(01-03-2021, 12:27 AM)searchinmyroots Wrote: Imahebrew,
You are certainly entitled to your opinion but you should state it that way, as your view or opinion.
I see you left out the part where God strengthens Pharaohs heart as you incorrectly wrote "harden" for Exodus 4:21
I think one needs to understand why originally G-d strengthened Pharaohs heart and then hardened it.
Shalom searhinmyroots, thank you for the correction. Could you answer what your opinion would be concerning the REASON G-d "strengthened" Pharaoh's heart. Was Pharaoh's heart "strengthened" to do good, or did G-d "strengthen" his heart to do evil? And is it your opinion that the exact same word used in Exodus 4:21 for "strengthens" (חָזַק (ḥāzaq), is it also used in the following verses where it is translated "hardened":
(Ex 7:13) And he hardened (strengthens-חָזַק (ḥāzaq) Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.
(Ex 7:22) And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq), neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
(Ex 8:19) Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This [is] the finger of God: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq), and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.
(Ex 9:12) And the Lord hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq) the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses.
(Ex 9:35) And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq), neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the Lord had spoken by Moses.
(Ex 10:20) But the Lord hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq) Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
(Ex 10:27) But the Lord hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq) Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.
(Ex 11:10) And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened (strengthened-חָזַק (ḥāzaq) Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
I will try to follow your suggestion in stating my truthful understanding of the Scriptures, that it is only my view or opinion. Blessings in The Name, ImAHebrew.