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The skepticism of Pharaoh, particularly during the time of Moses, is a significant theme in the biblical narrative of the Exodus. This skepticism is characterized by Pharaoh's persistent disbelief and resistance to the commands of God delivered through Moses and Aaron. The account is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, where Pharaoh's hardened heart becomes a central element in the unfolding of God's plan for the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Biblical Context

The narrative begins with the Israelites suffering under harsh slavery in Egypt. God hears their cries and appoints Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Moses, accompanied by his brother Aaron, approaches Pharaoh with God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's initial response is one of skepticism and defiance: "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2).

Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Pharaoh's skepticism is further illustrated by the repeated hardening of his heart, a phrase that appears numerous times throughout the Exodus narrative. This hardening is both self-imposed and divinely influenced, serving as a means to demonstrate God's power and glory. Despite witnessing a series of miraculous signs and plagues, Pharaoh remains obstinate. The plagues, ranging from the Nile turning to blood to the death of the firstborn, are direct challenges to the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's own perceived divinity.

The Role of Signs and Wonders

The signs and wonders performed by Moses and Aaron are intended to validate their message and demonstrate the supremacy of the God of Israel over the gods of Egypt. However, Pharaoh's skepticism leads him to dismiss these signs, often attributing them to the magic of his own sorcerers. For instance, when Aaron's staff becomes a serpent, Pharaoh's magicians replicate the feat, and Pharaoh's heart remains hardened (Exodus 7:10-13).

Divine Purpose and Sovereignty

Pharaoh's skepticism serves a divine purpose, as articulated in God's words to Moses: "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 My divisions, My people the Israelites, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment" (Exodus 7:3-4). This demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the disbelief of rulers to fulfill His divine plan.

Pharaoh's Final Reluctance

Even after the devastating tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh's skepticism lingers. He finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave, only to pursue them shortly thereafter, leading to the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea. This final act of skepticism results in the destruction of Pharaoh's army, further affirming God's power and the futility of resisting His will.

Theological Implications

Pharaoh's skepticism is often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hardening one's heart against God. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience, contrasting Pharaoh's disbelief with the faith of the Israelites. The narrative also highlights God's patience and justice, as well as His ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

In summary, the skepticism of Pharaoh is a pivotal element in the Exodus account, illustrating the conflict between human pride and divine authority. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of resisting God's will and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.Exodus 5:2
And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
Nave's Topical Index

The Call of Moses
... He was afraid of the Israelites as well as ofPharaoh: he knew how hard... work of the
Holy Ghost; we cannot persuade men and overcomeskepticism and infidelity...

Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.
... The purpose, then, is not to express the doubts orskepticism of the writer... it was
written to celebrate the nuptials of Solomon and the daughter ofPharaoh....

Sources of the Pentateuch.
... does not accurately correspond to a court ofPharaoh in the best times of the Kingdom."
Many features of this narrative which a rashskepticism has assailed...

The Poetical Books.
... are thus many passages in the book which express a bitterskepticism; to winnow
the... epithalamium on the marriage of Solomon with the daughter ofPharaoh; it is...

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
... the nature of the case, and to call it in question is gratuitousskepticism.... whole
record from God's appearance to Moses and his mission toPharaoh has Moses...

The Teen Age Teacher
... ThePharaoh, the Caesar, Charlemagne, Peter the Great, William the Silent, Henry
of... and greatest endeavor, is apt to show religiousskepticism, and reason...

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... i), "See, I have made thee a god toPharaoh, and Aaron thy... for my part, utterly deny
the proposition which these allied forces ofskepticism and traditionalism...

General Index.
... Petri, Olaf and Laurentius, 242-244.Pharaoh, 251, 269, 275.... blotting out of, from
books in heaven, 421, 422, 484-486, 614.Skepticism, see Infidelity....

Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abram's lie (Genesis 12:17)? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Pharaoh give Joseph so much power? | GotQuestions.org

Pharaoh: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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