Mosesand AaronperformedallthesewondersbeforePharaoh;yet the LORDhardenedPharaoh'sheart,and he did not letthe sonsof Israelgoout of his land.
"Wisein heartand mightyin strength,Whohas defiedHim withoutharm?
But the LORDhardenedPharaoh'sheart,and he did not letthe sonsof Israelgo.
But the LORDhardenedPharaoh'sheart,and he was not willingto letthem go.
Now the LORDsaidto Mosesand Aaronin the landof Egypt,
"But I knowthat the kingof Egyptwill not permityou to go,exceptunder compulsion.
The LORDsaidto Moses,"When you gobackto Egyptseethat you performbeforePharaohallthe wonderswhichI have putin your power;but I will hardenhis heartso that he will not letthe peoplego.
"But I will hardenPharaoh'sheartthat I may multiplyMy signsand My wondersin the landof Egypt.
And the LORDhardenedPharaoh'sheart,and he did not listento them, justas the LORDhad spokento Moses.
Why,O LORD,do You cause us to strayfrom Your waysAnd hardenour heartfrom fearingYou? Returnfor the sakeof Your servants,the tribesof Your heritage.
"HE HAS BLINDEDTHEIR EYESAND HE HARDENEDTHEIR HEART,SOTHAT THEY WOULD NOT SEEWITH THEIR EYESAND PERCEIVEWITH THEIR HEART,AND BE CONVERTEDAND I HEALTHEM."
So thenHe has mercyon whomHe desires,and He hardenswhomHe desires.
WhatifGod,although willingto demonstrateHis wrathand to makeHis powerknown,enduredwith muchpatiencevesselsof wrathpreparedfor destruction?
"But Sihonkingof Heshbonwas not willingfor us to passthrough his land; for the LORDyour Godhardenedhis spiritand madehis heartobstinate,in orderto deliverhim into your hand,as [he is] today.
For it was of the LORDto hardentheir hearts,to meetIsraelin battlein orderthat he might utterlydestroythem, that they might receivenomercy,but that he might destroythem, justas the LORDhad commandedMoses.
"Whythen do you hardenyour heartsas the Egyptiansand Pharaohhardenedtheir hearts?WhenHe had severelydealtwith them, did they not allow the people to go,and they departed?
