Pharaoh's reluctance to release the Israelites from bondage in Egypt is a central theme in the Book of Exodus. This narrative highlights the struggle between divine will and human obstinacy, showcasing God's power and sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Background

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially settling there during the time of Joseph. Over time, they became enslaved by the Egyptians. As their cries for deliverance reached God, He appointed Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Moses, along with his brother Aaron, was tasked with confronting Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelites.

Divine Command and Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

God instructed Moses to approach Pharaoh with the command, "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 7:16). Despite the clear directive from God, Pharaoh's heart was hardened. This hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme, mentioned multiple times throughout the narrative (Exodus 7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34-35; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:8).

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart can be understood in two ways: as a self-imposed obstinacy and as a divine act. Initially, Pharaoh hardened his own heart, refusing to acknowledge the God of Israel. As the narrative progresses, it is stated that God hardened Pharaoh's heart, demonstrating His control over the situation and ensuring that His purposes would be fulfilled.

The Plagues

Pharaoh's reluctance is further illustrated through the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and a demonstration of God's supremacy. Despite the severity of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained unyielding. 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 11:1-10; 12:29-30)

Each plague increased in intensity, yet Pharaoh's resistance persisted until the final, devastating plague—the death of the firstborn. This ultimate judgment led to Pharaoh's temporary acquiescence, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt.

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's reluctance serves as a powerful illustration of human pride and resistance to God's will. It underscores the futility of opposing God and highlights His ability to use even the obstinacy of rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. The narrative also emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as He delivers their descendants from bondage.

Pharaoh's Final Pursuit

Even after permitting the Israelites to leave, Pharaoh's heart was again hardened, leading him to pursue the fleeing Israelites (Exodus 14:5-9). This pursuit culminated in the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, where the Israelites crossed on dry ground, and the subsequent destruction of the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:21-28).

Pharaoh's reluctance and the events that followed serve as a testament to God's power and a warning against the dangers of hardening one's heart against Him.