Shemot 7:13

13 And He hardened lev Pharaoh, that he paid heed not unto them; as Hashem had said.

Shemot 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 7:13

And he hardened Pharaoh's heart
Or, "notwithstanding the heart of Pharaoh was hardened" ^F1; though he saw the rods of his magicians devoured by rod; or "therefore" ^F2 his heart was hardened, because he saw that the rods of his magicians became serpents as well as Aaron's; in which there was a deception of sight, and which was suffered for the hardening of his heart, there being other wonders and miracles to be wrought, for showing forth the divine power, before Israel must be let go:

that he hearkened not unto them;
to Moses and Aaron, and comply with their demand, to dismiss the people of Israel:

as the Lord had said;
or foretold he would not.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (qzxyw) "attamen obfirmatum est", Junius & Tremellius.
F2 "Itaque", Piscator.

Shemot 7:13 In-Context

11 Then Pharaoh also called the chachamim and the mechashefim: now the kharetumei Mitzrayim, they also did in like manner with their secret lore.

12 For they cast down every man his matteh, and they became serpents: but the matteh Aharon swallowed up their mattot.

13 And He hardened lev Pharaoh, that he paid heed not unto them; as Hashem had said.

14 And Hashem said unto Moshe, the lev Pharaoh is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the boker; hinei, he goeth out unto the mayim; and thou shalt stand by the bank of the Nile to meet him; and the matteh which was turned to a nachash shalt thou take in thine yad.