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Exodus 9:35 - Pharaoh's stubborn defiance continues.

Exodus 9:35 - שמות 9:35

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּחֱזַק לֵב פַּרְעֹה וְלֹא שִׁלַּח אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And the heart of Par῾o was hard, neither would he let the children of Yisra᾽el go; as the Lord had spoken by Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayechazak lev Paroh velo shilach et-bnei Yisrael ka'asher diber Adonai beyad-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּֽחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיֶּֽחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּיַד־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

The verse states, "וַיֶּחֱזַק לֵב פַּרְעֹה" ("And the heart of Pharaoh was hard"), indicating that Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release Bnei Yisrael despite the plagues. Rashi (Shemot 9:12) explains that this hardening was a divine response to Pharaoh's initial free-willed obstinance. Hashem allowed Pharaoh's heart to remain hardened as a punishment for his earlier refusal to heed Moshe's warnings.

The Role of Divine Justice

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:3) discusses the concept of "השגחה פרטית" (divine providence) in this context. When a sinner repeatedly ignores opportunities to repent, Hashem may withhold the ability to do so, ensuring they face the full consequences of their actions. Pharaoh's hardened heart thus served as both punishment and a demonstration of Hashem's power to the world.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:3) elaborates that Pharaoh's stubbornness was not merely personal but symbolic of the resistance of evil to divine will. Each time his heart hardened, it underscored the ongoing struggle between "כח הטומאה" (the force of impurity) and kedushah (holiness), culminating in the ultimate redemption of Bnei Yisrael.

The Linguistic Nuance of "וַיֶּחֱזַק"

Ibn Ezra (Shemot 7:3) notes that the term "וַיֶּחֱזַק" ("was hardened") implies an active strengthening, suggesting Pharaoh's resolve was reinforced by external forces—namely, Hashem's intervention—to fulfill the divine plan foretold to Moshe.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Free Will vs. Divine Decree: Pharaoh initially chose evil, and his subsequent inability to repent was a result of that choice (Sforno, Shemot 7:3).
  • Revelation of Hashem's Power: The hardening led to additional plagues, amplifying the recognition of Hashem's supremacy (Ramban, Shemot 10:1).
  • Justice in Leadership: A ruler's cruelty toward others invites divine retribution (Talmud, Sotah 11a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Pharaoh's hardened heart and the divine intervention in the Exodus narrative.
📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of Pharaoh's stubbornness and the role of divine will in human actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh's heart become hard?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Pharaoh's heart was hardened both by his own stubbornness and by Hashem strengthening his resolve. This was to demonstrate Hashem's power through additional plagues and to fully punish Egypt for oppressing the Jewish people.
Q: What does it mean that Pharaoh didn't listen 'as the Lord had spoken by Moshe'?
A: This phrase means that events unfolded exactly as Hashem had told Moshe they would. The Torah emphasizes that Pharaoh's refusal was part of the divine plan, showing that Hashem controls even the decisions of powerful rulers.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Exodus story?
A: This verse is crucial because it shows the ongoing pattern of Pharaoh's refusal to free the Jews despite witnessing Hashem's miracles. Each refusal leads to another plague, ultimately demonstrating Hashem's complete control over nature and human affairs.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart?
A: The Midrash teaches that Pharaoh's hardened heart shows the danger of stubbornness and refusing to change even when faced with clear truth. It warns us to be open to repentance and improvement in our own lives.
Q: How does this verse relate to free will in Jewish thought?
A: The Rambam discusses that while humans generally have free will, Hashem sometimes hardens a wicked person's heart as punishment for extreme evil. This doesn't remove free will entirely, but makes repentance more difficult as consequence for persistent sin.