Book of Exodus - Chapter 7 - Verse 14

When the Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go," He was highlighting the stubbornness of Pharaoh in refusing to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a theme that recurs throughout the story of the Exodus, demonstrating God's ultimate control over the situation. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and experiencing plagues, Pharaoh continued to resist letting the Israelites go. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of defiance and the importance of obedience to God's will. It also showcases the power of God to use even the stubbornness of individuals to fulfill His purposes, ultimately leading to the liberation of His people. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a key element in the larger narrative of the Exodus, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between God's will and human resistance.

One of the theological interpretations of the verse "And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go," highlights the concept of divine hardening of hearts. In this verse, it is clear that God is actively involved in hardening Pharaoh's heart, leading him to refuse to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Hebrew word used for "hardened" in this verse is "chazaq," which denotes a strengthening or hardening of the heart. This divine hardening serves as a form of judgment against Pharaoh for his stubborn refusal to heed God's commands. Additionally, some scholars suggest that the hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a result of his own free will choices and rebellion against God, which God ultimately responds to by reinforcing Pharaoh's obstinacy. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between human free will and divine intervention in the unfolding of God's plan.