A shepherd from Midian and his brother stood before Pharaoh and demanded the release of the Hebrew slaves. Pharaoh was the strongman leader of the strongest country in the world. He ignored God’s command to release 600,000 male slaves and their women and children. Despite the demonstration of God’s power-the Nile turned to blood-Pharaoh returned to his palace and put “the whole thing out of his mind” (Exodus 7:23 NLT).      His kingdom continued to suffer through plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, and the death of livestock. By the sixth plague, he must have known that resistance was irrational.

Pharaoh denied a power greater than himself. He continued to resist and the depressing pattern continued. More plagues followed: boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. His recalcitrance caused his people to suffer and his nation to be devastated..

The tenth plague caused a temporary change of heart. His own firstborn son died (Exodus 12:29). He released the Hebrews, but then changed his mind and sent his army chasing after him. After pursuing them into the divided sea, the waters rushed over Pharaoh’s chariots, and charioteers. The word came back: Pharaoh’s army had perished.

Pharaoh has become an example of the serious consequences that come to those who refuse to listen to God.

EXODUS 7:14- Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is still stubborn and he still refuses to let the people go.”