Pharaoh's confession and plea are significant events in the narrative of the Exodus, illustrating the hardening of his heart and the unfolding of God's plan for the liberation of the Israelites. These events occur during the series of plagues that God sends upon Egypt as a demonstration of His power and as a judgment against the Egyptian gods.

Context and Background

The account of Pharaoh's confession and plea is found in the Book of Exodus, primarily in chapters 7 through 12. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and God appointed Moses and Aaron to lead them out of bondage. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is depicted as a stubborn and prideful leader who initially refuses to acknowledge the sovereignty of the God of Israel.

The Plagues and Pharaoh's Response

God sends ten plagues upon Egypt, each increasing in severity, to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. These plagues include turning the Nile River into blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn.

Throughout these plagues, Pharaoh's heart is described as being hardened, either by his own resolve or by divine intervention, as seen in Exodus 7:13: "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

Pharaoh's Confession

Pharaoh's confession occurs during the seventh plague, the plague of hail. In Exodus 9:27-28 , Pharaoh acknowledges his sin: "Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. 'This time I have sinned,' he said to them. 'The LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Pray to the LORD, for there has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you do not need to stay any longer.'"

This confession marks a momentary recognition of God's righteousness and Pharaoh's own wrongdoing. However, it is important to note that this acknowledgment is short-lived, as Pharaoh's heart is hardened once more after the plague is lifted.

Pharaoh's Plea

Pharaoh's plea is a recurring theme throughout the plagues, where he repeatedly asks Moses to intercede with God to remove the plagues. Despite his promises to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh often reneges on his word once the immediate threat is removed. For instance, after the plague of frogs, Pharaoh pleads with Moses in Exodus 8:8 : "Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Plead with the LORD to remove the frogs from me and my people. Then I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.'"

The Final Plea and Release

The culmination of Pharaoh's pleas occurs after the tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh urgently calls for Moses and Aaron: "During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also.'"

This final plea is marked by a sense of desperation and acknowledgment of defeat, as Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt. However, even after this, Pharaoh's heart is hardened once more, leading to the pursuit of the Israelites and the eventual destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea.

Theological Significance

Pharaoh's confession and plea highlight the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and mercy. They serve as a testament to God's power over earthly rulers and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to His people. The narrative underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of a hardened heart.