Compare Pharaoh's attitude in Exodus 5:4 with Romans 1:21-22. What similarities exist? Setting the Scene • Exodus 5 opens with Moses and Aaron delivering God’s command to Pharaoh: “Let My people go.” • Romans 1 describes humanity’s universal slide into idolatry and moral darkness. Scripture Snapshot • “But the king of Egypt said to them, ‘Moses and Aaron, why are you taking the people from their work? Get back to your labor!’” (Exodus 5:4) • “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22) Shared Heart-Conditions • Rejection of Divine Authority – Pharaoh refuses God’s direct command (Exodus 5:2, 4). – Romans 1 depicts people who “neither glorified Him as God.” • Willful Ignorance – Pharaoh acts as if he has never heard of the LORD (Exodus 5:2) and insists on business as usual. – Romans 1:21 says they “knew God” yet suppress that knowledge, choosing darkness. • Pride-Fueled Foolishness – Pharaoh, the political superpower, assumes he knows best. – Romans 1:22: “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” • Hardness of Heart Leading to Oppression – Pharaoh intensifies labor (Exodus 5:6-9) instead of repenting. – Romans 1 continues (v. 28-32) with a list of downward moral spirals, harming self and others. Additional Cross-References • Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Psalm 14:1 — “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” • 1 Samuel 15:23 — “Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the wickedness of idolatry.” Key Takeaway When God speaks, a proud heart says, “Get back to your labor,” while a grateful heart says, “Yes, Lord.” The same refusal that hardened Pharaoh still operates wherever people know God yet refuse to honor Him. |
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