friends,—the above language and all similar expressions found in Scripture are used. Expressions more elevated or refined, the Israelites would not have understood nor been affected by.
That the Lord did not really harden Pharaoh's heart, nor was the cause of his evil and stubbornness, but that in truth Pharaoh hardened his own heart—is both directly implied and expressly declared in the sacred narrative. Thus, in the eighth chapter of Exodus and the fifteenth verse, it is said, "But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had said;" and again, in the thirty-second verse, "And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go." So, in the ninth chapter (verses 29, 80, 34): "And Moses said unto him. As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord, and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know that the earth is the Lord's. But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the Lord God. And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants."
It will be found by one who carefully examines the Scriptures, that they always, in this way, explain themselves; that while, in one place, language is used such as was accommodated to the gross people to whom it was first addressed,—yet, in another place, usually not far off, there will be found other expressions that modify the former,—expressions that bring out the real truth, and show the Divine character as it really is. And this is, doubtless, intentionally so ordered by
