Subsequently, when God transformed the rod into a serpent, Scripture notes, “And Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had spoken” (Ex. 7:13), followed by, “The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, that he would not let the people go” (Ex. 7:14). Both the phrases “Pharaoh's heart is strengthened” and “Pharaoh's heart is weakened” indicate the exercise of free will, as a heart becomes hardened when led astray by wickedness. The psalmist teaches us clearly: “My iniquities have overtaken me; they are heavier than I can bear” (Psalm 37:5). Additionally, Zechariah depicted iniquity as carrying a talent of tin (Zechariah 5:8). The heart, when overwhelmed by foolishness, becomes obstinate, opposing the Lord and presuming to surpass His power, while a righteous heart submits in accordance with the prophetic counsel: “Obey the Lord and serve Him” (Psalm 36:7). Thus, a stubborn heart grows hard. This is why the Almighty declared through the prophet Ezekiel concerning the Israelites, “I will give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19). Moses, celebrating victory over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, proclaimed, “They sank like lead in the mighty waters” (Ex. 15:5), and again, “They sank like lead in the mighty waters” (Ex. 15:10). If they resisted, they would sink like metal; if they would not relent, they would plunge into the depths like stones. The stubbornness and hardness of heart stem from our own choices, as the divine Apostle cautioned, “Do you not see that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of judgment and the revelation of God’s righteous judgment, who will repay everyone according to their deeds” (Rom. 2:4-6).
Furthermore, it should be noted that if Pharaoh’s nature had been wicked from the start, he would not have altered his character. Instead, we observe that gentle admonitions could soften him, while God's longsuffering could embolden him. In moments of intense suffering, he implores Moses, saying, “Pray for me” (Ex. 8:8), acknowledging, “The Lord is righteous, but I and my people are wicked” (Ex. 9:27). However, once relief came, Pharaoh hardened his heart against Divine directives. After experiencing the swarm of flies, he consented to offer sacrifices to God while still in Egypt. Yet when Moses explained that they could not sacrifice what the Egyptians worshipped without risking violence, Pharaoh permitted them to travel into the wilderness for worship. But as soon as the prophet prayed and the flies disappeared, Pharaoh again “hardened his heart and was unwilling to let them go” (Ex. 8:32). The same pattern emerged following the plague upon the livestock; for when Pharaoh witnessed that none of the Israelites' cattle had died, he was troubled yet “would not let the people go” (Ex. 9:7). In all these instances, he was exercising his free will.
Moses recounted how the plague of boils afflicted the Egyptians and how their wise men could not even endure the presence of Moses due to their own condition (Ex. 9:11). Yet it is added that “The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and hearkened not unto them as the Lord commanded Moses” (Ex. 9:12). Soon thereafter, God spoke to Pharaoh, declaring, “For this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth” (Ex. 9:16). Later, it is recorded that after witnessing the cessation of hail, lightning, and rain, “Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the children of Israel go, as the Lord had spoken” (Ex. 9:34-35). These phrases illustrate God's foreknowledge, suggesting that He was aware from the beginning of Pharaoh's actions. Moses emphasized that Pharaoh’s disposition was not inherently wicked and that it was not God who forced a cruel determination upon him. Free will is exhibited in his inclinations.
Consider an analogy: just as the sun’s heat melts wax and hardens clay, so do the divine forbearance and judgments affect individuals differently; some are softened, while others become hardened. This principle is expressed in Scripture, where Jesus states, “For judgment I came into the world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind” (John 9:39). This does not mean that the Lord's purpose for coming was to blind the sighted but reveals the result of their choices. God desires salvation for all and that they come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Nonetheless, due to human free will, believers attain salvation while those who reject faith condemn themselves. For example, Judas experienced spiritual blindness though he was once an apostle, while Paul, initially blind, regained his sight. Many Jews were blinded by the arrival of the Savior, whereas Gentiles received clarity. However, had all believed, the Divine plan for redemption would have been at risk of failure, jeopardizing the salvation of the world. Simeon also prophesied, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed” (Luke 2:34).
It is essential to understand that God has placed humanity in this current life as a field for self-discovery and effort. In eternity, He will reward some as victors and reprimand others for their sinful actions. Since not everyone believes in the afterlife, God wisely chooses to discipline the unrighteous in this present age while exalting the righteous who pursue holiness. Thus, Paul described some as vessels of wrath and others as vessels of mercy (Rom. 9:22-23), as the Lord demonstrates righteous retribution through some and blessings through others who pursue virtue. It is evident that even earthly healers may use incisions and cauterizations for patients, not solely to heal but to instruct disciples in healing methods. Likewise, God brings judgments upon Pharaoh, showcasing His sovereignty, avenging the oppressed, and punishing offenders. He declared to Pharaoh, “For this purpose you have been preserved, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared throughout the earth.” The fame of God’s deeds against Pharaoh was recognizable, as reinforced by Rahab's testimony, stating to the spies, “Your fear and dread have fallen upon us; we have heard how the Lord dried up the Red Sea before you” (Hab. 2:9-10). The Philistines also acknowledged, on seeing Israel’s defeat, “Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these gods? These are the gods that struck down the Egyptians with plagues” (1 Sam. 4:8).
Why did God permit the Israelites to experience such hardships? It was so that through their suffering, they would not only abhor their oppressors, the Egyptians, but also their idols. Ultimately, they were to be prompted to obey and exit the land. Had they not endured these afflictions, who could have persuaded them to abandon the comforts of Egypt, especially if they had continued to long for its luxuries?
THEOSIS