Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Pharaoh

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Pharaoh ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the term "homicide" refers to the unlawful killing of a human being. When examining the actions of Pharaoh, particularly in the context of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, we encounter instances of felonious homicide, which are deliberate and unlawful killings.

Pharaoh's Decree Against Hebrew Infants

One of the most egregious acts of felonious homicide attributed to Pharaoh is his decree to kill Hebrew male infants. This act is recorded in the Book of Exodus, where Pharaoh, fearing the growing population and potential power of the Israelites, orders the systematic killing of all newborn Hebrew boys. Exodus 1:22 states, "Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: 'Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.'"

This decree represents a state-sanctioned act of murder, targeting an entire generation of Hebrew males. The intent was not only to control the population but also to suppress any future threat to Egyptian dominance. The act of throwing infants into the Nile was both a method of execution and a demonstration of Pharaoh's absolute power over life and death within his realm.

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

The narrative of Pharaoh's hardened heart further illustrates his culpability in acts of homicide. Despite witnessing the plagues that God brought upon Egypt, Pharaoh repeatedly refused to release the Israelites, leading to further suffering and death among his own people. Exodus 9:12 notes, "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had told Moses."

Pharaoh's obstinacy resulted in the death of many Egyptians, culminating in the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household during the final plague (Exodus 12:29-30). While this act was a divine judgment, Pharaoh's persistent refusal to heed God's warnings directly contributed to the loss of life, highlighting his role in the felonious homicide of his own people.

Pharaoh's Pursuit of the Israelites

After finally allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, Pharaoh's decision to pursue them with his army led to further loss of life. In Exodus 14:5-9 , Pharaoh changes his mind and chases after the Israelites, resulting in the drowning of his army in the Red Sea. This pursuit, driven by Pharaoh's pride and desire to reassert control, demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice the lives of his soldiers in a futile attempt to maintain his grip on the Israelites.

Pharaoh's actions throughout the Exodus narrative exemplify a pattern of felonious homicide, characterized by deliberate and unlawful killings driven by fear, pride, and a desire for control. His decrees and decisions resulted in the loss of countless lives, both among the Hebrews and his own people, underscoring the destructive consequences of his hardened heart and defiance against God's will.

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Exodus 1:16,22
And he said, When you do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the stools; if it be a son, then you shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.
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