Self-will, as depicted in the Bible, often manifests in the hardening of one's heart against God's commands and guidance. This concept is illustrated through various biblical narratives where individuals or groups resist divine instruction, choosing instead to follow their own desires and understanding.

Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

One of the most prominent examples of self-will leading to a hardened heart is found in the account of Pharaoh during the Exodus. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart, refusing to let the Israelites go. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this in Exodus 8:15: "But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's self-will and pride led to his downfall, as he continually resisted God's will, resulting in severe consequences for himself and his nation.

The Israelites in the Wilderness

The Israelites themselves exhibited self-will and a hardened heart during their journey in the wilderness. Despite God's provision and guidance, they frequently rebelled and complained, longing to return to Egypt. Psalm 95:8-9 warns, "Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work." Their self-will led to a prolonged journey and the loss of an entire generation who were unable to enter the Promised Land.

King Saul's Disobedience

King Saul is another example of self-will resulting in a hardened heart. His refusal to fully obey God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 15, demonstrates his prioritization of personal judgment over divine instruction. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel declares, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's self-will ultimately led to his rejection by God and the loss of his kingdom.

The Stubbornness of the People

Throughout the prophetic books, the theme of self-will and hardened hearts is recurrent. The prophets often rebuked the people of Israel and Judah for their stubbornness and refusal to heed God's warnings. In Jeremiah 7:24 , it is written, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward." This persistent self-will resulted in judgment and exile, as the people chose their own paths over God's righteous ways.

New Testament Warnings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of self-will and hardened hearts. In Hebrews 3:12-13 , believers are cautioned, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." This passage underscores the danger of allowing self-will to lead to spiritual insensitivity and separation from God.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of self-will, particularly as it leads to the hardening of the heart. Through the examples of Pharaoh, the Israelites, King Saul, and others, Scripture illustrates the consequences of resisting God's will and choosing one's own path. Believers are encouraged to remain humble, obedient, and receptive to God's guidance, avoiding the pitfalls of self-will that lead to spiritual ruin.2 Chronicles 36:13
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning to the LORD God of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

The Pilgrim's Progress
... a desire to go thither; also, there is a report, that thou art aware of the evil
thou hast formerly done to thy husband, in hardening of thy heart against his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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