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Exodus 9:7 (BSB)
Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Pharaoh sent officials and found that none of the livestock of the Israelites had died. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not let the people go.” — Exodus 9:7
In this moment, everything is intense! Pharaoh, the powerful king, sends out his people to check on the livestock of the Israelites, and guess what? Not a single animal is dead! Can you imagine the shock? You’d think this would make him reconsider his harsh treatment of the Israelites. But instead, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. He’s stubborn, refusing to change his mind even when faced with clear evidence. It’s a vivid picture of someone caught in their own pride, even when the reality around them is screaming for change.
This book, Exodus, was likely written by Moses himself, who experienced all these events firsthand. He included this detail about Pharaoh’s hardened heart to show how stubbornness can blind us to the truth. Moses wanted to convey that despite the signs and miracles happening around them, some people still refuse to listen. His perspective is personal; he was there, witnessing the struggle for freedom and the battle against pride and arrogance. He wanted future readers to learn from this powerful story.
The world during this time was filled with turmoil. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for generations, and the Egyptians had a complicated relationship with power and authority. Pharaoh was not just a king; he was seen as a god by his people. This context matters because it shows why Pharaoh was so resistant to change. It was a time when people feared losing control and status, making his refusal to let the Israelites go even more potent. The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable.
This verse matters today because it reflects a common struggle: the difficulty of letting go of pride and stubbornness. Just like Pharaoh, we can find ourselves holding onto our own ways of thinking, even when we know deep down that it might not be the best path. This moment urges you to consider what you might be ignoring in your life due to pride or fear. It’s a call to be open to change and to listen when life is trying to guide you in a new direction.
This week, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you might be holding onto stubbornness. Is there a situation where you’re refusing to budge, even when it’s clear that change is needed? Write it down, and then consider what small step you can take to be more open. It could be as simple as having a conversation with someone you trust about your feelings or trying to see things from another perspective. Make it a goal to practice being open to change, just like you would try to listen to a friend offering advice.
This verse is right in the thick of the drama between Pharaoh and Moses. Leading up to this moment, there have been multiple plagues hitting Egypt that have devastated the land and its people. Each time, Moses, representing the Israelites, asks Pharaoh to let his people go, and each time, Pharaoh’s heart hardens a little more. This specific verse highlights a turning point—Pharaoh’s refusal to see the obvious, even when the proof is right in front of him. It’s like the climax of a story where you can feel the tension building, setting the stage for what’s about to happen next.
What is one area in your life where you might be resisting change, and how can you take a small step towards being more open?
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