Abstract

We know of Pharaoh and his stubbornness to allow the Hebrews leave so they could offer sacrifices to God ^α. That was all Moses really asked of Pharaoh. But by his actions, God ended up releasing his chosen people from slavery for good ^β. He may have hurt people thousands of years ago, but his actions can still be evaluated and brought into perspective.

What did Pharaoh do exactly?

Reading the first chapters of Exodus, one can see that Pharaoh wouldn't allow the children of Israel to leave to sacrifice to God ^α. Moses would ask many times. Rarely would he get a good answer. Pharaoh would say that they could, in fact, leave^γ. But he repented each time, and retracted his allowance^δ. It eventually took the death of his firstborn son, and the Egyptians for him to relent ^ε. Although, he just sent them away completely. But even then, he takes back his word: sending an army to recapture the escapees, only for the entire army to die from the crushing waves of the Red Sea^ζ.

What's the Point?

Pharaoh could take multiple forms in today's societies. The governments of some countries that disallow Christianity can be seen as a Pharaoh that refuses to let people follow their religion in his country or leave his country. The Israelis were able to overcome this oppression through prayer and faith in God. But even the Israelites didn't always have faith that redemption was eminent ^η. Their distrust in God's sovereignty prevented them from entering the promised land for forty extra years ^η. People should consistently keep in mind that God has their best interest and will someday allow them to "escape to the promised land", in any form. Whether a literal escape to a haven like Iowa, or be in Heaven with Him.

Someone who was a target of God's wrath and judgment is easier for people to compare to a corrupted government. But, his story cuts deeper than to selfishly juxtapose him with the people who rule over us. He is true foreshadow of the shadows of humanity's souls. How often do people do whatever it takes to prevent "God's will be done" because it brings us out of our comfort zones (such as the Egyptians loosing their servants). Pastors and missionaries usually avoid their calling, and try their best to hush their burdens to help God's Kingdom come. Even something as "simple" as the need to evangelize to friends or setting up a good testimony for them will be ignored for the sake of "safety". Don't people hold the Gospel within themselves, instead of allowing God's word to "escape" into the ears of others were it belongs?

The most penetrating symbolism, though, could be his constant falling away from his word. Pharaoh would allow the Hebrews to leave when he suffered, but when he found relief after repenting, he would simply continue his actions ^{γ δ}. That is parallel to what happens to people today. Everyone grabs for comfort under "plauges". Christians follow the Lord when they feel the pressures of judgement. But once God blesses them again, do they continue in their spiritual "high" with God, or fall back just a pharaoh? Do the consequences have to get continually worse until the sinner finally dies?

This may seem hard to swallow for those who fall away. I'm included. However, comfort always exists. True Christians serve a God who forgives unconditionally whenever we repent to Him. For we will always fall, it's just the righteous fall more than the sinners who fall only once. Proverbs 24:16, "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity."  And the Lord is good and faithful to relieve us from those sins.  1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  And will do so till we die.  Matthew 18:21-22, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?'  Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"  1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." People can escape the traps of turning from God once he gives us relief. I know first-hand, and just hope you won't have to anymore.