share torah logo

Exodus 9:34 - Pharaoh's stubborn heart returns

Exodus 9:34 - שמות 9:34

Hebrew Text

וַיַּרְא פַּרְעֹה כִּי־חָדַל הַמָּטָר וְהַבָּרָד וְהַקֹּלֹת וַיֹּסֶף לַחֲטֹא וַיַּכְבֵּד לִבּוֹ הוּא וַעֲבָדָיו׃

English Translation

And when Par῾o saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders had ceased, he sinned yet again, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.

Transliteration

Va-yar Paro ki-chadal ha-matar ve-ha-barad ve-ha-kolot, va-yosef la-chato va-yachbed libo hu va-avadav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣רְא פַּרְעֹ֗ה כִּֽי־חָדַ֨ל הַמָּטָ֧ר וְהַבָּרָ֛ד וְהַקֹּלֹ֖ת וַיֹּ֣סֶף לַחֲטֹ֑א וַיַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖וֹ ה֥וּא וַעֲבָדָֽיו׃
וַיַּ֣רְא פַּרְעֹ֗ה כִּֽי־חָדַ֨ל הַמָּטָ֧ר וְהַבָּרָ֛ד וְהַקֹּלֹ֖ת וַיֹּ֣סֶף לַחֲטֹ֑א וַיַּכְבֵּ֥ד לִבּ֖וֹ ה֥וּא וַעֲבָדָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

The verse describes Pharaoh's reaction after the cessation of the plague of hail (Exodus 9:34). Despite witnessing the clear divine intervention, Pharaoh and his servants persisted in their obstinacy. Rashi explains that Pharaoh's heart was "hardened" (וַיַּכְבֵּד לִבּוֹ)—meaning he deliberately chose to ignore the signs and continue his rebellion against Hashem. This behavior demonstrates the dangerous nature of habitual sin, which can lead to a desensitized heart (הרגל עבירה).

The Nature of Pharaoh's Sin

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:3) teaches that repeated sin can lead to a state where repentance becomes exceedingly difficult. Pharaoh's continued refusal to release Bnei Yisrael, even after experiencing miraculous plagues, illustrates this principle. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 12:1) adds that Pharaoh's servants initially showed signs of fear ("ה' הַצַּדִּיק"—Exodus 9:27), but they too fell back into defiance, influenced by Pharaoh's stubbornness.

The Cessation of the Plague as a Test

The Sforno notes that the temporary end of the plague was a test for Pharaoh—would he recognize Hashem's mercy and repent, or would he revert to his wickedness? His failure to seize this opportunity for introspection (חֶשְׁבּוֹן הַנֶּפֶשׁ) led to further punishment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 105a) compares Pharaoh's behavior to that of the wicked who, even when given respite, do not change their ways.

Lessons in Divine Justice

  • Free Will vs. Divine Intervention: The hardening of Pharaoh's heart (later in Exodus) raises questions about free will. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:3) explains that after repeated refusal to repent, Hashem may remove the ability to repent as a form of punishment.
  • Leadership Influence: Pharaoh's servants followed his example ("הוּא וַעֲבָדָיו"), teaching that a leader's moral failures can corrupt an entire nation (Tanchuma, Bo 1).
  • Divine Patience: The plagues unfolded gradually, demonstrating Hashem's patience and desire for repentance (Mechilta, Bo 13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Pharaoh 'hardened his heart' in Exodus 9:34?
A: When the Torah says Pharaoh 'hardened his heart,' it means he stubbornly refused to let the Israelites go despite witnessing Hashem's miracles. Rashi explains that Pharaoh intentionally made his heart unfeeling and resistant to change, showing his arrogance and refusal to submit to Hashem's will.
Q: Why did Pharaoh continue to sin after the plagues stopped in Exodus 9:34?
A: Pharaoh continued to sin because he mistakenly thought the end of the plague meant he was no longer obligated to listen to Hashem. The Midrash teaches that Pharaoh's arrogance led him to believe he had 'won,' showing how temporary relief can sometimes make people forget their commitments to do what's right.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Pharaoh's behavior in Exodus 9:34?
A: We learn from Pharaoh the danger of stubbornness and not learning from our mistakes. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that true repentance requires changing one's ways—unlike Pharaoh, who repeatedly hardened his heart instead of improving.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Pharaoh's servants also hardened their hearts?
A: The verse includes Pharaoh's servants to show that his negative influence spread to others. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 27a) discusses how leaders can impact those around them—for good or bad. Here, Pharaoh's stubbornness corrupted his entire court.
Q: How does Pharaoh's reaction in Exodus 9:34 relate to free will?
A: This verse demonstrates that Pharaoh exercised his free will to choose evil. While later Hashem hardened Pharaoh's heart (as punishment for earlier choices), here Pharaoh does it himself. Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) explains that every person initially has free will to choose between good and evil.