Bible Commentaries
Exodus 7

Verses 1-25

We have here the record of God's answer to Moses' difficulty. He reaffirmed Himself and charged His servant to speak to Pharaoh the things commanded. Moreover, He foretold the result of the delivery of the message.

Here begins the story of the conflict between Jehovah and Pharaoh. Throughout this entire story two different words are employed, the distinction between which has a vital bearing on the story itself. The first word suggests the idea of giving fixity, or, in the realm of the will, strength. 'The second indicates willful stubbornness. The condition of Pharaoh on the first visit of Moses and Aaron is described by the first of these words. The Authorized renders it, "He hardened Pharaoh's heart." This should be rendered, He made strong the heart of Pharaoh. Immediately following, Pharaoh's attitude from his own standpoint is revealed. Then the word is "hardened," in the sense of calloused. This distinction must be maintained throughout.

The plagues that fell on Pharaoh came in three sections of three each, followed by a fourth, with only one plague, which was final. The first of the first three is recorded here. Before it fell, Pharaoh was warned in the morning. In this and the two following, terrible discomfort was produced but neither pain nor death.