Exodus 9:12

And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְחַזֵּ֤ק

H2388

hardened

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵ֣ב

H3820

the heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

פַּרְעֹ֔ה

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֖ע

H8085

and he hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲלֵהֶ֑ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

דִּבֶּ֥ר

H1696

had spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#11

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

מֹשֶֽׁה׃

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Exodus chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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People

Moses