Pharaoh, in the Bondage Period, had a hard heart!

1. God hardened his heart by commanding what he did not want to obey (Ex. 4:21; 7:3, 13-14).

2. The magicians hardened his heart by their deception (Ex. 7:22).

3. Pharaoh hardened his heart by his stubborn will (Ex. 8:15, 32).

Note things associated with a hard heart seen in Pharaoh:

Lacks Knowledge of the Lord. Pharaoh asked, “Who is the Lord…? I know not the Lord… (Ex. 5:2).

Refuses to Obey. Pharaoh “hearkened not” (Ex. 7:13; 8:15, 19; 9:12).

Does Opposite of What the Lord Says. Rather than let Israel go, the Israelites’ task was increased (Ex. 5:6-9).

Deceived By Others. The magicians “did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened” (Ex. 7:22).

Unmoved. When waters were turned to blood (Ex. 7:20), “…Pharaoh turned and went into his house. Neither was his heart moved by this” (Ex. 7:23, NKJV).

No Urgency. Pharaoh spent another night with the frogs (Ex. 8:9-10).

Relief Results in Refusal. “…when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart…” (Ex. 8:15; 9:34).

Seeks Compromise. Pharaoh made 4 compromise proposals (Ex. 8:25-27, 28-29; 10:11, 24-26).

Doesn’t Make Genuine Confession. Pharaoh said, “I have sinned” (Ex. 9:27; 10:16), but his confession was insincere; no genuine repentance.

Lacks Humility. “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me?” (Ex. 10:3).

See any of this in yourself? Watch out! It may be symptom of a hard heart!