Hardening Pharaoh’s heart and Hard labor for Israelites

EXODUS 5
(Introduction to the Bible/Reflection Paper/Submitted on July 2, 2009)

Who would have the guts to face the powerful man of the land in order to speak about whom they represent? If Moses and Aaron were threatened to do the bizarre thing of speaking to Pharaoh about their own terms, then who else would? But Moses and Aaron knew whom they came about, and they represent the LORD- the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses told the king to set the Israelites free for three days so they could worship their God. Moses threatened the Pharaoh that if he did not listen to him, God will destroy and kill them (v.3). It was an insult to the Egyptian king and his kingdom. So God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart. And the conversation had resulted to the oppression of Israelites by making bricks without a straw, while quota did not change. The Israelites complained to Moses. But God intended to harden Pharaoh’s heart, not for the Israelites to suffer for a hard labor, but to display his power on both camps: the Pharaoh who did not fear God and the Hebrews who did not trust God. Our approach to the word of God is an attitude test.

Sometimes, we approach the Word like an insult, so we acted like Pharaoh, pointing to others instead of looking inside our hearts. We put the blame to other people for all the wrong in us, instead of surrendering to God. This is the attitude of arrogance. In some case, we approach the Word by complaining, so we acted like the Israelites, questioning God what is happening instead of trusting him with what is going on. This is the attitude of doubt. We may have different approach or ways of acceptance to his words, but God has only one purpose why sent it, that is, to change our attitude towards him. After all, this brings glory to his wonderful name.