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Exodus 7:13 - Pharaoh's stubborn defiance continues

Exodus 7:13 - שמות 7:13

Hebrew Text

וַיֶּחֱזַק לֵב פַּרְעֹה וְלֹא שָׁמַע אֲלֵהֶם כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And the heart of Par῾o was hardened, that he did not hearken to them; as the Lord had said.

Transliteration

Vayechazak lev Paroh velo shama alehem ka'asher diber Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֶּֽחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיֶּֽחֱזַק֙ לֵ֣ב פַּרְעֹ֔ה וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵהֶ֑ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

The verse states, "And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, that he did not hearken to them; as the Lord had said" (Shemot 9:12). This phenomenon of Pharaoh's heart being hardened appears multiple times during the plagues, raising theological and ethical questions about free will and divine intervention.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 7:3) explains that Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart after the first five plagues as a form of divine justice. Initially, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (as seen in the first five plagues), demonstrating his free will to resist. However, after repeatedly sinning and refusing to repent, Hashem removed his ability to repent, ensuring he would be fully punished for his earlier obstinacy. This aligns with the principle of "measure for measure" (middah k'neged middah)—since Pharaoh willfully oppressed Bnei Yisrael, he was denied the chance to relent later.

Rambam's Perspective on Free Will

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:3) addresses the philosophical dilemma, stating that while Hashem may withhold the opportunity for repentance from certain wicked individuals, this does not negate free will in general. Pharaoh's case was unique due to the severity of his sins and the need to demonstrate Hashem's power through the Exodus. Rambam emphasizes that ordinary individuals always retain the capacity for teshuvah.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:3) compares Pharaoh to a foolish king who ignores warnings until it is too late. His stubbornness served as a vehicle for displaying Hashem's miracles and justice.
  • Another interpretation (Tanchuma Va'eira 14) suggests that Pharaoh's heart was hardened to prevent him from releasing Bnei Yisrael prematurely—before all ten plagues could manifest Hashem's full glory.

Theological Implications

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart underscores two key concepts in Jewish thought:

  • Divine Justice: Evil is not left unpunished, and Pharaoh's fate serves as a lesson in accountability.
  • Hashgachah Pratit (Divine Providence): Even human defiance can be woven into a larger divine plan, as seen in the ultimate redemption of Bnei Yisrael.

📚 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 influence on his decisions.
📖 Sanhedrin 105a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of Pharaoh's stubbornness and the role of divine will in his actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Pharaoh's heart become hardened?
A: According to Rashi and other Jewish commentators, Pharaoh's heart was hardened by Hashem to demonstrate His power and to bring about the full redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt. This was a punishment for Pharaoh's initial stubbornness and cruelty.
Q: What does it mean that Pharaoh 'did not hearken to them'?
A: The verse means that Pharaoh refused to listen to Moshe and Aharon's demand to let the Jewish people go, despite witnessing the miracles they performed. This was part of the process of the Ten Plagues, showing that Pharaoh's resistance was against Hashem's will.
Q: Why is this verse important in the story of the Exodus?
A: This verse is important because it marks the beginning of Pharaoh's repeated refusal to free the Jewish people, leading to the Ten Plagues. It shows that Hashem's plan was unfolding exactly as He had told Moshe, reinforcing the idea of divine providence in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does the hardening of Pharaoh's heart teach us about free will?
A: The Rambam explains that Pharaoh initially had free will to let the Jews go but chose evil repeatedly. After so many refusals, Hashem hardened his heart as a punishment, limiting his ability to repent. This teaches that consistent wrongdoing can lead to losing the opportunity for change.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart today?
A: The Midrash teaches that Pharaoh's stubbornness is a warning against arrogance and refusing to admit wrongdoing. In our lives, we must be open to change and humility, recognizing when we are wrong—unlike Pharaoh, who brought suffering upon himself and his people by refusing to listen.