Did God Harden Pharaoh’s Heart?

The Hebrew for “hardened” here is חזק (hazaq) and “heart” is לב (lev). When readers see that the Lord “hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it sounds like Pharaoh would let the Israelites go, but God stops him by overriding his autonomy. (Israel Bible Center)

However, hazaq literally means to “strengthen,” and along with “heart,” lev can also mean “desire” or “will.” Thus, an equally valid translation is that “the Lord strengthened Pharaoh’s will.” Do you see the difference here? In the case of Pharaoh, the hardening of his heart can be understood as the reinforcement of his already existing desire to keep the Israelites enslaved. It is important to note that God did not override Pharaoh's autonomy or force him to act against his will. Instead, God allowed the consequences of Pharaoh's choices to unfold, ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites.

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of stubbornness and the refusal to acknowledge the truth. It highlights the consequences that can arise when one's will is hardened in a negative direction, leading to harmful actions and the oppression of others.

From a spiritual perspective, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart can also be seen as a reflection of the human condition. It reminds us that we have the capacity to resist the call of justice, compassion, and freedom, and instead choose to hold onto power, control, and selfish desires. It serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts and motivations, and to be mindful of the potential hardening of our own wills towards negative paths.

In contrast to the temporal nature of Pharaoh's hardened heart, the concept of the eternal comes into play. The eternal aspect refers to something that transcends time and is not limited by the temporal constraints of this world. It speaks to the realm of the divine, the spiritual, and the everlasting.

While Pharaoh's hardened heart represents a temporary state of stubbornness and resistance, the eternal aspect reminds us of the greater truths and values that transcend our earthly existence. It calls us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and choices, and to align ourselves with principles of love, justice, and compassion that have lasting significance.

In the context of the story of Pharaoh, the eternal aspect can be seen in the ultimate liberation of the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite the temporary hardships and struggles, the eternal purpose of freedom and justice prevails.

The contrast between the temporal and eternal serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our earthly pursuits and desires. It invites us to look beyond the immediate gratification and consider the long-term implications of our actions. By aligning ourselves with eternal values and principles, we can make choices that have a positive and lasting impact.

So, the hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the potential consequences of stubbornness and resistance. It highlights the need to examine our own hearts and motivations, and to be mindful of the hardening of our own wills towards the path God intends for us. The contrast between the temporal and eternal aspects reminds us of the greater truths and values that transcend our earthly existence. By aligning ourselves with eternal principles, we can make choices that have a positive and lasting Kingdom impact.