Pharaoh's rejection refers to the series of events in the Book of Exodus where the Pharaoh of Egypt repeatedly refuses to release the Israelites from slavery, despite the divine signs and plagues sent by God through Moses and Aaron. This narrative is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel and serves as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Biblical Context

The account of Pharaoh's rejection is primarily found in Exodus chapters 5 through 14. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had been living in Egypt since the time of Joseph. Over time, they became enslaved by a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph's contributions to Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14). God heard the cries of His people and appointed Moses to lead them out of bondage (Exodus 3:7-10).

The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart

A key theme in the narrative is the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. The Bible describes this hardening in various ways: sometimes Pharaoh hardens his own heart, and at other times, God is said to harden it. This duality is seen in passages such as Exodus 7:13, "Yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said," and Exodus 9:12, "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had told Moses."

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves to demonstrate God's power and to fulfill His purposes. It is a subject of theological discussion, often interpreted as illustrating the interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will.

The Ten Plagues

God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and demonstrated the LORD's supremacy. 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 time, Pharaoh initially refused to let the Israelites go, and even when he relented, he quickly changed his mind, further hardening his heart.

The Passover and Exodus

The final plague, the death of the firstborn, led to the institution of the Passover, a significant event in Jewish history. God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would "pass over" their homes (Exodus 12:7-13). This event prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, in Christian theology.

After the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave (Exodus 12:31-32). However, he soon pursued them with his army, leading to the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites and destroyed the Egyptian forces (Exodus 14:21-31).

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's rejection and the subsequent plagues highlight several theological themes, including God's faithfulness to His covenant people, His power over creation, and His judgment against idolatry and oppression. The narrative underscores the futility of resisting God's will and serves as a testament to His deliverance and redemption of His people.