What does Pharaoh's acknowledgment of sin reveal about God's power in Exodus 9:27? Setting the Scene The seventh plague—devastating hail—has just struck Egypt. Crops are ruined, livestock and people caught outdoors are dead, and the nation’s king is shaken to the core. Reading the Verse “Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. ‘This time I have sinned,’ he said to them. ‘The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.’” (Exodus 9:27) Observations on Pharaoh’s Admission • First recorded confession: After six earlier plagues, Pharaoh finally uses the word “sinned.” • Recognition of divine character: He calls the LORD “righteous,” acknowledging God’s moral perfection. • Corporate guilt: “I and my people” shows that Egypt’s rebellion is national, not merely personal. • Momentary humility: The words are true, yet later actions prove the repentance superficial (Exodus 9:34–35). What This Reveals about God’s Power • Power to break human pride. Even the most powerful earthly ruler cannot resist God indefinitely (Isaiah 2:11). • Power to expose sin. God’s plagues served as a spotlight, revealing Pharaoh’s guilt and Egypt’s idolatry. • Power acknowledged by enemies. A pagan king confesses God’s righteousness—fulfilling the principle that “even His foes submit” (Psalm 66:3). • Power that vindicates His name. Each plague disproved Egyptian deities; Pharaoh’s words confirm the LORD alone is righteous (Exodus 12:12). • Power that serves His redemptive plan. God told Moses earlier, “I will multiply My signs… so that you may know that I am the LORD” (Exodus 7:3–5). Pharaoh’s admission is evidence that the plan is working. Cross References Confirming God’s Supreme Power • Romans 9:17—“For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, to display My power in you….’” • Exodus 14:4—God hardens Pharaoh’s heart again “so I will gain glory over Pharaoh.” • Psalm 76:10—“Surely the wrath of man shall praise You.” • Philippians 2:10–11—Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. Reflections for Today • God’s power is not limited to blessing; He wields judgment to reveal His holiness. • True repentance involves lasting surrender, not merely crisis-driven words (2 Corinthians 7:10). • If Pharaoh’s hardened heart ultimately had to confess, we can trust the same God to break strongholds in our world and in our lives. |
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