Pharaoh (of the Exodus)
Gentile Egyptian · Exodus & Wilderness · Old Testament
- Also called
- Pharaoh
- Name means
- Great house (royal title)
- Role
- King of Egypt who refused to let Israel go
- When
- The Exodus (the king is not named)
What they did
Refused Moses' demand, 'Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?' and hardened his heart through ten plagues. After the death of the firstborn he let Israel go, then pursued them and his army perished in the Red Sea.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God raised him up to show His power, 'that my name might be declared throughout all the earth' (Romans 9:17), so that Egypt and the nations would know that He is the LORD.
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Romans 9:17 (KJV)
Bible references
And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. Exodus 5:2 (KJV)
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. Exodus 9:16 (KJV)
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said. Exodus 12:31 (KJV)
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so. Exodus 14:4 (KJV)
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Romans 9:17 (KJV)
Family
- Children
- His firstborn son died in the tenth plague
Exodus 12:29 records the death of 'the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne'.