Topical Bible: Heart: Hardened Hearts: Pharoah

◄ Heart: Hardened Hearts: Pharoah ►

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The concept of a "hardened heart" is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, particularly in the account of Pharaoh during the Exodus. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a pivotal element in the account of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, illustrating the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Biblical Context

The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. As Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with God's command to "Let My people go" (Exodus 5:1), Pharaoh's heart becomes increasingly resistant to the demands of the God of Israel. This hardening is mentioned multiple times throughout the plagues that God sends upon Egypt.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is described in various ways in the text. At times, the Scriptures state that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15), while at other times, it is said that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart (Exodus 9:12). This duality highlights the complex relationship between God's sovereign will and human agency.

From a theological perspective, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves to demonstrate God's power and glory. In Exodus 7:3-5 , God declares, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and by mighty acts of judgment I will bring out My divisions, My people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it."

Purpose and Significance

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves several purposes within the biblical narrative:

1. Demonstration of God's Power: The repeated hardening of Pharaoh's heart allows for the display of God's power through the plagues. Each plague serves as a testament to God's supremacy over the gods of Egypt and the natural world.

2. Judgment and Justice: Pharaoh's hardened heart is also a form of divine judgment. His refusal to heed God's command results in severe consequences for Egypt, illustrating the justice of God in dealing with rebellion and sin.

3. Fulfillment of God's Plan: The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is integral to the fulfillment of God's plan to deliver Israel from bondage. It sets the stage for the Passover and the eventual Exodus, key events in the history of Israel and their covenant relationship with God.

4. Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The narrative serves as a warning against the dangers of a hardened heart. It underscores the importance of humility and obedience to God's will, contrasting Pharaoh's obstinacy with the faithfulness required of God's people.

Theological Reflections

The account of Pharaoh's hardened heart invites reflection on the nature of human free will and divine predestination. It challenges believers to consider the condition of their own hearts in response to God's commands and the gospel message. The account of Pharaoh serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of resisting God's will and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

In summary, the hardened heart of Pharaoh is a profound biblical motif that illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, while also serving as a powerful narrative of God's redemptive work in history.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 4:21
And the LORD said to Moses, When you go to return into Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in your hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
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Exodus 7:3,13,22
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
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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 9:12
And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he listened not to them; as the LORD had spoken to Moses.
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Library

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... David said, "Your hearts are as fat as grease." Aye, that ... My heart exults, and my
eyes flash with the thought ... And though he is ever so hardened and desperate a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm

War! War! War!
... Speak sometimes sternly if the sinner be hardened in his sin ... To have bitterness in
our hearts against any man that ... your own self, with your own heart and with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm