Exodus 9:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Do you believe that the Egyptian executions were solely intended for the Jews? If I can demonstrate that they had implications for others, what will those who reject the idea of God's universal Providence argue? How can this be established? It suffices to refer to God's declaration, which encapsulates this truth: ‘but for this cause have I kept thee, that I might show My power upon thee, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ Notice how death served as a messenger, and the divine punishment acted as a proclamation that spread widely, revealing God's might. In this manner, God was attentive to the entire universe even while orchestrating the events concerning the Jews. On Psalm 134.

Additionally, He states: ‘For this reason I have established you as a rival (meaning that I have refrained from afflicting you with the prior plagues, to demonstrate My might through the calamities that I will unleash upon your land).’

God allows Pharaoh to remain alive for the purpose of his greater condemnation: For this reason, you have been preserved until now, that I may demonstrate My power over you, and that My name may be declared throughout the earth. Such hardening is contrary to the teaching of the Apostle Paul: “As some say to us, ‘Let us do evil, that good things may come’” (Rom. 3:8). For instance, the complexity in Paul's message does not conflict with the declarations of God. It is recognized that Pharaoh's hardening was, in fact, a form of divine punishment for the wrongdoings he had committed earlier and for his complete cruelty toward the Israelites. Yet, through His divine wisdom, the wise Provider chose to bring forth a beneficial outcome; specifically, that in Pharaoh might be revealed the extraordinary works of His divinity, which His omnipotence and righteousness demanded.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 9:17, refers to a passage from Exodus to demonstrate that the hardening of hearts was integral to Divine wisdom, aiming for the glorification of the Lord's name throughout the world. This serves as evidence that God's plan included such hardening for the purpose of revealing His glory.