Pharaoh is a title used for the ancient rulers of Egypt, and several Pharaohs are mentioned throughout the Bible, playing significant roles in the narrative of the Israelites. The term "Pharaoh" itself is derived from the Egyptian word "per-aa," meaning "great house," and was used to refer to the king of Egypt.

Pharaohs in the Book of Genesis

The first mention of a Pharaoh in the Bible occurs in the Book of Genesis during the time of Abraham. In Genesis 12:10-20, Abraham and Sarah travel to Egypt due to a famine in Canaan. Fearing for his life because of Sarah's beauty, Abraham instructs her to say she is his sister. Pharaoh takes Sarah into his palace, but God afflicts Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues. Upon discovering the truth, Pharaoh reprimands Abraham and sends him away with his wife and possessions.

Another significant Pharaoh appears in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 41, Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to power in Egypt after interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, which foretold seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt. This Pharaoh is depicted as a wise and discerning ruler who recognizes the Spirit of God in Joseph (Genesis 41:38-40).

Pharaohs in the Book of Exodus

The most prominent Pharaoh in the Bible is the one who opposes Moses during the Exodus. This Pharaoh is characterized by his hardened heart and refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the series of plagues that God inflicts upon Egypt. The narrative begins in Exodus 1, where a new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, arises and enslaves the Israelites, fearing their growing numbers.

In Exodus 5:1-2, Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh with God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness." Pharaoh's response is one of defiance: "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."

The subsequent plagues, described in Exodus 7-12, demonstrate God's power and judgment against Egypt's gods and Pharaoh's obstinacy. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites. However, he later changes his mind and pursues them, leading to the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea, where Pharaoh's army is ultimately destroyed (Exodus 14).

Pharaohs in Later Biblical Texts

In 1 Kings 3:1, Solomon forms an alliance with Egypt by marrying Pharaoh's daughter, indicating a period of diplomatic relations between Israel and Egypt. This Pharaoh is not named, but the marriage signifies a political strategy to secure peace and stability.

In 2 Kings 17:4, Hoshea, the last king of Israel, seeks help from Pharaoh So, king of Egypt, in a failed attempt to resist Assyrian domination. This reflects the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, where Egypt often played a role in regional power struggles.

Pharaoh in Prophetic Literature

The prophets frequently refer to Egypt and its Pharaohs as symbols of worldly power and opposition to God's people. In Isaiah 19, a prophecy against Egypt foretells its downfall and eventual recognition of the LORD. Ezekiel 29-32 contains oracles against Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying Pharaoh as a great sea monster subdued by God.

Theological Significance

Pharaohs in the Bible are often depicted as archetypes of pride and resistance to God's will. Their interactions with the Israelites serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and power to deliver His people. The narrative of the Exodus, in particular, is central to the biblical theme of redemption and liberation, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.