As God hardened the heart of Pharaoh, so the Bible says Pharaoh hardened his heart. Notice some of the situations that caused the hardening of the heart of Pharaoh.
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when counterfeit miracles were produced. “And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Ex. 7:22) “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2 Cor. 11:14)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when he misunderstood the initial mercy of a rest from punishment (of frogs) was designed to lead him to repentance. “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Ex. 8:15) “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when he was confronted directly with the evidence of God.
“Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This (plague of lice) is the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” ( Ex. 8:19)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when the mercy of God was again extended by the removal of the flies. In the face of renewed grace the heart is hardened. “And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.” (Ex. 8:32)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when he found out the Lord knows how to protect His own. The blessings of God provoke the heart of the ungodly to jealousy. “And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.” (Ex. 9:7)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when nature was not out of control. Many love nature (environmentalist, pantheist) but not the God of nature. “And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.” (Ex. 9:34)
Question.
When did Pharaoh harden his heart?
Answer.
Pharaoh hardened his own heart when he realized that his control over others was gone. “And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” (Ex. 14:5).
