Romans 9:17-18 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
People often bring up Pharaoh as an example of God’s sovereign power and human free will. In the story of the exodus, God at times harden’s Pharaoh’s heart and at other times, Pharaoh hardens his own heart. God chose Pharaoh to lead the people of Egypt. God gave Pharaoh the opportunity to choose to believe in him through the mouthpiece of Moses and Aaron. Yet, at the same time, God overpowered Pharaoh to carry out his divine plan and purpose for the Hebrew slaves. Pharaoh could have agreed with the voice of God and submitted but rather chose to go his own way. God still had a plan and would carry out that plan in spite of Pharaoh’s choice. Paul uses this story to show that God will carry out his plan of salvation in spite of people’s rejection. The Jews rejected the Messiah. That would not stop God’s plan. This chapter is an opportunity for the Jews to hear and obey God’s invitation to participate in the plan of salvation. In spite of their rejection, God would still carry out this plan. The result for Pharaoh and for the Jews is to miss out on the salvation and blessings God would have other wise give them.
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