Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt during the time of Moses, is a prominent biblical figure known for his rebellion against God. His defiance is most notably chronicled in the Book of Exodus, where he stands as a symbol of obstinacy and resistance to divine will. Pharaoh's rebellion is a central theme in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Background and Context

The account of Pharaoh's rebellion begins in Exodus 1, where a new king arises in Egypt who does not know Joseph. This Pharaoh, fearing the growing population of the Israelites, subjects them to harsh slavery. The oppression of the Israelites sets the stage for God's intervention through Moses, whom He calls to lead His people out of Egypt.

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

A key aspect of Pharaoh's rebellion is the hardening of his heart. This phrase appears repeatedly in the narrative, indicating Pharaoh's persistent refusal to heed God's commands delivered through Moses and Aaron. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is both a divine act and a personal choice, illustrating the complex interplay between human free will and divine sovereignty.

In Exodus 7:3-4 , God declares, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out the divisions of My people the Israelites by great acts of judgment."

The Ten Plagues

Pharaoh's rebellion is most vividly demonstrated through the ten plagues that God inflicts upon Egypt. Each plague serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's authority, showcasing the power and supremacy of the God of Israel. Despite the increasing severity of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to release the Israelites.

The plagues, ranging from the turning of the Nile into blood (Exodus 7:14-24) to the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:29-30), are divine judgments against Pharaoh's rebellion. Each time, Pharaoh either reneges on his promises to let the Israelites go or outright refuses, demonstrating his continued defiance.

Pharaoh's Final Defeat

The culmination of Pharaoh's rebellion occurs at the Red Sea. After finally allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt following the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh once again hardens his heart and pursues them with his army. In Exodus 14:4 , God states, "And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD."

The ensuing miracle at the Red Sea, where God parts the waters for the Israelites and then closes them over the pursuing Egyptian army, marks the definitive end of Pharaoh's rebellion. This event not only secures the freedom of the Israelites but also serves as a powerful testament to God's deliverance and judgment.

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's rebellion against God is a profound narrative that underscores the futility of resisting divine will. It highlights the themes of judgment, deliverance, and the sovereignty of God over earthly powers. Pharaoh's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the consequences of hardening one's heart against God. Through Pharaoh's rebellion, the biblical text affirms the ultimate authority of God and His ability to fulfill His promises to His people.Exodus 5:1,2
And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... The rebellion of Korah was the occasion of God's anger flaming out against the
whole congregation of Israel, who sympathized with these rebels. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin.
... by the appointment of God, it is rebellion against him to ... can be divided from himself,
or against himself, or ... that nothing more was necessary on God's part, in ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii the scheme of.htm

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
... But rebellion against God is not only wickedness, but folly and ... and insignificance
of their rage against MESSIAH, is ... Hereby the name of the God of Israel was ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxiv opposition to messiah.htm

A Path in the Sea
... safety does not open till we are hemmed in, and Pharaoh's chariots are ... qui peut!'
We may learn how close together lie daring rebellion against God and abject ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Christ ... us
(Psa.2:1-3). But is the great God perturbed or disturbed by the rebellion of his ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... come and cast away your weapons of rebellion! ... and yield to temptation and murmur
against God, and desire to ... If by His death He conquered Pharaoh, the chief foe ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

The Last King of Judah
... shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord ... the prophets, against
his benefactor, and against his God ... As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down ... After years
of rebellion against God, Zedekiah thought it too humiliating to say to his ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... will of God, who had expressly commanded it; and yet the rebellion of the people
is justly condemned, because it was against the will of God that they ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

From Kadesh to the Death of Moses.
... (2) To rebel against God's appointed leaders ... (4) That God decides the fate of armies
in battle and is therefore the God of nations ... (1) The rebellion of Korah. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vii from kadesh to.htm

What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say to do with a rebellious child? | GotQuestions.org

Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus