I will harden Pharaoh's heart . See the comment on Exodus 4:21 . And multiply my signs and my wonders . The idea of a long series of miracles is here, for the first time, distinctly introduced. Three signs had been given ( Exodus 4:3-9 ); one further miracle had been mentioned ( Exodus 4:23 ). Now a multiplication of signs and wonders is promised. Compare Exodus 3:20 , and Exodus 6:6 , which, however, are not so explicit as the present passage. read more
Heart-hardening. On this subject, see above, and on Exodus 4:21 . The present seems an appropriate place for a somewhat fuller treatment. I. HARDENING AS PROCEEDING FROM GOD . " I will harden Pharaoh's heart." This, assuredly, is more than simple permission. God hardens the heart— 1 . Through the operation of the laws of our moral constitution , These laws, of which God is the author, and through which he operates in the soul, ordain hardening as the penalty of... read more
The fierceness of man turns to God's praise. The most signal triumphs of Divine power are those in which the resistance to it is the most determined. The greatest of all victories was probably that which was gained when—after "war in heaven"—Satan was seen, like lightning, falling from heaven to earth. Since then, great triumphs, tending to God's praise, occur whenever the right and the truth succeed against seemingly insuperable opposition. When the boy shepherd with his sling and stone... read more
That I may lay my hand on Egypt . Pharaoh's obstinacy was foreseen and foreknown. He was allowed to set his will against God's, in order that there might be a great display of Almighty power, such as would attract the attention both of the Egyptians generally and of all the surrounding nations. God's glory would be thereby promoted, and there would be a general dread of interfering with his people. (See Exodus 15:14-16 ; Deuteronomy 2:25 ; Deuteronomy 11:25 , etc.) Bring forth my... read more
The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord . Rather, "that I am Jehovah"— i.e . that I answer to my Name—that I am the only God who is truly existent, other so-called gods being nonentities. They will know this and feel this when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, as I am about to stretch it forth. read more
Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them . This statement is general, and anticipative of the entire series of interviews beginning here ( Exodus 7:10 ), and terminating ( Exodus 10:29 ) with the words, " I will see thy face no more." The obedience of Moses and Aaron was perfect and continuous from this time forward until Egypt was quitted. read more
Fourscore years old . This age is confirmed by the statement (in Deuteronomy 31:2 ; Deuteronomy 34:7 ) that Moses was a hundred and twenty at his death. It is also accepted as exact by St. Stephen ( Acts 7:23 , Acts 7:30 ). Moderns are surprised that at such an age a man could undertake and carry through a difficult and dangerous enterprise; but in Egypt one hundred and ten years was not considered a very exceptionally long life, and men frequently retained their full vigour till... read more
With this chapter begins the series of miracles performed in Egypt. They are progressive. The first miracle is performed to accredit the mission of the brothers; it is simply credential, and unaccompanied by any infliction. Then come signs which show that the powers of nature are subject to the will of Yahweh, each plague being attended with grave consequences to the Egyptians, yet not inflicting severe loss or suffering; then in rapid succession come ruinous and devastating plagues, murrain,... read more
Wonders - A word used only of portents performed to prove a divine interposition; they were the credentials of God’s messengers. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 7:2
Thou shalt speak . The Septuagint and the Vulgate have, "Thou shalt speak to him ," which undoubtedly gives the true sense. Moses was to speak to Aaron, Aaron to Pharaoh. (See Exodus 4:15 , Exodus 4:16 .) read more