In the story of Pharaoh we see that he was hardened and we also see that he never repented and turned to God. This could lead us to understandably assume that he was incapable of turning back to God. But do we really know this?

Exodus doesn’t explicitly tell us either way. However, we can look at the New Testament and gain some insight into the nature of the hardening that he brought over the unbelieving Jews.

In Romans 11:8, Paul says that the rest of Israel, that did not receive salvation, was hardened. Later in verse 20, referring to this same group of hardened Israelites, he indicates that they were “broken off” because of their unbelief. This language of being “broken off” refers to the way that they were cut off from God’s people.

So they did not believe, they were broken off for their unbelief, and they were hardened. At this point we wonder, and then what? Do they still have hope?

In Romans 11:23 Paul tells us. He says, “They also, if they [those from Israel who were broken off and hardened] do not continue in their unbelief will be grafted back in, for God is able to graft them back in again.” (Rom 11:23) Paul is saying here that these that are hardened have the opportunity to be grafted back into the Israel of God if they do not continue in their unbelief. So they do have hope! This hardening that has come over them is not intended to keep the permanently against God. They still can turn back.

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