Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of Pharaoh's conscience following the plagues is a profound exploration of the human heart's resistance to divine authority and the eventual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The account is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, where Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, encounters a series of divine judgments through the plagues, which serve as both a demonstration of God's power and a test of Pharaoh's heart.Hardened Heart and Divine Sovereignty Throughout the plagues, Pharaoh's heart is described as being hardened, a condition that is both self-imposed and divinely influenced. The Berean Standard Bible frequently notes this hardening, as seen in Exodus 9:12: "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had told Moses." This hardening serves as a theological motif illustrating the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to release the Israelites, despite witnessing the miraculous signs and suffering the consequences, highlights a conscience that is resistant to repentance and acknowledgment of the true God. Momentary Acknowledgment and Relapse After several plagues, Pharaoh exhibits moments of apparent contrition and acknowledgment of God's power. For instance, during the plague of hail, Pharaoh admits his sinfulness, saying in Exodus 9:27 , "This time I have sinned; the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." However, these admissions are often short-lived, as Pharaoh's heart is again hardened once the immediate threat is removed. This cycle of temporary acknowledgment followed by relapse into defiance underscores the struggle within Pharaoh's conscience, torn between the recognition of God's authority and his own pride and stubbornness. Final Concession and Recognition of God's Power The culmination of the plagues with the death of the firstborn finally breaks Pharaoh's resistance. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron and concedes, "Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also." This moment marks a significant shift in Pharaoh's conscience, as he not only permits the Israelites to leave but also seeks a blessing from Moses, indicating a reluctant acknowledgment of the LORD's supremacy. Pharaoh's Pursuit and Ultimate Defeat Despite this concession, Pharaoh's conscience remains conflicted, leading to his decision to pursue the Israelites, as recorded in Exodus 14:5-8 . This pursuit results in the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea and the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh's forces, serving as a final testament to God's deliverance and judgment. Pharaoh's fluctuating conscience, marked by moments of recognition and subsequent rebellion, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of resisting divine will and the inevitable triumph of God's purposes. The account of Pharaoh's conscience after the plagues is a rich narrative that invites reflection on the nature of human resistance to God, the interplay of divine judgment and mercy, and the ultimate acknowledgment of God's authority over all creation. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:27And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Nave's Topical Index Library The Promised Land Repentance Self-Inspection. Repentance and Restitution. A Stanza of Deliverance Full Redemption Separating the Precious from the Vile The Barren Fig-Tree; The Preface to the Commandments God's Barriers against Man's Sin Resources Why should the Bible be our source for morality? | GotQuestions.orgDoes 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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