Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart

Even prior to appearing before Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron already were well aware of how difficult the task ahead of them was. God told them, “But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go” (3:20). Indeed, before God sent the first plague, Pharaoh had been warned of the ultimate stakes (Exodus 4:2123).

There is a distinct pattern to the plagues that God brings upon the Egyptians. First, God employs the forces of nature to demonstrate His power over His creation. Second, the plagues are designed to mock the gods of Egypt, showing that God is in control over aspects the Egyptians believed only their gods controlled. Third, the plagues increase in intensity as Pharaoh’s heart continues to harden—and be hardened by God.

At first, Pharaoh’s magicians are able to mimic the miracles of the plagues. Eventually, they concede defeat. As the plagues become more severe, Pharaoh begins to bargain with Moses. But once the plague is removed, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to let the people go.

The first three plagues cause discomfort. The second three are more than just irritating—they are personally painful and destructive. The plagues hit closer and closer to home, especially for Pharaoh, and they also become specific and discriminative. From the fourth plague on, God distinguishes between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The Egyptians suffer, but the Israelites are exempt. The third series of plagues not only produces selective destruction, but a growing sense of dread on the part of the Egyptians. With the last plague—which strikes at the very heart of Pharaoh and his family—God struck his final blow. Pharaoh’s will was broken, and the Israelites were released from their suffering and bondage.