שמות, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״א

In moments of severe crisis, human nature often defaults to surrender and desperate promises. Yet, once the danger passes, stubbornness quickly returns. Pharaoh undergoes exactly this psychological and moral shift immediately following the plague of frogs, as the commitments he made under intense pressure evaporate the moment his reality improves. Moving from a state of intense distress to a feeling of space and ease provides him with a profound sense of relief [אבן עזרא, שד״ל, ביאור יש״ר]. Commentators note the specific mention of relief during this plague, contrasting it with other plagues that passed without a trace. In this instance, the frogs did not simply vanish; they died and left a terrible stench across the land. Naturally, this overwhelming odor should have kept Pharaoh in a state of submission. However, because Egypt is vast, the foul smell dispersed across the wide spaces and did not bother him as much, granting him the breathing room he desired [כלי יקר]. Another perspective suggests that Pharaoh received an even greater reprieve than he had requested. This unexpected ease led him to the convenient but mistaken conclusion that the frogs had simply died off on their own, completely unrelated to the prayer of Moses [העמק דבר].

Pharaoh's return to defiance is not a sudden, one-time decision, but rather a gradual, ongoing process of hardening his heart [רש״י, אבן עזרא, גור אריה]. The plague of frogs had utterly broken his spirit and forced him into complete submission. Because of this, his newfound stubbornness does not emerge naturally. To revert to his old ways, Pharaoh has to exert immense effort, fighting against his own subdued nature. He actively forces himself to endure the lingering stench of the dead frogs, willing to suffer the foul conditions just to avoid surrendering to the voice of God [רשב״ם, ספורנו, ביאור יש״ר].

This deliberate effort exposes the depth of his wickedness, proving that his earlier surrender was merely a facade to escape the immediate crisis. The instant he experiences relief, he rushes to break his promise [אברבנאל, קאסוטו]. Consequently, he completely ignores Moses and Aaron when they arrive to demand that he honor his word and release the people [רלב״ג, ביאור יש״ר]. Instead of keeping his commitment, he chooses to listen only to his own selfish desires [אלשיך]. The events conclude with a reminder that this outcome unfolds exactly as God had previously predicted. This emphasis is required because, having just witnessed Moses's prayer directly answered with tangible relief, Pharaoh is fully expected to finally recognize God's hand and honor his agreement. By recalling God's earlier prophecy that Pharaoh would not listen, the narrative highlights a tragic reality: even when granted clear and undeniable relief, Pharaoh still chooses to remain stubborn and refuse [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, משכיל לדוד].