“But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.”
To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to examine the context in which it occurs. At this point in the narrative, Moses, acting as God’s chosen instrument, has confronted Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, several times, demanding the release of the Israelites. However, Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelites go.
In this verse, we see that God intentionally hardened Pharaoh’s heart. This hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a recurring theme throughout the account of the plagues in Exodus. It is important to note that initially, Pharaoh hardens his own heart through his stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge God’s power and authority. However, as the plagues continue, Scripture tells us that God actively contributes to the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart.
There are several reasons why God chose to harden Pharaoh’s heart. First, it was a demonstration of God’s power and sovereignty over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. By hardening Pharaoh’s heart and allowing the plagues to persist, God was showing His supremacy over the false gods of Egypt and proving that He alone is the true God.
Secondly, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart served a purpose in the overall plan of God’s redemption. The prolonged conflict between God and Pharaoh allowed for a display of God’s mighty acts of judgment and deliverance. It provided an opportunity for the Israelites to witness God’s power firsthand and strengthened their faith in Him as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.
Additionally, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart also reveals the depth of Pharaoh’s arrogance and defiance. By hardening his heart, God allowed Pharaoh to follow his own wicked inclinations, ultimately leading to his downfall and the liberation of the Israelites.
This verse reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to use even the hardened hearts of individuals to accomplish His purposes. It also serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of resisting God’s will and hardening our hearts against His truth and righteousness.
In summary:Exodus 9:12 showcases God’s active role in hardening Pharaoh’s heart as part of His divine plan. It reveals God’s power, sovereignty, and the consequences of defying His authority. It serves as a reminder to us to remain open to God’s leading and to avoid hardening our hearts against Him.
