Biblical explanation
Pharaoh repeatedly refused God's command to release Israel. Before some of the later plagues, Scripture says: "Pharaoh hardened his heart." Exodus 8:15 Other passages say: "When Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart." Exodus 8:15 Later, God says: "I will harden Pharaoh's heart." Exodus 7:3 The two statements are not necessarily contradictory. God's judgments exposed and intensified Pharaoh's rebellion. Pharaoh repeatedly chose resistance, and God used that rebellion to demonstrate His power and deliver Israel. Paul later discusses Pharaoh in Romans 9, emphasizing God's sovereignty and mercy. The Bible does not portray Pharaoh as an innocent man whom God arbitrarily forced to become evil. Pharaoh repeatedly resisted God, and Scripture repeatedly describes Pharaoh hardening his own heart.
Key takeaway
Discipleship applies the gospel to the whole life: body, mind, relationships, work, finances, and worship. Healthy choices and faithful habits do not earn salvation; they are grateful stewardship of the life God has entrusted to us and practical ways to serve others.