What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in this passage?

When the passage says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it shows that God is in control even of a stubborn ruler. Pharaoh had already refused God many times and kept resisting what he knew was right. God then confirmed Pharaoh in that path so that His power would be clearly seen in the plagues and in the rescue of Israel. This hardening was not random. It served God’s plan to show His signs, to judge Egypt’s pride, and to give His people a story of His power to pass on to their children.

Why did God send a plague of locusts on Egypt?

God sent locusts as a further judgment because Pharaoh still refused to let Israel go. Earlier hail had damaged the land, and the locusts finished what was left, eating every green thing. This showed that God rules over nature and can use even small insects to bring a strong nation to its knees. The locusts were a warning that stubborn disobedience leads to greater loss. They also showed that when God speaks, His word cannot be brushed aside without consequence, even by a powerful king.

Why did Pharaoh’s servants urge him to let the men go?

Pharaoh’s servants had watched plague after plague fall on Egypt. By the time the locusts were threatened, they could see that the country was being ruined. They asked, “How long shall this man be a snare unto us?” and begged Pharaoh to let the men go to serve the LORD. Their words show growing fear of more judgment and a more honest view of reality than Pharaoh himself had. They recognized that holding onto Israel in defiance of God was destroying Egypt, not saving it.

What is the importance of God telling Moses to teach this to his son and grandson?

God tells Moses that these signs in Egypt are to be told in the ears of his son and his son’s son. This shows that God’s mighty works are not just for the people who see them first, but for every generation after. Parents are to pass on the stories of God’s rescue and judgment so their children know who the LORD is and what He has done. Remembering these events is meant to build faith, warn against pride, and keep families rooted in trust and obedience to God.

Why did Pharaoh only want the men to go and not the women and children?

When Pharaoh offers to let only the men go, he is still trying to stay in control. Letting men leave while holding back women, children, and livestock would keep Israel tied to Egypt and prevent full freedom. Moses insists that everyone must go, young and old, with their flocks and herds, because they are going to hold a feast to the LORD. This clash shows that God wants His people to serve Him with their whole households, while Pharaoh wants to limit and weaken that obedience.

Was Pharaoh’s confession of sin real repentance?

After the locusts, Pharaoh quickly calls Moses and Aaron and says, “I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.” He asks for forgiveness and for the plague to be removed. But once God hears Moses’ prayer and the locusts are driven into the sea, Pharaoh hardens his heart again and will not let Israel go. His words were focused on getting relief from suffering, not on truly turning to God. This shows a shallow repentance that wants the pain to end without a real change of heart.

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

This passage shows that God is both just and merciful. He is just in sending the locusts and other plagues because Pharaoh keeps resisting His clear command. God will not ignore pride and stubbornness, especially when it harms His people. At the same time, God listens when Moses prays and quickly removes the locusts with a strong west wind. He is ready to show mercy, even to enemies, while still carrying out His plan. God’s power over wind, insects, and kings shows that nothing is outside His rule.

How can this story about Pharaoh and the locusts apply to my life today?

This story warns against hardening your heart when God shows you what is right. Pharaoh kept saying no and only cried out when the pain was great, then went back to his old ways. We can be tempted to do the same, seeking God only to escape problems. The passage invites you to humble yourself early, listen when God speaks, and let His warnings lead to real change, not just words. It also reminds parents and families to tell the next generation about God’s works so they learn to trust and obey Him.

Exod.10.1

Exodus 10:1

KJV GOD

And the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.