A Pride Thing

But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and just as the Lord had predicted to Moses, Pharaoh refused to listen. [Exodus 9.12]

I won't pretend to know anything beyond what I am reading here, but I will comment on the verse above with some thoughts. This is not the only reference to this event.

For years it has been difficult for me to understand and accept that God "hardened Pharaoh's heart..." Today, however, I feel like I am having some understanding of this (albeit it subject to change). 

My understanding today is that Pharaoh had a predisposition to reject God because the thought of God was repulsive to his pride. In other words, the very thought of God, hardened Pharaoh's heart.

Now, it is entirely up to God if He wants to harden anyone's heart. I will accept that. However, God is faithful to His Word and His character. It is inconsistent with His character for Him to reject a human being for no other reason but to prove a point. But to say that He will harden Pharaoh's heart is more likely, in my mind, to be simply stating the fact that Pharaoh, when confronted with God, will reject Him. 

In essence, God hardens the hearts of all who reject Him. It is a pride thing.

Father, I will continue to try to learn more of You and Your character as I continue to read the Bible and pray for understanding. Thank You for speaking to my heart today and even consoling me in my own understanding of You and Your ways.