Hardened Hearts

Points of Dispute

These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:

Why was Paroh punished – what sin did he commit?
- Persecution of the Israelites – Rambam, Abarbanel
- Licentious society – Ralbag
- Disrespect to Hashem – Raavad
Who hardened Paroh's heart?
- Hashem – Lekach Tov, Ralbag
- Paroh at first and later Hashem – Tanchuma, Shemot Rabbah, Rashi, R. Saadia
- Paroh – Ibn Ezra, various opinions cited by Meiri, R. Yosef ibn Kaspi, Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel, Ma'asei Hashem, Biur, Shadal, Hoil Moshe, U. Cassuto
What was the purpose of the Plagues?
- Retribution – Shemot Rabbah, Lekach Tov, Rambam, Ralbag, Abarbanel
- Educate Israel – 4Q422, Bavli Yevamot, Rashi, Ralbag
- Egyptian recognition of Hashem – R. Yitzchak Arama, Hoil Moshe
- Rehabilitation of Paroh – R. Yosef ibn Shushan
- First nine plagues for rehabilitation, but Plague of Firstborn and Yam Suf for retribution – Sforno
How was the strengthening done?
- Supernaturally – Many commentators
- By natural means – Ibn Ezra, various opinions cited by Meiri, R. Yosef ibn Kaspi, Akeidat Yitzchak, Abarbanel, Ma'asei Hashem, Biur, Shadal, Hoil Moshe, U. Cassuto
Why was Sichon punished?
- Licentious society – probably Ralbag
- Unidentified sins – Rambam
- Part of seven Canaanite nations – R. Yosef ibn Shushan
- Attacking the Israelites – probably R. Yosef Albo