WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART2)

 You shall be rescued from your problems because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART: AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT ( PART2) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Theological Implications of God Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart

The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart raises deep theological questions about God's sovereignty, human free will, and divine justice. Below are key themes that help us understand its significance.

1. HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY VS. DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY

At first, Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34), showing that he was responsible for his rejection of God’s command. However, later, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12, 10:20, 11:10, 14:8), demonstrating His sovereign control over events.

Pharaoh was morally responsible – He freely resisted God’s will before God actively hardened him.

GOD’S JUDICIAL HARDENING – When Pharaoh continually rejected God, God confirmed his decision, using it to fulfill His purposes (see Romans 1:24-28).

This shows that God does not harden someone arbitrarily; rather, He gives them over to their own stubbornness when they persist in rebellion.

2. HARDENING AS DIVINE JUDGMENT

In Exodus 4:21, God told Moses in advance that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart. This suggests that the hardening was not arbitrary but part of a greater plan.

God’s patience was demonstrated – Pharaoh had multiple opportunities to repent but refused.

Hardening was an act of judgment – Since Pharaoh resisted God, the hardening sealed him in his rebellion.

Paul explains this principle in Romans 9:17-18, quoting Exodus:

    For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I raised you up for this very purpose, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the earth.” So then, He has mercy on whom He wills, and He hardens whom He wills. (AMP)

This illustrates that God's hardening serves a larger purpose—to reveal His power and justice.

3. THE PURPOSE: DISPLAYING GOD’S GLORY

In Exodus 9:16, God declares that He raised up Pharaoh to display His power and make His name known. The plagues and Pharaoh’s resistance magnified God’s supremacy over Egypt’s gods.

GOD’S POWER OVER EGYPT – The plagues systematically dismantled Egypt’s religious system, proving Yahweh was the true God.

TESTIMONY TO THE NATIONS – Rahab in Joshua 2:10-11 later testifies that the people of Canaan heard about God’s wonders in Egypt and feared Him.

FORESHADOWING OF GOD’S GREATER REDEMPTION – The Exodus foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and oppression.

4. THE HARDENING OF HEARTS IN OTHER BIBLICAL CONTEXTS

The concept of hardening is not unique to Pharaoh. It appears elsewhere:

ISRAEL’S HARDENING – In Isaiah 6:9-10, God tells the prophet that Israel’s heart would be hardened as a judgment for their rebellion. Jesus later applies this to the Pharisees (Matthew 13:14-15).

GENTILES in Romans 1 – Paul describes how those who suppress the truth are given over to their own sin (Romans 1:24-28).

THE ANTICHRIST’S FOLLOWERS – In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, God allows people who reject the truth to be deceived.

In each case, hardening follows a pattern: persistent rebellion → divine judgment → inability to repent.

 In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and humility to serve .

 PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation.

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