How does Pharaoh's response in Exodus 5:2 reflect a hardened heart towards God? Setting the Scene • Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with God’s command: “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). • Pharaoh’s immediate reply (Exodus 5:2): “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” What Pharaoh Actually Says 1. “Who is the LORD…?” – Questions God’s very identity and authority. 2. “…that I should obey His voice…?” – Rejects any obligation to submit. 3. “I do not know the LORD…” – Claims ignorance that is willful, not innocent. 4. “…and I will not let Israel go.” – Issues a flat refusal, sealing his defiance with action. Markers of a Hardened Heart • Prideful Self-Exaltation – Pharaoh sets himself above God’s revealed word (cf. Isaiah 14:13–14; Psalm 12:4). • Deliberate Ignorance – Romans 1:21: “Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him.” • Open Disobedience – Hebrews 3:7–8 warns, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • Contempt for Covenant People – Dismissing Israel’s God goes hand-in-hand with oppressing His people (Zechariah 2:8). Progression of Hardness in Exodus 1. Initial denial (5:2). 2. Escalating oppression (5:6–9). 3. Repeated self-hardening (7:13; 8:15). 4. Judicial hardening by God after persistent rebellion (9:12). Contrast: What Humility Looks Like • Moses at the burning bush bows and asks for guidance (Exodus 3:1–6). • Ninevite king steps down, repents when confronted by Jonah (Jonah 3:6–9). • Centurion says, “I am not worthy… just say the word” (Luke 7:6–9). Lessons for Us • God’s authority is non-negotiable; questioning it is the first step toward hardness. • Familiarity with God’s name alone does not equal submission; obedience proves knowledge (John 14:21). • Repeated rejection strengthens resistance; prompt repentance softens the heart (Proverbs 28:14). |
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