This is a question that often arises when one reads through the biblical account of Pharaoh in the book of Exodus.

In this narrative, despite the repeated warnings of God through Moses to release the Israelites, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses, which ultimately lead to the hardening of his heart.

Exodus 8:32 (NKJV)

But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.

When we look at the entirety of the book of Exodus, we can see how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility play out in the world. Ten times in the book, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17) and ten times, Pharaoh hardened His own heart (7:13–14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34–35; 13:15).

In other words, when the Bible says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it does not necessarily mean that God actively did something to make Pharaoh’s ‘soft’ heart hard. Instead, God removed His spirit of grace, and influence that had kept Pharaoh from fully hardening his heart, which was his natural disposition.

It is not that God made Pharaoh evil and vindictive; rather he always was. He was a brutal dictator overseeing the terrible abuse and oppression of the Israelites, who likely numbered over 1.5 million at that time. Nevertheless, God prevented Pharaoh from completely hardening his heart, and when God stepped back, Pharaoh did as he naturally would.

God does not come into the world and say, “I am planning to make this person do an evil thing,” but instead, God says, “I am going to step back and let you do what you were naturally inclined to do anyway; make the free choices that you would make.

Also, you might wonder how Pharaoh could have been so foolish to witness God’s miraculous power yet not listen to Moses. It is because Pharaoh made up his mind before the plagues even began. It was impossible for him to believe that someone was greater than him. This stubborn unbelief made his heart so hard that even a major catastrophe was unable to soften it. It took losing his son for him to realize God’s authority. Even then, he wanted God to leave and not rule his country.

As Christians, we should not wait for calamities to compel us to turn to God, but rather open our hearts and minds to His direction and calling today.

Hebrews 3:15 (NKJV)

while it is said: “Today if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Continual rejection of God can lead to a progressively hardened heart. However, the call of Hebrews 3:15 is a reminder that it’s not too late to heed God’s calling. By turning to God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His guidance, we can find our hearts softened and realigned with His will.