Exodus 7:10-14 - Pharaoh's heart was hardened

7:10-13

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did as they had been told. And the staff did indeed become a serpent. Note that earlier Moses had seen a similar thing happen. However, Pharaoh got his wise men and sorcerers, and they managed to do the same thing. When we get to the plagues, the Egyptian magicians were able to replicate the first two plagues, but none after that. We are not told how or why they were able to repeat some of the miracles. However, Aaron’s serpent swallowed up all the other serpents.Outwardly the signs may have been the same, but there was a difference. However, despite seeing the sign Pharaoh would not change his mind. In Jesus’ day the religious leaders were forever asking for a sign, but refused to acknowledge the multiple signs that they saw. Their hearts were hard like Pharaoh’s.

7:14

The plagues now begin. As we read the account it may seem that they happened in quick succession, but that is not necessarily so. They may have taken place over a number of months, or possibly even longer. God reminds Moses that Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. Pharaoh’s reaction to Moses’ initial request resulted in the hardening of his heart. When we sin or make sinful decisions, as Pharaoh had done, it produces a hardening of the heart. It demands that we persist in our rebellious ways.