Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Usage:The term "hardenest" is an archaic form of the verb "harden," which means to make or become hard or more resistant. In a biblical context, it often refers to the spiritual condition of a person's heart becoming resistant or unresponsive to God's will and message. This concept is frequently discussed in the context of God's interactions with humanity, particularly in relation to sin, repentance, and divine judgment. Biblical Context: The hardening of the heart is a significant theme in the Bible, illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It is often depicted as a response to persistent disobedience and rejection of God's commands. Old Testament References: One of the most notable examples of hardening is found in the narrative of Pharaoh during the Exodus. God repeatedly hardens Pharaoh's heart, allowing the plagues to demonstrate His power and ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites. Exodus 7:3 states, "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt." The hardening of the heart is also addressed in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 6:10 , God instructs the prophet, "Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." New Testament References: In the New Testament, the concept of hardening is often linked to unbelief and the rejection of Jesus Christ. In John 12:40 , the apostle quotes Isaiah, saying, "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." The Apostle Paul also discusses the hardening of hearts in Romans 9:18 , where he writes, "Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden." This passage highlights the mystery of God's sovereign will in the process of salvation and judgment. Theological Implications: The hardening of the heart raises important theological questions about free will, divine justice, and grace. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the consequences of persistent rebellion against God. While God may judicially harden hearts as a form of judgment, Scripture also emphasizes human responsibility to respond to God's call with repentance and faith. Practical Application: Believers are admonished to guard against the hardening of their own hearts. Hebrews 3:15 warns, "As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" This serves as a call to remain receptive to God's word and responsive to His Spirit, maintaining a posture of humility and obedience. Conclusion: The concept of hardening serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of rejecting God's truth. It calls individuals to examine their own hearts and to seek a soft, responsive spirit that is open to the transformative work of God. Concordance Hardenest (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 63:17 Thesaurus Hardenest (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hardenest (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 63:17 O Jehovah, why dost thou make us to err from thy ways, and hardenest our heart from thy fear? ... /h/hardenest.htm - 6k Harden (22 Occurrences) Causest (25 Occurrences) Hardened (45 Occurrences) Fearing (107 Occurrences) Hardeneth (7 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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