Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Hashem harden Pharaoh's heart?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart after Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart through his own free will during the first five plagues. This was a measure-for-measure response to show that evil choices have consequences and to demonstrate Hashem's complete power over creation.
Q: What is the purpose of the signs and wonders in Egypt?
A: The Rambam explains that the miracles in Egypt served two main purposes: 1) To prove Hashem's existence and absolute control over nature, and 2) To teach this truth not just to the Jews but to all nations. The Midrash adds that each plague corresponded to and disproved a specific Egyptian false belief or idolatrous practice.
Q: Does hardening Pharaoh's heart take away his free will?
A: The Talmud (Makkot 10b) and Jewish philosophers discuss that Pharaoh still maintained free will initially. Only after he consistently chose evil did Hashem strengthen his existing stubbornness as a form of Divine justice. This teaches that while we have free will, persistently bad choices can limit our future spiritual flexibility.
Q: How do we see this concept of 'hardening hearts' apply today?
A: The Sages teach that this serves as a warning about the spiritual danger of habitual sin. Just as Pharaoh's repeated refusal to repent made change harder, when people consistently ignore their conscience, they risk becoming spiritually desensitized. This is why Judaism emphasizes teshuvah (repentance) at the earliest opportunity.
Q: Why were so many plagues necessary if Hashem is all-powerful?
A: The Midrash explains that the ten plagues correspond to ten times Pharaoh refused to listen (Exodus 7:13, 7:22, etc.), showing Divine patience in giving chances to repent. Additionally, the Mekhilta teaches that each plague revealed another aspect of Hashem's mastery over different parts of creation (water, land, animals, celestial bodies, etc.), progressively removing any possible Egyptian excuses or denials.
The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
The verse states: "And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 7:3). This concept of Hashem hardening Pharaoh's heart raises theological and ethical questions, which are addressed by classical Jewish commentators.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Exodus 7:3) explains that Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart after Pharaoh had already hardened his own heart through five plagues (Makot). This was a measure-for-measure punishment (middah k'neged middah), as Pharaoh had initially refused to repent despite witnessing Hashem's power. By hardening his heart, Hashem removed Pharaoh's ability to repent, sealing his fate as a consequence of his earlier obstinacy.
Rambam's Philosophical Perspective
In Hilchot Teshuvah (6:3), Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that if a person sins repeatedly and does not repent, Hashem may ultimately withhold the opportunity for repentance as a form of divine justice. Pharaoh's case exemplifies this principle—his persistent refusal to acknowledge Hashem's sovereignty led to the removal of his free will in this matter.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:3) compares Pharaoh to a foolish debtor who, when given a chance to repay gradually, refuses until the creditor demands everything at once. Similarly, Pharaoh's initial stubbornness led to increasingly severe consequences, culminating in the complete hardening of his heart.
The Purpose of the Miracles
The second half of the verse—"and multiply My signs and My wonders"—is interpreted by the Malbim as serving two purposes:
Ibn Ezra's Literal Approach
Ibn Ezra suggests the "hardening" should be understood literally—Pharaoh's heart became physically resistant to fear, like a muscle that stiffens. This unnatural state itself was a supernatural sign of divine intervention in Egyptian affairs.