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Exodus 11:9 - Divine plan hardens Pharaoh's heart

Exodus 11:9 - שמות 11:9

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֹא־יִשְׁמַע אֲלֵיכֶם פַּרְעֹה לְמַעַן רְבוֹת מוֹפְתַי בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Par῾o shall not hearken to you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai el-Moshe lo-yishma aleichem Par'oh lema'an r'vot mof'tai b'eretz Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה לְמַ֛עַן רְב֥וֹת מוֹפְתַ֖י בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם פַּרְעֹ֑ה לְמַ֛עַן רְב֥וֹת מוֹפְתַ֖י בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Divine Purpose in Pharaoh's Stubbornness

The verse (Shemot 11:9) states that Hashem informed Moshe that Pharaoh would not listen to him, in order to multiply miracles (moftim) in Egypt. Rashi explains that this was part of a divine plan to demonstrate Hashem's absolute power over creation and to punish Egypt measure for measure (middah k'neged middah). Since Pharaoh hardened his heart initially (Shemot 7:13-14), Hashem allowed this stubbornness to continue, ultimately bringing more plagues upon Egypt.

The Concept of "Moftim" (Wonders)

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:36) discusses how the plagues served as moftim—not merely punishments, but supernatural demonstrations designed to:

  • Break Egypt's belief in their own deities and natural forces
  • Establish Hashem's absolute sovereignty for both the Egyptians and Bnei Yisrael
  • Fulfill the covenant made with Avraham (Bereishit 15:14) that his descendants would leave with great wealth

Free Will vs. Divine Decree

The Mechilta (Bo 13) addresses the theological question of Pharaoh's free will being removed. It explains that after Pharaoh repeatedly chose evil, Hashem allowed his heart to harden as a form of divine justice. The Sforno adds that this was to give Pharaoh and Egypt full exposure to the totality of Hashem's power, leaving no room for doubt.

Educational Purpose for Future Generations

The Midrash Tanchuma (Va'era 14) emphasizes that the multiplication of miracles served as an eternal lesson. By recording these events in the Torah, future generations would recognize:

  • The futility of opposing Hashem's will
  • The precision of divine justice
  • The special providence Hashem exercises over Am Yisrael

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 111a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Pharaoh's stubbornness and the purpose of the plagues in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn't Pharaoh listen to Moshe according to Exodus 11:9?
A: Hashem tells Moshe that Pharaoh would not listen so that Hashem could perform more miracles ('moftim') in Egypt. According to Rashi, this was to demonstrate Hashem's full power and to punish Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their cruelty to Bnei Yisrael.
Q: What does 'multiplying wonders' mean in Exodus 11:9?
A: The 'wonders' refer to the Ten Plagues and other miracles Hashem performed in Egypt. The Midrash explains that each plague revealed another aspect of Hashem's dominion over nature and false Egyptian gods, ultimately leading to the Exodus.
Q: How does Exodus 11:9 show Hashem's plan in the Exodus story?
A: The verse teaches that even Pharaoh's stubbornness was part of Hashem's plan. The Rambam explains that this demonstrates divine providence—Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart to give him free will to repent, but when he refused, it justified greater punishments and clearer revelations of Hashem's power.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 11:9 today?
A: The verse teaches that obstacles (like Pharaoh's refusal) can serve a higher purpose. The Talmud (Berachot 60a) derives from this that we should accept challenges with faith, trusting that Hashem guides events for ultimate good, even if we don’t immediately understand.