Exodus 7:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 7:13
13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Chapter Context
Exodus 7 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, judgment, faith. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 7:13
13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Analysis
He hardened Pharaoh's heart (וַיֶּחֱזַק לֵב־פַּרְעֹה, vayekhezaq lev-par'oh)—the verb חָזַק (khazaq) means to strengthen, harden, or make obstinate. This is the first of three Hebrew verbs describing Pharaoh's hardening (also קָשָׁה qashah and כָּבֵד kaved), revealing both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
The text oscillates between God hardening Pharaoh's heart and Pharaoh hardening his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 32), presenting the mystery of divine judgment working through human rebellion. Paul references this in Romans 9:17-18 to demonstrate God's sovereign right to show mercy or judgment. As the LORD had said confirms God's foreknowledge (Exodus 4:21; 7:3) and His control over history's outcome.
Historical Context
Written by Moses around 1446 BC, recording events from Egypt's New Kingdom period. Pharaoh's hardened heart represents Egypt's systematic oppression of Israel for 430 years. The plagues demonstrate YHWH's supremacy over Egypt's pantheon—each plague targets specific Egyptian deities.
Reflection
- How does God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart relate to human free will and divine sovereignty?
- In what ways might persistent sin 'harden' your own heart against God's voice?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:21, 8:15, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27
- Parallel theme: Romans 1:28, 2:5, Hebrews 3:13