Topical Bible: Character: Instability: Pharaoh

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Pharaoh, the title given to the ancient rulers of Egypt, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Exodus. The Pharaoh of the Exodus is often depicted as a symbol of instability, characterized by his vacillating decisions and hardened heart in response to God's commands delivered through Moses and Aaron.

Instability in Decision-Making

Pharaoh's instability is most evident in his interactions with Moses, who was sent by God to demand the release of the Israelites from slavery. Despite witnessing a series of miraculous signs and devastating plagues, Pharaoh's responses were inconsistent and marked by a lack of firm resolve. Initially, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go, as seen in Exodus 7:13: "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

As the plagues progressed, Pharaoh's reactions fluctuated. At times, he appeared to relent, only to change his mind once the immediate threat was removed. For instance, after the plague of frogs, Pharaoh pleaded with Moses to intercede with the LORD to remove the frogs, promising to let the people go (Exodus 8:8). However, once the frogs were gone, Pharaoh hardened his heart again and reneged on his promise (Exodus 8:15).

Hardened Heart and Repeated Defiance

Pharaoh's instability is further highlighted by the repeated hardening of his heart, a theme that recurs throughout the narrative. This hardening is sometimes described as self-imposed and at other times as an act of God, illustrating a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. In Exodus 9:12, it is stated, "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses."

Despite the clear evidence of God's power and the suffering of his own people, Pharaoh's heart remained obstinate. His inability to maintain a consistent stance ultimately led to the devastation of Egypt, culminating in the death of the firstborn sons during the final plague (Exodus 12:29-30).

Momentary Concessions and Final Defiance

Pharaoh's instability is also evident in his momentary concessions, which were often followed by a return to defiance. After the ninth plague of darkness, Pharaoh offered to let the Israelites go, but with conditions that were unacceptable to Moses (Exodus 10:24-27). Even after the catastrophic tenth plague, Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave, only to pursue them shortly thereafter, leading to the destruction of his army in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5-28).

Symbol of Human Rebellion

In the broader biblical context, Pharaoh's instability serves as a symbol of human rebellion against God. His vacillation and ultimate downfall illustrate the futility of resisting divine will and the consequences of a hardened heart. Pharaoh's account is a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride, stubbornness, and the refusal to submit to God's authority.

Pharaoh's character, as depicted in the Bible, underscores the theme of instability in leadership and the peril of ignoring God's commands. His narrative is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, obedience, and the recognition of God's sovereignty in all aspects of life.

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Exodus 8:15,32
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and listened not to them; as the LORD had said.
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Exodus 9:34
And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.
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Exodus 14:5
And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
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Library

The Almost Christian
... means of grace, but then, like Pharaoh's lean kine ... these outlines and sketches of
his character, if your ... Christians, is a fickleness and instability of temper. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Sometimes a son of the reigning Pharaoh, even the heir-presumptive, would condescend
to ... The same diversity of types, the same instability and the same want of ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... The first local principalities"Late organization of the Delta"Character of its ... When
Pharaoh himself deigned to officiate, the memory of the event was ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the usual commonplaces on the instability of human ... to draw similar inferences touching
the character of Nabopolassar or ... of Egypt talk loudly of Pharaoh and of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... For who but one whose mental optics are utterly purblind can fail to discern the
loose and unsubstantial character of the principle of their doctrine, and that ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm