Exodus 8:16

"But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn’t listen to them, as the LORD had spoken."

Key Reflection

In Exodus 8:16, after experiencing a period of relief from the plague (likely referring to the boils), Pharaoh's human response was to harden his heart once again and refuse to listen to Moses and Aaron’s demands, aligning with God's prophecy as stated in verse 15. This act underscores the sovereignty of God and highlights Pharaoh's persistent resistance, setting the stage for further plagues that would eventually lead to his surrender.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

It is observed by Hebrew commentators that the nine plagues are divided into three groups: distinct warnings are given of the first two plagues in each group; the third in each is inflicted without any previous notice; namely, the third, lice, the sixth, boils, the ninth, darkness. The dust of the land -The two preceding plagues fell upon the Nile. This fell on the earth, which was worshipped in Egypt as the father of the gods. An special sacredness was attached to the black fertile soil of the basin of the Nile, called Chemi, from which the ancient name of Egypt is supposed to be derived. Lice -The Hebrew word occurs only in connection with this plague.

More from Exodus 8

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