Exodus 9: Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again

Introduction: The ninth chapter of Exodus, the second book in the Old Testament, offers profound and compelling lessons to believers, laced with divine miracles and acts of God’s judgement. It represents a remarkable display of God’s power and His sovereign will. This paper will delve into this chapter’s main themes, providing an evaluative exploration of the powerful lessons it imparts.

I. Acknowledging God’s Scepter (Exodus 9:1–7)

Exodus 9:1-7 underscores the primacy of God’s authority, wherein He sends Moses to warn Pharaoh about the impending plague on Egypt’s livestock if he refuses to let the Israelites go. Despite God’s warning, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened (Exodus 9:7), revealing an important lesson in the severe consequences of resisting God’s authority. This resonates with Proverbs 29:1, which warns that those who stubbornly refuse correction will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.

II. God’s Judgement and Mercy (Exodus 9:8–12)

In Exodus 9:8-12, God instructs Moses and Aaron to scatter soot over Egypt, causing festering boils on man and beast alike. Amid this divine judgement, we also see God’s mercy, as He allows Pharaoh and his people to live, providing opportunities for repentance. This aligns with 2 Peter 3:9, which states that the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

III. The Power of God to Control the Natural World (Exodus 9:13-35)

Verses 13-35 present God as the supreme power that controls the natural world, where He commands Moses to stretch his staff towards the sky to unleash a severe storm upon Egypt. This reveals God’s omnipotence, reminding us of the same power He displayed in calming the storm in Mark 4:39. Through this, believers are taught to trust in God’s capacity to control all situations.

IV. The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart (Exodus 9:34-35)

In the final verses, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened as he did not heed God’s warnings. This deliberate act of rebellion against God’s authority serves as a stern warning for believers to heed God’s commands, reminiscent of Hebrews 3:15 which admonishes not to harden our hearts when we hear His voice.

Conclusion: Exodus Chapter 9 presents critical lessons about God’s sovereign power, the dire consequences of hard-heartedness, and His abundant mercy. It epitomizes the profound love and patience God has for His people, mirrored in His relentless pursuit for Pharaoh’s repentance. Furthermore, it teaches believers to have faith in God’s ability to control the natural world and the importance of obedience to His commands. It is, therefore, vital for every believer to reflect on these lessons, applying them to their lives to align with God’s divine will.

You might be interested in exploring the powerful lessons of Exodus Chapter 9. This chapter highlights God’s authority and sovereignty, showcasing His miracles and acts of judgment. Speaking of authority, you might be interested in the concept of divine right of kings. It delves into the belief that rulers derive their authority from a higher power, similar to how God displays His supreme authority in Exodus Chapter 9.