8085. 'And so it was when Pharaoh hardened himself against sending us away' means when those who molested by means of falsities were obstinately determined not to let them be released. This is clear from the meaning of 'hardening oneself' as being obstinately determined, dealt with in 7272, 7300, 7305; from the representation of 'Pharaoh' as those who molested by means of falsities, dealt with in 7107, 7110, 7126, 7142, 7220, 7228, 7317; and from the meaning of 'sending away' as releasing.

7220. 'Come, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt' means a warning to those who molest by means of utter falsities. This is clear from the meaning of 'speaking to', since it is to be done by Divine command, as a warning; and from the representation of 'Pharaoh' as those who molest by means of falsities, dealt with in 7107, 7110, 7126, 7142. And since they were utter falsities, the expression 'Pharaoh king of Egypt' is used, for in the genuine sense 'king' means truth, and in the contrary sense falsity, 2015, 2069.