The Hardening of Pharaoh in Exodus: A Biblical Study
Explore the narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart in the book of Exodus, examining the concept of hardening in biblical context. Discover the interplay between Pharaoh's actions and God's involvement, shedding light on free will, temptation, and divine intervention. Delve into the significance of this story and its implications for understanding human nature and spiritual truths.
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Hardening of Pharaoh Ex 4:21-23
Harden in Exodus chazaq (Strong s 2388) to brace up and strengthen Ex 4:21; 7:13,22; 8:19; 9:12,35; 10:20,27; 11:10; 14:4,8,17 qashah (Strong s 7185) marked by impatience, irritability and petulance, to be dense, tough or severe Ex 7:3 kabed (Strong s 3513,3515) depicting a burden weighing one down to the point one is disabled or unable to function Ex 7:14; 8:15,32; 9:7,34; 10:1
Who hardened Pharaoh? Pharaoh: But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. - Ex 8:15, ESV (After plague of frogs) But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. - Ex 9:34, ESV
Who hardened Pharaoh? God: And the Lord said to Moses, When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. - Ex 4:21, ESV Then the Lord said to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them - Ex 10:1, ESV
Who hardened Pharaoh? Did God harden the man over that man s own free will? God does not tempt man to disobey Him 13Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. - Jas 1:13-15, ESV
Who hardened Pharaoh? NT Prophecy of the falling away 11Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. - 2 Thess 2:11-12, ESV What was this cause ? for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. - 2 Thess 2:10, ESV They took pleasure in unrighteousness
Harden in Exodus What we see in Exodus is a ruler whose attitude and decided course has been thoroughly fortified against all argument, to the point that he would lash out foolishly, even childishly, at any plea to change is mind. Pharaoh was, at a minimum, complicit and eager to reject all possible advocacy for God s will is abundantly evident from the text. So much so, that every message, sign, and plea from God served only to entrench Pharaoh and increase his willful stubbornness to disobey.
He is the True and Living God Exodus: Through Pharaoh s obstinance, God shows Egypt and Israel who the true God is Ex 7:3-5; 10:1-2; 14:4 Pharaoh rejects God s entreaties to the point of death Ex 4:22-23; 14:5-8, 27-28 New Testament: Christ s life, death and resurrection show that He is the way, the Son of God Jn 20:30-31 Many of those that heard Him, rejected Him Matt 23:37-39
Are you hardened? (Heb 3:12-15) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. - Jas 1:22-23, ESV Do you reject the invitation to follow Christ? (Matt 13:1-23; 19:16-22) Do you resist the correction of God s word? (Heb 6:4-6; 12:5-7) What are you allowing to hinder you?
When your heart is soft God s message will lead you to recognize your state 17 But when he came to himself, he said, How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants. - Luke 15:17-19, ESV
Have you forgotten God? Ex 1:8 Do not delay There is water here. You can be saved by God s grace through faith, if you have not (Acts 8:26-40) You can return to a right relationship with God, if you have strayed (Acts 8:9-24) Your brethren stand ready to assist you
