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Exodus 8:28 - Pharaoh's stubborn heart persists.

Exodus 8:28 - שמות 8:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּכְבֵּד פַּרְעֹה אֶת־לִבּוֹ גַּם בַּפַּעַם הַזֹּאת וְלֹא שִׁלַּח אֶת־הָעָם׃

English Translation

And Par῾o hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

Transliteration

Vayakhbed Paro et-libo gam bapa'am hazot velo shilach et-ha'am.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔וֹ גַּ֖ם בַּפַּ֣עַם הַזֹּ֑את וְלֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָעָֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיַּכְבֵּ֤ד פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶת־לִבּ֔וֹ גַּ֖ם בַּפַּ֣עַם הַזֹּ֑את וְלֹ֥א שִׁלַּ֖ח אֶת־הָעָֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

The verse states: "וַיַּכְבֵּד פַּרְעֹה אֶת־לִבּוֹ גַּם בַּפַּעַם הַזֹּאת וְלֹא שִׁלַּח אֶת־הָעָם" ("And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go"). This is a recurring theme in the Exodus narrative, where Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to release the Israelites despite witnessing the miraculous plagues.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Exodus 8:28) notes that the term "וַיַּכְבֵּד" ("hardened") implies that Pharaoh made his heart stubborn and unyielding. Rashi explains that this was a deliberate choice by Pharaoh, demonstrating his refusal to heed the divine signs and warnings. The phrase "גַּם בַּפַּעַם הַזֹּאת" ("at this time also") indicates that this was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of obstinacy.

The Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Teshuvah (6:3) discusses the concept of divine justice in relation to Pharaoh's hardened heart. He explains that when a person repeatedly sins and refuses to repent, Hashem may eventually remove their ability to repent as a form of punishment. Pharaoh's persistent refusal to acknowledge Hashem's power led to his heart being hardened, sealing his fate.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:3) elaborates that Pharaoh's hardening of his heart was a gradual process. Initially, he had free will to repent, but after continuously defying Hashem's will, his heart became impervious to change. The Midrash compares this to a potter shaping clay—once it hardens, it can no longer be reshaped.

Key Lessons

  • Free Will vs. Divine Intervention: The verse highlights the tension between human free will and divine justice. Pharaoh's initial stubbornness was his own choice, but his continued defiance led to Hashem reinforcing his hardness of heart.
  • The Danger of Stubbornness: Pharaoh serves as a cautionary tale about the spiritual consequences of refusing to acknowledge truth and repent.
  • Divine Patience: The repeated opportunities given to Pharaoh demonstrate Hashem's patience, allowing ample time for repentance before enacting judgment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Pharaoh 'hardened his heart'?
A: When the verse says Pharaoh 'hardened his heart,' it means he stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go despite witnessing Hashem's miracles. Rashi explains that Pharaoh made his heart unfeeling and resistant to change, showing his arrogance and refusal to submit to Hashem's will.
Q: Why did Pharaoh keep refusing to let the Israelites go?
A: Pharaoh repeatedly refused because of his pride and arrogance (Rambam). The Midrash teaches that Hashem gave Pharaoh multiple chances to repent, but each time, Pharaoh chose to harden his own heart, showing his moral stubbornness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh hardening his heart?
A: This teaches us the danger of stubbornness and refusing to change when faced with truth. The Talmud (Yoma 69b) warns that hardening one’s heart leads to spiritual downfall. We must remain open to doing teshuvah (repentance) and improving ourselves.
Q: Does this verse mean Pharaoh had no free will?
A: No, traditional Jewish sources (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah) explain that Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart through free will. Only later did Hashem strengthen his stubbornness as a punishment for his repeated refusal to repent.
Q: How does Pharaoh's stubbornness apply to us today?
A: Just as Pharaoh's stubbornness led to suffering, we must avoid resisting truth and moral growth. The Sages teach that humility and willingness to change are essential in serving Hashem properly (Pirkei Avot 4:1).