What role does obedience play in responding to God's will, as seen in Exodus 10:20? Setting the Scene The ninth plague—darkness—has just lifted when we reach Exodus 10:20: “But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.” Pharaoh has witnessed sign after sign, and every time, he digs in deeper. This single verse, set against the backdrop of mounting judgments, invites us to study obedience by looking at Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal. What Exodus 10:20 Reveals • God’s will was unmistakably communicated: “Let My people go.” • Pharaoh’s ongoing disobedience shows that clarity of God’s command does not guarantee human compliance. • The LORD’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart underscores divine sovereignty working alongside human responsibility. Pharaoh still chooses rebellion, illustrating the peril of resisting God’s clear will. Key Principles on Obedience • Obedience is the natural response to God’s revealed will. Anything less is rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Repeated refusal can lead to a calloused heart—a point where turning back becomes increasingly difficult (Hebrews 3:13). • Each act of disobedience compounds spiritual blindness, while each act of obedience sharpens spiritual insight (John 14:21). The Cost of Refusal • Personal devastation: Pharaoh’s kingdom faced economic ruin and social chaos (Exodus 10). • Escalating judgment: darkness was followed by the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11-12). • Lost opportunity: Pharaoh could have experienced blessing by aligning with God, yet chose curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). The Blessing of Obedience Contrast Pharaoh with Moses, who, though hesitant at first, ultimately obeyed: • Moses saw God’s power firsthand (Exodus 14:21-22). • Israel experienced deliverance (Exodus 12:31-42). • Obedience positioned Moses to receive further revelation—the Law at Sinai (Exodus 19-20). Guarding Against a Hardened Heart • Regularly remember God’s works (Psalm 103:2). • Submit quickly when Scripture exposes sin (James 1:22-25). • Cultivate humility through worship and gratitude (Colossians 3:15-17). • Seek accountability within the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living It Out Today • Identify a clear biblical command you’ve delayed obeying. Act on it this week. • Replace “I’ll think about it” with immediate, practical steps—Pharaoh’s procrastination only deepened his bondage. • Pray for a tender heart that trembles at God’s word (Isaiah 66:2). • Celebrate every small act of obedience; each step strengthens your readiness for the next assignment (Luke 16:10). Conclusion Exodus 10:20 reminds us that obedience is not optional; it is the decisive factor in whether we experience God’s blessing or His discipline. Pharaoh’s hardened heart stands as a warning, while Scripture consistently holds out the promise that “in keeping [God’s commands] there is great reward” (Psalm 19:11). |
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