What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Pharaoh's reaction in Exodus 10:28? Setting the scene “Depart from me!” Pharaoh warned. “Take heed; never appear before me again—see me and die!” (Exodus 10:28) God’s plan marches on, untouched by human rage • The Lord had already said, “I will harden his heart” (Exodus 4:21). • Job 42:2: “No purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” • Pharaoh’s ultimatum only ushers in plague ten and the Exodus, exactly as foretold (Exodus 3:19-20). The ruler on earth remains under the Ruler in heaven • Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” • Pharaoh thinks he controls access to his throne; God controls Pharaoh’s heartbeat. • Romans 9:17: God raised Pharaoh up “to display My power… that My name might be proclaimed.” Human defiance highlights divine patience • Nine plagues, nine chances to repent; each ends with mercy. • 2 Peter 3:9 shows the same patience toward sinners today. Irony in Pharaoh’s threat • He says, “see me and die,” yet Egypt’s firstborn will soon die (Exodus 12:29-30). • He never sees Moses in the palace again, but he will see him at the Red Sea as his army drowns (Exodus 14:26-28). • The one issuing death threats cannot keep his own nation alive. Takeaways for every generation • No human decision can derail God’s redemptive purposes. • When rulers oppose Him, He bends their actions to serve His glory and His people (Genesis 50:20). • Believers can work and witness with confidence; history is directed by the Lord (Ephesians 1:11). • Persistent rebellion invites judgment—a sober warning against hardening the heart (Hebrews 3:15). |
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