Who was Pharaoh in the Bible?

Various Kings of Egypt

Pharaoh, as used in the Bible, refers to various rulers of Egypt, a nation that played a key role in the formation and national identity of Israel, and Israel’s greatest historical enemy. The Bible rarely mentions the Egyptian Pharaohs by name, instead simply using the generic title פַּרְעֹה (par’oh). The proposed reasons for omitting the personal names of the Pharaohs vary, but it was likely intentional. Perhaps it was to preserve the timelessness of Israel’s origin stories (i.e., to not situate them in a specific time period so that the stories could be passed down and re-told through generations) or simply to avoid giving Egyptian rulers any more notoriety. After all, Israel’s story is rooted in the election of God, not in the actions of the Pharaohs.

Early Interactions with Pharaohs

Israel’s initial run-ins with the Pharaohs of Egypt were relatively positive. The first reference to a Pharaoh is found in Genesis 12:15, where Abram (later Abraham) and Sarai (later Sarah) went down to Egypt because of a famine in the land. The Pharaoh of that time took Sarai into his palace, unaware that she was Abram’s wife. This incident led to God intervening to protect Sarai and ultimately resulted in Abram and Sarai leaving Egypt with great wealth.

The Pharaoh of Joseph’s time (Genesis 37:36 ff) gave Joseph a prominent position in the Egyptian royal courts after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, which foretold seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s high standing led to his family seeking refuge in Egypt during the famine, ensuring their survival and growth into a great nation.

Pharaoh as a Symbol of Oppression

It is not until the exodus that Pharaoh becomes a symbol of ultimate pride, evil, and opposition to God. The Pharaoh who enslaved the Israelites refused to release them from bondage, despite the many signs and wonders God performed through Moses. This Pharaoh’s hardened heart and stubbornness brought about the ten plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 1:11 ff). The final plague, the death of the firstborn, compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites, only for him to change his mind and pursue them, leading to the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea where Pharaoh’s army was drowned (Exodus 14:28).

Pharaohs During the Monarchy

During the period of Israel’s monarchy (10th century B.C.), Solomon married the daughter of an unnamed Pharaoh (1 Kings 3:1), establishing a political alliance. Another unnamed Pharaoh is mentioned in 2 Kings 18:21, which would have been during the reign of Hezekiah (late 8th century B.C.). These interactions with Pharaohs highlight the ongoing and complex relationship between Israel and Egypt.

The only Pharaohs mentioned by name in the Bible are Pharaoh Neco (2 Kings 23:34) who exiled King Jehoahaz of Judah to Egypt, and Pharaoh Hophra (Jeremiah 44:30) who reigned in the early 6th century B.C. Both of these Pharaohs played roles in the turbulent history of Israel and Judah during their respective periods.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Obedience and Faith

The stories of the Pharaohs in the Bible underscore the importance of obedience and faith in God. The Pharaoh of the Exodus serves as a cautionary tale of pride and resistance to God’s will. His refusal to heed God’s command through Moses brought devastation upon his nation. For modern Christians, this highlights the dangers of hard-heartedness and the importance of aligning oneself with God’s purpose.

Trust in God’s Plan

Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt and the subsequent preservation of his family during a time of famine illustrate God’s sovereign control over history. Even in adverse circumstances, God’s plans prevail. Christians today can draw comfort and assurance from this, trusting that God is at work even in difficult situations.

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Protection and Provision

Throughout the interactions with various Pharaohs, God’s protection and provision for His people are evident. From the protection of Sarai in Egypt to the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery, God’s love and care for His chosen people are clear. This reinforces the belief that God is a loving Father who looks after His children.

Divine Intervention

God’s intervention in the affairs of the Pharaohs shows His active involvement in human history. Whether through direct intervention to protect Sarai or through miraculous signs and plagues to free the Israelites, God demonstrates His power and willingness to act on behalf of His people. This encourages modern believers to seek and trust in God’s intervention in their lives.

Connection to Jesus Christ

Foreshadowing of Christ’s Redemption

The story of the Exodus, where Moses leads the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work. Just as Moses delivered Israel from physical slavery, Jesus delivers humanity from spiritual slavery to sin. The Passover lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites from the final plague, prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice brings salvation.

Fulfillment of Prophecies

The prophecies concerning the Pharaohs and the subsequent liberation of Israel align with the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfill the scriptural promises of deliverance and redemption, bridging the Old Testament narratives with the New Testament gospel message.

The Ultimate Deliverer

While Moses was a deliverer from physical bondage, Jesus is the ultimate deliverer from spiritual death. His life and teachings provide a pathway to eternal life and a relationship with God. Christians can see the continuity of God’s saving work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Pharaohs of the Bible, both named and unnamed, play significant roles in the narrative of God’s people. Their stories offer valuable lessons in obedience, faith, and trust in God’s sovereignty. They also illustrate God’s love and intervention in human history, pointing forward to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. For modern Christians, these stories are not just historical accounts but living lessons that continue to resonate and guide their faith journey.