“And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.”
Historical Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and recounts the story of how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses and Aaron, as God’s chosen representatives, have been performing various signs and wonders before Pharaoh to demonstrate God’s power and demand the release of the Israelites.
The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart: One significant aspect of this verse is the mention of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. Throughout the account of the ten plagues in Exodus, we find multiple instances where it is stated that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10). This has led to theological discussions and debates regarding the concept of God’s hardening of hearts.
God’s Purpose: The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart serves multiple purposes in the Exodus narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes God’s sovereignty and power over the situation. By hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God is actively involved in the events unfolding in Egypt, ensuring that His plan for the liberation of the Israelites is accomplished.
Pharaoh’s Responsibility: It is important to note that the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is not the initial cause of his resistance to releasing the Israelites. Pharaoh had already demonstrated stubbornness and a refusal to let the Israelites go even before God hardened his heart (Exodus 5:1-4). God’s hardening is described as a response to Pharaoh’s persistent resistance.
Freedom of Choice: The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart raises questions about human free will and God’s role in it. Some interpret the hardening as God actively manipulating Pharaoh’s choices, while others understand it as God allowing Pharaoh to continue on the path he had already chosen. Ultimately, the text does not provide a definitive answer but acknowledges the complex interplay between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.
Spiritual Lessons:
- God’s power over rulers: The account of the ten plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart reminds us of God’s supremacy over earthly rulers and authorities. No human power can withstand the will of God when He chooses to act.
- Human stubbornness and pride: Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and stubbornness. It shows the consequences of rejecting God’s commands and refusing to submit to His authority.
- God’s faithfulness: Despite Pharaoh’s resistance, God remained faithful to His promises. He eventually delivered the Israelites from slavery and fulfilled His covenant with them. This highlights God’s unwavering commitment to His people.
In conclusion, Exodus 11:10 showcases the ongoing struggle between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh, with God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. It highlights God’s sovereignty, Pharaoh’s responsibility, and raises questions about the interplay between God’s will and human free will. The verse also provides spiritual lessons about God’s power, human stubbornness, and God’s faithfulness to His promises.
