What can we learn about God's justice from Exodus 9:12? Scripture Focus “But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had told Moses.” (Exodus 9:12) Snapshot of the Scene - Sixth plague: painful boils break out on Egypt (Exodus 9:8-11). - Magicians can’t stand before Moses; yet Pharaoh still refuses. - After repeated warnings and opportunities to repent, God actively hardens Pharaoh’s heart—confirming what He had foretold (Exodus 4:21; 7:3). Layers of Divine Justice in Exodus 9:12 - Consistency with prior warnings • God announced this very outcome to Moses before any plague began (Exodus 4:21). • Justice is transparent: the standard and the consequence were clearly stated. - Retribution that fits the offense • Pharaoh had already hardened his own heart multiple times (Exodus 8:15; 8:32; 9:34). • Divine hardening is God’s just response to persistent human rebellion—sin’s natural trajectory confirmed by sovereign decree. - Protection for covenant people • Each plague distinguishes Israel from Egypt (Exodus 8:22-23; 9:4). • Justice includes rescuing the oppressed while confronting the oppressor. - Public display of God’s righteousness • “For this very purpose I raised you up, to display My power in you” (Romans 9:17-18). • God’s judgments become object lessons for every generation (Psalm 106:8). What Hardening Teaches Us About God’s Character - He is perfectly just • “All His ways are justice; a God of faithfulness and without injustice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • No judgment falls without prior revelation and patient forbearance (2 Peter 3:9). - He is sovereign over human hearts without negating responsibility • Pharaoh acts freely yet fulfills God’s foreknown plan (Proverbs 21:1; Acts 2:23). • God can “give them over” (Romans 1:24-28) or “send a strong delusion” (2 Thessalonians 2:11) when truth is persistently rejected. - He balances mercy and wrath • Five plagues allowed Pharaoh to relent; only after continued defiance does God judicially confirm his hardness. • “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14). Implications for Us Today - Take sin seriously; repeated refusal to heed God can lead to a hardened state. - Marvel at God’s patience—He warns before He judges. - Trust His justice when evil seems entrenched; He will vindicate righteousness in His time. - Proclaim the gospel urgently; God still rescues those who humble themselves, yet He will also display justice against unrepentant hardness (John 3:36). |
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