Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | Hiram Abiff | 8941 | ||
Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? It seems out of character for God to cause a behavior and then punish it. If Pharaoh was going to repeat his past behavior the hardening was not necessary, if he was really going to free the Israelites this action on God’s part kept them in captivity longer. Please don’t think I’m accusing God of meanness, I just can’t understand the motivation. | ||||||
2 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | userdoe214 | 8947 | ||
Dear Hiram, Scripture has many references to times when God sets aside man's freewill for His greater purpose in human history. You are correct that God does not cause a behavior and then punish (for what is caused is not blame worthy), but God had plans of bringing judgment on all the gods of Egypt so that Israel would see that He is God of all that is, not just a god. The reason this was necessary was Israel was living under Pagan domination for so long, they would have likely believed in the gods of Egypt. On the subject of hardening of the heart, it is safe to think of that term as strengthening--artificial courage to withstand the natural fear which would cause Pharaoh to waver; for we know when the influence was lifted Pharaoh really did waver. A very good book on this topic is "God's Strategy in Human History" by Roger T. Forster. I checked to see if it is still in print on Amazon.com and they gave a place in London England where you can buy it directly from Ichthus Christian Fellowship. media@ichthus.org I read the book when I was in Bible school (nearly a lifetime ago) and it led to wonderful and civil discussions among those of us inclined to the study of systematic theology. I've never read a better book for a general introduction of classical controversies of European Christianity, and it treats the subject of Pharaoh in some detail. mrk |
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3 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | Hiram Abiff | 8950 | ||
Mark, Thanks for the tip about “God's Strategy in Human History". I suppose it is time to start expanding my Christian library beyond a few Bible translations :). My first attempt was “The Prayer of Jabez”. It seemed to be a manual on what I would describe as prayer casting (kind of a Christian white magic). Regarding your explanation of Ex 7:3. The idea that He did this to set the stage to strengthen the Israelites belief in Him makes sense. |
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4 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | userdoe214 | 8953 | ||
Dear Hiram, If your first attempt was Prayer of Jabez, then I could understand your reluctance to make another trip to the book store. I have a reference you might like Ex 12:12 ...and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. Here are some suggested titles for your shelf. For church history I would HIGHLY recommend F.F. Bruce's book "The Spreading of the Flame." It's not a complete history (one could never be written--accept in Heaven), but Bruce was such a great, humble and kind-hearted scholar, I doubt there are many who could tell history better than he. He really was one of England's greatest. His book "Israel and the Nations" is great too. His style may seem a little dry, but that's only because he wasn't trying to FORCE an opinion. Hold off on his book "New Testament History", not because there's anything wrong with it, but because that is one of the most difficult time periods in all history to digest (it was not only the fullness of time, but the fullest of times). Some writers of history use their positions to defend their particular denomination, or "brand" of belief. Bruce does not do this. I would also recommend you get a Greek interlinear Bible. It's an easy way to start discovering the value of knowing even a little bit of the original language of the New Testament. How's that for a basic library? mrk |
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5 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | Hiram Abiff | 8964 | ||
Thanks. I printed out your posts so I can bring them to the bookstore. God bless you guys |
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6 | Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? | Ex 7:3 | userdoe214 | 8965 | ||
Just remember, remember, remember, knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Keep it simple, keep it Bible. mrk |
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