Topical Bible: Repentance: Pharaoh, of his Hardness of Heart

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Pharaoh's hardness of heart is a significant theme that illustrates the concept of repentance—or the lack thereof—in the face of divine intervention. The account unfolds in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to release the Israelites, despite witnessing a series of devastating plagues, serves as a profound example of a hardened heart resistant to repentance.

Biblical Context

The account begins with God commissioning Moses to demand the release of the Israelites from Pharaoh's grip. God warns Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, a statement that has sparked much theological discussion regarding divine sovereignty and human free will. The Berean Standard Bible captures this in Exodus 4:21: "The LORD instructed Moses, 'When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.'"

The Plagues and Pharaoh's Response

As the narrative progresses, God sends a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each increasing in severity. These plagues serve as both judgment upon Egypt and a demonstration of God's power. After each plague, Pharaoh's response is marked by a temporary acknowledgment of wrongdoing, often followed by a promise to let the Israelites go. However, once relief is granted, Pharaoh reneges on his promise, revealing the superficial nature of his repentance.

For instance, after the plague of frogs, Pharaoh pleads with Moses to intercede with God to remove the frogs, promising to release the Israelites. Exodus 8:15 states, "But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's repeated hardening of heart, despite the clear evidence of God's power, highlights the peril of insincere repentance. His actions demonstrate a pattern of acknowledging God's authority only when faced with immediate consequences, without a genuine change of heart or behavior. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a hardened heart that resists true repentance.

The narrative also raises questions about the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God declares that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, the text also indicates that Pharaoh hardens his own heart. This duality suggests that while God may allow or even use human obstinacy to fulfill His purposes, individuals are still accountable for their responses to God's commands.

Lessons on Repentance

Pharaoh's account underscores the importance of genuine repentance—a heartfelt turning away from sin and toward God. True repentance involves more than mere words or temporary actions; it requires a transformation of the heart and a commitment to align one's life with God's will. The hardness of Pharaoh's heart serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, which can blind individuals to the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

In summary, the account of Pharaoh's hardness of heart in the Book of Exodus provides a vivid illustration of the consequences of resisting genuine repentance. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and to respond to God's call with humility and sincerity, embracing the transformative power of true repentance.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 9:27
And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
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Exodus 10:16,17
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.
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Library

Blessed are they that Mourn
... Pharaoh says, Take away the plague. ... An heart of stone will sooner break than bend
by repentance. ... of heart makes a man's condition worse than all his other sins ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
... Pharaoh would say as positively as you, Who is the ... his obstinacy, the contest terminated
in his destruction. ... which it is impossible to renew you to repentance. ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxv opposition to messiah.htm

Translation from the Greek.
... that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ... to the sinner be addressed to
Pharaoh, and then ... as to one who, according to his hardness and unrepentant ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translation from the greek.htm

That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ...
... to Moses He says, "Go and tell Pharaoh to send ... and His love in affording an opportunity
for repentance to the ... For according to the greatness of His mercy, so ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ix that it is the.htm

The Stony Heart Removed
... has come up against you, but like Pharaoh, you have ... the influences of God's Spirit
and rejected his grace ... hard hearts of steel flow down in repentance, and yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the stony heart removed.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? ... us apply these very expressions to
Pharaoh, and see ... propriety, since, according to his hardness and impenitent ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... Again; did Pharaoh fit himself for destruction, or did not ... repent is but the enforcing
of His righteous claims ... it is God's pleasure to "give repentance" (Acts 5 ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
... The house of Pharaoh his asylum! ... in their endeavors to crush his cause and subvert
his kingdom. ... No instance of a Saducee brought to repentance, can be adduced. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ix st pauls wish.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... But where is the fruit of this repentance? ... prayer turn away God's judgments from
even Pharaoh himself ... suffer the tempter to tempt and affect his hellish designs ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... but bless him with a sorrowful chastisement and with a deep repentance He took ... You
may hate him, but as he get him honor upon Pharaoh and all his hosts, so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm