The Hardening of Pharoah's Heart

by Travis L Quertermous

From The Reminder, November 14, 2010

We all know the story of the time God appeared to Moses at the burning bush on Mt. Sinai and sent him to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery. One of the most curious statements in the Bible is found in this story. Exodus 4:21 says, “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.’”

For centuries, people have argued over how God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Did He arbitrarily force the king of Egypt to disobey His command to free the Israelites? That certainly cannot be the case, for it would violate the love and justice of God. Our Maker never forces anyone to do anything against his will. Moreover, the LORD would not have forced Pharaoh to disobey Him and then condemn him for doing so.

Actually, Scripture also says that the king hardened his own heart. So did he do it or did God do it? Both actually: Pharaoh directly hardened his heart because he did not want to release his Hebrew slaves. God indirectly hardened his heart because He was the author of the command to free Israel from bondage. But the responsibility still lay entirely with Pharaoh for the command from the LORD was righteous and just.

Friends, God will indirectly harden our hearts today if we rebel against His commandments today. Just like Pharaoh, he will allow us to walk the path of sin if we stubbornly refuse to humble ourselves before Him. But also like Pharaoh, we will pay the terrible price for such rebellion.