Exodus 9:1-35 NIV84 and Exodus 10:1-29 NIV84

It's hard to believe that Pharaoh, after suffering plagues of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness would still refuse to release God's people from their slavery to Egypt. However, there are some key words that the Bible uses to describe why Pharaoh refuses to let the people go. The Bible says repeatedly, "but the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart." The Lord did what??!!! It makes me think that maybe the plagues and miraculous signs that God showed Pharaoh weren't for the purpose of convincing Pharaoh. Maybe they were for the purpose of proving to the Israelites (who were already God's people), and the Egyptians that God was all-powerful, not Pharaoh. And, maybe, it was even to be a lesson for Moses and Aaron. The Bible says that until the glory for the miraculous signs was credited to God, and God alone, the He continued to harden Pharaoh's heart.

I think, maybe, God uses situations such as these in our lives to show us that complete surrender to Him is the only way to live. That by giving God the glory for all He provides, we may live a life that is truly faithful and complete.