What does Exodus 7:14 mean?
ESV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh 's heart is hardened; he refuses to let the people go.
NIV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.
NASB: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn; he refuses to let the people go.
CSB: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh’s heart is hard: He refuses to let the people go.
NLT: Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn, and he still refuses to let the people go.
KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.
NKJV: So the Lord said to Moses: “Pharaoh’s heart is hard; he refuses to let the people go.
Verse Commentary:
This begins describing the first of ten plagues God which sends upon Egypt. These are the expected result (Exodus 3:19–20) of Pharaoh's stubbornness. At this stage, Pharaoh's obstinate heart is entirely his own fault. Only after many cycles of resistance (Proverbs 29:1) will the Lord begin making a terrible example of the Egyptian king (Exodus 4:21). Here, as in the other plagues, the catastrophe is directly tied to Pharaoh's refusal to release the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 1:11–14).
The first plague comes with interesting timing. Most of the later disasters aren't given a specific duration. This one will last seven days (Exodus 7:25). The number suggests completion or perfection and emphasizes that this is a divine occurrence. During that time, the Nile river and all the other surface waters of Egypt (Exodus 7:24) will be rancid, undrinkable blood (Exodus 7:17–20).
Verse Context:
Exodus 7:14–25 records the first of the ten great plagues on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–20). Because Pharaoh has refused to free Israel (Exodus 1:11–14), the Lord turns all the water in Egypt—including the Nile, ponds, and artificial pools—into blood. This creates an unsanitary, foul situation. The Egyptians are forced to dig for water. When Egyptian magicians are able to turn water into blood, Pharaoh remains resistant. This terrible plague lasts for an entire week.
Chapter Summary:
God again repeats (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:19–23; 6:6) the basic outline of how Israel will be freed from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:11–14). He then commands Moses and Aaron to show Pharaoh one of the miraculous signs given for that purpose (Exodus 4:2–5). Egyptian magicians seem to duplicate the feat, so Pharaoh still refuses to hear Mo-ses' message. This results in the first plague: all water in Egypt, including the Nile river, becomes blood. This lasts seven days. The Lord then tells Moses to repeat the demand for Israel's release.
Chapter Context:
God commissioned Moses (Exodus 3:10) and commanded him to confront Egypt's ruler, the pharaoh (Exodus 4:19–23). When Moses obeyed (Exodus 5:1–3), the immediate result was even worse oppression for Israel (Exodus 5:19–21). This inspired Moses to doubt (Exodus 5:22–23). The Lord responded with reassurances (Exodus 6:1–8). Chapter 7 completes this declaration and begins the cycle of plagues (Exodus 3:19–20), starting with turning the Nile river into blood. These catastrophes will continue (Exodus 8—11) until Pharaoh finally releases the Israelites (Exodus 12:41).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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