“But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had spoken to Moses.”
Exodus 9:12
Summary
In Exodus chapter 9, the narrative continues with the plagues that God sends upon Egypt, showcasing His power and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. This chapter introduces the fifth and sixth plagues: the livestock disease that strikes down the Egyptians' cattle, and the painful boils that afflict both humans and animals. God instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh about these plagues, emphasizing that they are designed to demonstrate His sovereignty and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Despite witnessing these calamities, Pharaoh remains obstinate, illustrating the theme of human resistance to divine authority. The significance of this chapter lies not only in God’s judgment but also in His mercy, as He allows some livestock to survive and offers Pharaoh repeated opportunities to repent. The chapter culminates with God's declaration that He has raised Pharaoh up to show His power, underscoring the purpose behind these mighty acts: to make His name known throughout the earth.