Exodus 7:14 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.
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What does "Exodus 7:14" mean?
This verse from Exodus 7:14 is a crucial statement in the narrative of the Exodus. It highlights the fundamental obstacle to the Israelites' freedom: Pharaoh's unwillingness to release them from slavery. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This establishes that the message is coming directly from God (Yahweh being the Hebrew name for God). It underscores the divine authority behind Moses's actions and demands.
"...Pharaoh's heart is stubborn...": This is the core of the problem. The word "stubborn" (or sometimes translated as "hardened" or "unyielding") describes Pharaoh's resolute and obstinate refusal to comply with God's will. It's not simply a matter of disagreement; it's a deep-seated resistance. The use of "heart" is also significant. In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was not just the organ of the body that pumped blood, but was where decisions were made, and also included the mind, will, and conscience.
"...He refuses to let the people go.": This clearly states the consequence of Pharaoh's stubborn heart: he is actively preventing the Israelites from leaving Egypt and ending their enslavement. This establishes the injustice of Pharaoh's actions and the need for divine intervention.
Overall Significance:
The verse sets the stage for the series of plagues that will follow. It explains why God is about to unleash these plagues: because Pharaoh is unwilling to listen to reason or to divine command. This verse also highlights the theme of free will versus divine will. Pharaoh has the choice to obey, but he chooses to resist, leading to the consequences outlined in the narrative. It frames the conflict as a struggle between God's justice and Pharaoh's oppressive rule.
Exodus 7:14 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.
What does "Exodus 7:14" mean?
This verse from Exodus 7:14 is a crucial statement in the narrative of the Exodus. It highlights the fundamental obstacle to the Israelites' freedom: Pharaoh's unwillingness to release them from slavery. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses...": This establishes that the message is coming directly from God (Yahweh being the Hebrew name for God). It underscores the divine authority behind Moses's actions and demands.
"...Pharaoh's heart is stubborn...": This is the core of the problem. The word "stubborn" (or sometimes translated as "hardened" or "unyielding") describes Pharaoh's resolute and obstinate refusal to comply with God's will. It's not simply a matter of disagreement; it's a deep-seated resistance. The use of "heart" is also significant. In ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was not just the organ of the body that pumped blood, but was where decisions were made, and also included the mind, will, and conscience.
"...He refuses to let the people go.": This clearly states the consequence of Pharaoh's stubborn heart: he is actively preventing the Israelites from leaving Egypt and ending their enslavement. This establishes the injustice of Pharaoh's actions and the need for divine intervention.
Overall Significance:
The verse sets the stage for the series of plagues that will follow. It explains why God is about to unleash these plagues: because Pharaoh is unwilling to listen to reason or to divine command. This verse also highlights the theme of free will versus divine will. Pharaoh has the choice to obey, but he chooses to resist, leading to the consequences outlined in the narrative. It frames the conflict as a struggle between God's justice and Pharaoh's oppressive rule.