Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

If God wants all men to know Him, why harden Pharaoh's heart? Exodus 9:1-11

God hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus 9:1-11, not to prevent his salvation, but to sovereignly ensure his rebellion lasted long enough to fully display God's power and judgment against Egypt's idols. This act demonstrated God's glory to the world, secured Israel's redemption, and served as a judicial, final consequence for Pharaoh's stubbornness. 

Initially, Pharaoh hardened his own heart through five plagues, choosing pride over obedience.

After repeated defiance, God "hardened" Pharaoh's heart, which is interpreted as a strengthening of his resolve to continue his evil course, rather than forcing an innocent person into sin.

The delay allowed God to show, through the complete set of plagues, that He is the supreme God over Egypt's false deities, fulfilling His plan for Israel's liberation.

Conclusion:

The ultimate goal was that God's name would be declared throughout all the earth (Exodus 9:16), ensuring humanity recognised His unmatched sovereignty. 

God used Pharaoh's already obstinately uncooperative attitude, especially towards authority, to fulfil a larger redemptive purpose, showcasing that divine authority prevails over human arrogance. 

By the sixth plague (boils) in Exodus 9:12, God begins to ratify Pharaoh's chosen path. This is often compared to Romans 1:24, where God "gave them over" to their own sinful desires.

It could be that, as a result of Pharaoh's hard-heartedness, God hardened Pharaoh's heart even further, allowing for the last few plagues and bringing God's full glory into view (Exodus 9:12; 10:20, 27). Pharaoh and Egypt had brought these judgments on themselves with 400 years of slavery and mass murder. 

God's hardening Pharaoh's heart was not unjust, and His bringing additional plagues against Egypt was not unfair. 

These plagues, as terrible as they were, actually demonstrated God's mercy in not destroying Egypt, which would have been a perfectly just penalty.

A case in point is the Pharaoh on whom Jehovah, through Moses and Aaron, served notice for the release of the enslaved Israelites. God did not make this Egyptian ruler wicked. Still, he did allow him to continue living and also brought about circumstances that caused Pharaoh to manifest himself as being cruel and deserving of death. Jehovah's purpose in doing this is revealed at Exodus 9:16: "But in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth."

For years afterwards, the nations round about were still talking about it, and God's name was thus being declared throughout the earth. (Jos 2:10, 11; 1Sa 4:8) Had Jehovah killed Pharaoh immediately, this grand display of God's power to His glory and for the deliverance of His people would not have been possible.

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Truth Finder Supporter

The scriptures say that Pharaoh was raised up in order for GOD to display His power through him. Pharaoh was born into the royal family and grew up in power in a mighty empire. It was no mystery that Pharaoh would become prideful and arrogant from all of that. Not to mention, the pharaohs thought that they were gods or the sons of the gods. GOD does not always intervene in people’s lives and cause all people to come to Him. Jesus stated that He could give life to all the Father gave Him, to those to whom He would show the Father to. 

Pharaoh was allowed to rise to power and prestige only in the purpose of GOD so that through Pharaoh’s pride and arrogance, he would refuse to bow his own will to the GOD of creation, the GOD of the Hebrews, Yahweh. Pharaoh’s heart was bent toward evil, therefore GOD let him continue in His sinful state despite warnings, just as He does today if you refuse to hear the gospel of JESUS. When the word of GOD states that GOD hardens Pharaoh’s heart, it means that he allowed Pharaoh to remain in his sinful state, allowing him to fulfill his own heart’s desire rather than bow before the one true GOD. Scripture can seem misleading sometimes, like the scripture, “Jacob, I have loved, but Esau I have hated,” which means that Jacob was chosen by GOD and Esau was not. The Bible without the Holy Spirit will lead those who do not truly seek GOD away from the truth, not toward it.

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Donna Williams Supporter

Dear Anonymous, in short, it is God's choice.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 9:11-24: gives us more insight into this matter. 

In verse 11, it is written, "For the children (Esau and Jacob) not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls."

The Holy Spirit through the apostle, is making it clear, that it is God's choice, and not by our works good or evil that we have been chosen. 

In this passage of scripture, we see God's grace and mercy being illustrated by the narratives shared.

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