In the biblical narrative, the term "heathen" often refers to nations or individuals outside the covenant community of Israel, typically those who worship other gods or follow different religious practices. Despite their status as outsiders to the covenant, the Bible records instances where God, in His sovereignty, chooses to reveal divine truths to heathen rulers, such as Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. These revelations serve as a testament to God's universal authority and His ability to use any means to accomplish His purposes.

Pharaoh's Dreams in the Time of Joseph

One of the most notable instances of divine revelation to a heathen ruler is found in the account of Joseph, recorded in the Book of Genesis. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, receives two troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret. In Genesis 41:1-7 , Pharaoh dreams of seven healthy cows being devoured by seven gaunt cows, followed by a dream of seven plump ears of grain being swallowed by seven thin, scorched ears. These dreams are divinely inspired, intended to convey a message from God.

Joseph, a Hebrew slave and prisoner, is brought before Pharaoh to interpret the dreams. In Genesis 41:16 , Joseph humbly acknowledges, "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Joseph explains that the dreams are a warning from God about seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe famine. This revelation is not only a demonstration of God's omniscience but also His grace, as He provides Pharaoh with the foresight needed to prepare for the coming crisis.

Pharaoh's Response and God's Sovereign Plan

Pharaoh's response to the divine revelation is one of recognition and action. He acknowledges the wisdom imparted to Joseph by God and elevates him to a position of great authority, second only to Pharaoh himself (Genesis 41:39-41). This elevation of Joseph is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the preservation of Jacob's family during the famine, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham.

The revelation given to Pharaoh serves multiple purposes within the biblical framework. It demonstrates God's control over the nations and His ability to communicate His will to those outside the covenant community. Furthermore, it highlights the role of Joseph as a vessel through which God's plans are realized, showcasing the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency.

Pharaoh of the Exodus and the Hardened Heart

Another significant instance of divine interaction with a heathen Pharaoh occurs in the Book of Exodus. Here, God reveals His power and judgment through a series of plagues upon Egypt, intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. 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."

This revelation to Pharaoh, though indirect, is a demonstration of God's power and a fulfillment of His promise to deliver His people. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves to magnify God's glory and to make His name known among the nations. Despite Pharaoh's resistance, God's purposes are ultimately accomplished, leading to the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of His covenant with them at Sinai.

Conclusion

The divine revelations given to Pharaohs in the biblical narrative underscore the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use even those outside the covenant community to fulfill His divine purposes. These accounts serve as reminders of God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.Genesis 41:1-28
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Nave's Topical Index

The Scriptures
... to us the sacred Scriptures, The heathen are enveloped in ... people with delusion, instead
of divine revelations; therefore we ... that he has not only given thee his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... relation was respected by such heathen rulers as ... his most discouraging surrounding
circumstances is given glorious revelations. ... 8) In the divine providence our ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... candour in asserting, that in all heathen schools ousi'a ... of the world, and all other
divine operations (Prov ... Therefore, as all revelations from heaven are duly ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

Appendix
... an imitation of the mysteries or the revelations of Ceres. ... conclusion arrived at
is that the divine arranger fixed ... heaven is high over the gods of the heathen. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/appendix.htm

The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ...
... sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen whither ye went ... never forget that
neither part of divine revelation is ... What is true of the revelations of the Old ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvi the unity of.htm

A Kingdom's Epitaph
... became vain, and went after the heathen that were ... in more stringent appeals and clearer
revelations of Himself ... a corresponding increase in the divine effort to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a kingdoms epitaph.htm

Inseparable Connection Between the Old and the New Testament.
... glory, or comprehend the amount of divine testimony by ... a bright train of supernatural
revelations going before ... that God would justify the heathen through faith ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter viii inseparable connection between.htm

The Unclean Spirits.
... The heathen divinities were regarded as more propitious at some ... and he said, I pray
thee divine unto me ... same credence that we do the revelations of scripture. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the unclean spirits.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... will come to pass, as they are revelations to us ... 2 Peter 1:3, "According as His Divine
power hath ... the covetous designs and desires of their heathen neighbours. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... bestowed by the Jews upon a heathen living among ... considered only as instruments of
the divine operations ... The expectation of immediate revelations to awaken the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

What is a heathen? | GotQuestions.org

Who was William Carey? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to use vain repetitions in prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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