Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a theme that can be observed in the biblical narrative of Pharaoh during the Exodus account. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is a prominent figure whose repeated delays in responding to God's commands through Moses serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers and consequences of procrastination.

Biblical Context

The account of Pharaoh's procrastination is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. God, through Moses and Aaron, demands the release of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh's heart is hardened, and he repeatedly postpones compliance with God's command, leading to a series of plagues that devastate Egypt.

Key Incidents of Procrastination

1. Initial Refusal and Hardening of Heart: When Moses first approaches Pharaoh with God's command, "Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness" (Exodus 5:1), Pharaoh dismisses the request, saying, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2). This initial refusal sets the stage for a pattern of procrastination.

2. The Plagues and Delayed Responses: As the plagues begin, Pharaoh's procrastination becomes evident. After the plague of frogs, Pharaoh pleads with Moses to intercede with the LORD to remove the frogs, promising to let the people go. However, once the frogs are gone, Pharaoh hardens his heart and delays fulfilling his promise (Exodus 8:8-15).

3. The Plague of Locusts: During the plague of locusts, Pharaoh's servants urge him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the destruction brought upon Egypt. Pharaoh briefly considers their advice but ultimately delays action, resulting in further devastation (Exodus 10:7-11).

4. The Plague of Darkness: Even after the plague of darkness, Pharaoh continues to procrastinate. He offers a compromise, allowing only the men to go and worship, but not the women and children. Moses rejects this offer, and Pharaoh's heart remains hardened (Exodus 10:24-27).

5. The Death of the Firstborn: It is only after the final and most severe plague—the death of the firstborn—that Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave. However, this decision comes too late to prevent the catastrophic loss of life and suffering in Egypt (Exodus 12:29-32).

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's procrastination is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual issue with profound theological implications. His repeated delays in obeying God's commands demonstrate a lack of reverence for the divine authority and a refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty. This narrative serves as a warning against the spiritual dangers of procrastination, highlighting how delaying obedience to God can lead to severe consequences.

Lessons for Believers

The account of Pharaoh's procrastination encourages believers to examine their own lives for areas where they may be delaying obedience to God's will. It underscores the importance of responding promptly to God's commands and the potential consequences of spiritual procrastination. By learning from Pharaoh's example, believers are reminded to prioritize obedience and trust in God's timing and authority.Exodus 8:10
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to your word: that you may know that there is none like to the LORD our God.
Nave's Topical Index

God's Promises Tests
... lackey of his brothers, the Midianites' chattel, Potiphar's slave, Pharaoh's prisoner,
and ... the assurance, the better we can tolerate the procrastination of its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods promises tests.htm

Matt. xii. 38, 39
... And this I say, because I know many, who like Pharaoh are even now saying, "I know
not God," [1756 ... Have we not had enough of indolence, mirth, procrastination? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliii matt xii 38.htm

Jacob and Doubting Souls --A Parallel
... hither, but God, and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord ... Procrastination
is the devil's net in which myriads are entangled to their utter destruction ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/jacob and doubting soulsa parallel.htm

God's Word not to be Refused
... There are others who refuse the Saviour simply out of procrastination. ... the din that
goes up from the Red Sea when the angry billows leap over Pharaoh and his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/gods word not to be.htm

Repentance
... Pharaoh, when suffering under the judgments of God, acknowledged his sin in order
to escape further punishment, but returned to his ... Beware of procrastination. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 3 repentance.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... from Egypt, that is from sullen persecuting sin; and from Pharaoh the unseen ... is there
beyond this night any further purification; and procrastination is not ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... what they do or suffer, but by the causes of each: eg Pharaoh oppressed the ... us occasion
for doing it at once, and has cut off the hesitancy of procrastination! ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

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