the theme of judgment against Egypt's false gods and the oppressive system of slavery. The repeated hardening of Pharaoh's heart underscores the theological theme of divine sovereignty, as God uses Pharaoh's obstinacy to demonstrate His power and to fulfill His covenant promises to Israel. This chapter invites readers to reflect on the nature of repentance and the consequences of a hardened heart.