Pharaoh deliberately and resolutely chooses to harden his
heart against Moses’ appeal to let God’s people go to worship Him, becoming
progressively more resistant to God’s will – 8:15, 8:19, 8:32, 9:7. Ultimately, we read the devastating words
v12: the Lord hardens Pharaoh’s
heart and uses his stubborn pride for His purposes. (See Romans 9:14-21 for
Paul’s comment on this.) These clearly
supernatural plagues will demonstrate His power and cause His name to be
proclaimed in all the earth.
In God’s judgement, He continues to show mercy, v19, giving
the opportunity for those Egyptian officials who feared the word of the Lord to
take action and protect themselves, their slaves and livestock. It seems extraordinary that there are others
who continue to ignore the word of the Lord – with expected consequences.
The results are devastating v25 – and Pharaoh says the words
we long to hear v27 – but they are manipulatively spoken, empty and insincere,
calculated to bring reprieve from disaster.
There is no deep remorse or real recognition of his wrongdoing; no
heart-felt repentance. He continues to
lead his country on a path of destruction v34,35.
- Pray for our own political leaders – that their hearts and minds would be discerning and receptive to God’s guidance – that decisions and policies affecting various aspects of our national life – in particular marriage and the family - would reflect God’s Word, His laws and His will, and shield us from the consequences of ignoring and rejecting them.
(women’s ministry)