שמות, פרק י׳, פסוק כ׳

Following moments of emotional breakdown, confessions of guilt, and apologies, a sudden reversal occurs in the Egyptian leader's behavior. By this point, it had been proven beyond any doubt that Moses was in control of the dramatic events unfolding in Egypt. Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for a person to endure such severe plagues without finally breaking and surrendering [רבנו בחיי, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, at this advanced stage, there is absolutely no room left for error or for blaming the disasters on mere chance [העמק דבר].

Despite the overwhelming reality, Pharaoh remains stubborn. His refusal to yield does not stem from a lack of courage or a positive desire to honor God, but is rather the direct result of divine intervention [ביאור יש״ר]. This interference by God raises a profound moral question about the removal of free will. To resolve this, commentators offer several complementary justifications. First, there is a spiritual principle that when a person actively chooses a path of evil and impurity, Heaven assists him in continuing down that very path [אבן עזרא].

Moreover, Pharaoh himself initiated this destructive process. During the first five plagues, he hardened his own heart out of sheer cruelty and foolishness. Only after he stubbornly persisted in his rebellion did God step in to harden his heart, illustrating that kings and nations are ultimately like clay in the Creator's hands [רבנו בחיי]. Ultimately, there is no fundamental injustice in this divine intervention, as the punishment of the Egyptians had already been sealed in advance due to their previous sins [העמק דבר].

Consequently, the moment the immediate threat is removed and the locusts disappear, Pharaoh breaks his promise. His continued refusal to release the Israelites forms a familiar, circular ending, echoing a pattern of behavior that repeats time and again throughout the progression of the plagues [קאסוטו].