Exodus 7:22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.
As I was reading commentary yesterday or the day before, I came across one source that talked about the fact that sometimes God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, sometimes Pharaoh hardened his own heart, and sometimes scripture just says his heart was hardened. And as I was typing those words, I thought about Luke 2:19, where Mary, after the birth of Jesus, treasures ”all these things” and ponders them in her heart.
Exodus 7:23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart.
And, honestly, I’m not sure what to do with all of that except to ponder it myself. The heart is important. Intention is important. Truly, I think pondering is important. The head is logic and the heart is emotion, and I think pondering is where the two meet. And when you ponder, it often leads you either to treasure like Mary or harden your heart like Pharaoh.
Exodus 7:24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river.
Precious Savior, Thank You for these things You have laid on my heart to ponder this morning. This feels important. It’s certainly interesting. Help me to ponder Your words, this idea, and to be like Mary and treasure Your truth in my heart instead of like Pharaoh and harden my heart to You. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 7:25 Seven days passed after the Lord struck the Nile.
Have a blessed day.