Scripture Focus: “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.” Exodus 8:15 NKJV
Many argue that God was unfair to Pharaoh because the Bible says He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. But when you read carefully, you see that Pharaoh first hardened his own heart again and again. Each time he saw relief, he returned to his stubbornness. God simply confirmed the posture Pharaoh had already chosen. By the time God “hardened” him, it was not forcing him to do evil; it was God allowing him to walk the path he insisted on. In fact, God gave Pharaoh multiple chances, ten plagues, each with warning, before judgment came. Mercy was extended, but Pharaoh repeatedly refused it.
This is the danger of a hardened heart. The more you resist God’s voice, the more difficult it becomes to yield later. What begins as stubbornness can end in destruction. Pharaoh stands as a warning that no matter how powerful or influential you think you are, resisting God will never end well. Do not harden your heart when He speaks. Instead, receive His mercy, obey His voice, and yield to His Spirit. Unlike Pharaoh, let your heart remain soft before the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, keep my heart soft and obedient to You. Deliver me from stubbornness and help me yield to Your Spirit daily. Amen.
Further Study: Exodus 7:13, Exodus 8:15, Romans 9:17–18