Introduction

The narrative of Pharaoh's power being broken is a pivotal event in the biblical account of the Exodus, where God demonstrates His sovereignty over the might of Egypt. This event marks the liberation of the Israelites from centuries of bondage and serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and power.

Biblical Context

The account of Pharaoh's power being broken is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for 430 years (Exodus 12:40), and their cries for deliverance reached God, who remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24).

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

A significant aspect of the narrative is the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. The Bible records that God hardened Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His power and to make His name known throughout the earth (Exodus 9:16). This hardening is both a divine act and a reflection of Pharaoh's own stubbornness and pride.

The Ten Plagues

God sent ten plagues upon Egypt as a demonstration of His power and as a judgment against the Egyptian gods. Each plague systematically dismantled the perceived power of these deities, showing that the God of Israel was supreme. The plagues included:

1. Water turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24)
2. Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15)
3. Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19)
4. Flies (Exodus 8:20-32)
5. Livestock disease (Exodus 9:1-7)
6. Boils (Exodus 9:8-12)
7. Hail (Exodus 9:13-35)
8. Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
9. Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
10. Death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30)

Each plague increased in intensity, culminating in the death of the firstborn, which finally compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

The Exodus

Following the tenth plague, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt (Exodus 12:31-32). The Israelites departed in haste, taking with them the wealth of the Egyptians, as God had promised (Exodus 12:35-36).

The Pursuit and the Red Sea

Despite his initial consent, Pharaoh's heart was again hardened, and he pursued the Israelites with his army (Exodus 14:5-9). The climax of Pharaoh's power being broken occurred at the Red Sea. God parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. When the Egyptian army attempted to follow, the waters returned, drowning Pharaoh's forces (Exodus 14:26-28).

Theological Significance

The breaking of Pharaoh's power is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people. It underscores the futility of resisting God's will and serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness. The event is celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, commemorating the deliverance from slavery and the birth of the nation of Israel.

Scriptural References

· "But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out the divisions of My people the Israelites by great acts of judgment." (Exodus 7:3-4)
· "For by now I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." (Exodus 9:15-16)
· "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians, their chariots and horsemen.' So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, but the LORD swept them into the sea." (Exodus 14:26-27)

Conclusion

The breaking of Pharaoh's power is a testament to God's unmatched authority and His commitment to His promises. It serves as a foundational event in the history of Israel and a powerful narrative of liberation and divine intervention.