Exodus 9:17

My Notes

What Does Exodus 9:17 Mean?

God confronts Pharaoh with a direct question: "As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people?" The word "exalt" means to build up, to make high, to position yourself above. God is naming what Pharaoh is doing: not just opposing Israel, but elevating himself above God's authority over His own people.

The phrase "as yet" (still?) carries incredulity. After everything — the water turned to blood, the frogs, the lice, the flies, the livestock disease, the boils — Pharaoh is still doing this? The question implies that the evidence is overwhelming and the persistence is absurd.

"My people" is the claim that matters most. God isn't fighting for territory or ideology. He's fighting for His people. Pharaoh's sin isn't just political stubbornness — it's the refusal to release what belongs to God. When you hold onto what God has claimed, you've positioned yourself against the God of the universe.

Reflection Questions

• 1.Is there an area where God keeps pressing and you keep resisting — where the 'as yet' applies to you?
• 2.What does it look like to 'exalt yourself against God's people' in a modern context?
• 3.Why do you think Pharaoh kept resisting despite overwhelming evidence? Is there a parallel in your own stubbornness?
• 4.What would full surrender look like in the area where you've been holding on longest?

Devotional

"Still?" That's the unspoken word in God's question. Still? After everything I've shown you, after every plague, after every demonstration of power — you're still doing this?

There's a kind of stubbornness that's almost impressive in its absurdity. Pharaoh had seen water become blood. He'd watched frogs invade every surface of his palace. His people were covered in boils. And he was still holding on. Still exalting himself. Still refusing to let go.

Before you shake your head at Pharaoh, ask yourself: is there an area where God has been clearly, repeatedly, unmistakably showing you something — and you're still holding on? Still exalting your preferences over His commands? Still refusing to release what He's told you to release?

The "as yet" is devastating because it implies accumulated evidence. This isn't the first signal. This isn't ambiguous guidance. God has been communicating — clearly, powerfully, repeatedly — and the only thing between His will and your obedience is your insistence on staying above it.

What are you still exalting above God's claim on your life?

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture