In this conversation, Dr. Carmen Imes joins Dr. Lynn Cohick to discuss the hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the book of Exodus, exploring the different Hebrew words used and their nuanced meanings. They highlight the idea that God is not overriding Pharaoh's free will, but rather strengthening his resolve to carry out his own desires. They also discuss the cultural context of ancient Egypt and the significance of the signs and wonders in the narrative.

Key Takeaways: 

• The hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Exodus is not a violation of his free will, but rather a strengthening of his resolve to carry out his own desires.
• The signs and wonders in Exodus gradually increase in intensity, giving Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and recognize Yahweh's superiority.
• Pharaoh's obstinacy and refusal to listen to God ultimately lead to his own downfall and the suffering of his people. 

Episode Breakdown:

4:13 - The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
11:26 - The Gradual Intensification of Signs and Wonders
20:05 - Pharaoh's Obstinate Refusal

Episode Resources: 

Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes  

NLT Every Woman’s Bible (Tyndale)  

Dr. Carmen Imes’ Torah Tuesday YouTube Series

The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart In Its Literary and Cultural Contexts by Dr. Dorian G. Coover Cox

Episode Sponsor:  

The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.