By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  The phrase “hardness of heart” is found throughout the Bible; yet, it is rarely considered in the context in which it appears for its meaning. 

          When Moses performed the 10 wonders before Pharaoh, do we understand God when he said, “I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.” (Ex. 4:21)?  

          When Jesus addressed the Jews concerning divorce, do we understand Jesus when he said, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” (Matt. 19:8)?

          Let us look to scriptures to determine the use of the phrase “hardness of heart” and its meaning. 

I.  Hardness of heart in the Old Testament.

          A.  This phrase is found most often in the story of Moses and the 10 plagues.  Eleven out of 19 times where this phrase is found it is said that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. 

                   1.  The reason for this is given (Ex. 7:3-5).  God wanted all of Egypt to know who was Lord.

                   2.  Paul explains this event in Rom. 9:15-18.

                        a. God can show mercy on whom he wants.

                        b. God can harden whom he wants (2 Thes. 2:9-12; Rom. 1:20-32).

                   3.  We learn from this event that hardness of heart is what results from man’s persistence in shutting themselves off to God’s will.  Hardness of heart means the whole internal being is resistant to change from God.

          B.  God not only hardened the hearts of Pharaoh but the enemies of Israel as well (Josh. 11:20). 

                   1.  God did so in order to utterly destroy them.

                   2.  (Also see Deut. 2:24-33; 15:7-11; 2 Chron. 36:11-17; Dan. 5:18-22, 30).  

          C.  Unfortunately, the children of Israel hardened their hearts when they left Egypt (Psm. 95:8-11).

                   1.  Interestingly, this passage is repeated for us in Heb. 3:7-19.

                   2.  In brief, hardness of heart is rebellion, its disobedience and unbelief through the deceitfulness of sin. 

II. Hardness of heart in the New Testament. [Illustrate each example with the definition.]

          A.  Example of the Pharisees by Jesus (Mark 3:1-6). 

                   1.  Notice their condemnation was the result of their rejection of the obvious.

                   2.  Though the miracles which Jesus performed speak of his divinity they still try to accuse Him and/or kill Him.

          B.  Example of the Jews who questioned Jesus about Divorce (Mark 10:5; Matt. 19:8).

                   1.  Jesus addresses the hardness of heart as though Moses gave the divorce law to the present day Pharisees personally.

                   2.  If Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of their hearts, what does that say about our hearts when we allow it today?

          C. Example of the Jews who heard Paul’s message (Acts 19:9).

                   1.  When people won’t believe and they speak evil of the Lord’s way, it is equated with hardness of heart.

                   2.  As Paul did, from such people turn away (2 Tim. 3:5).

          D. Example of Jesus’ disciples (Mark 6:52; 8:14-21).

                   1.  The disciples had hard hearts because they could not see the obvious.

                   2.  They failed to understand that Jesus was the Son of God and that he could do anything.

          E.  Example of the Apostles (Mark 16:14).

                   1.  The Apostles had hard hearts because they knew the prophecies and the thing Jesus spoke, yet they refused to accept the word of those who saw Him.

                   2.  They failed to accept the obvious.

III. Christians can not have hearts of stone.

          A.  We have to have a soft heart (Ezek. 36:26).

          B.  God’s will must be written on our hearts (2 Cor. 3:3).

          C.  Hardness of heart will prevent us from seeing our own wickedness (Rom. 2:3-6).

Conclusion:  Worst of all, hardness of heart will prevent us from obeying the truth (Rom. 2:8-9).  Hardness of heart is what results from man’s persistence in shutting themselves off to God’s will.  Hardness of heart means the whole internal being is resistant to change from God.  Hardness of heart is rebellion, its disobedience and unbelief through the deceitfulness of sin.  Hardness of heart is failing to accept the obvious that Jesus Christ is Lord and He alone can establish the means by which you can be saved!  Can you soften your heart to believe in Christ?

Last modified: 05/02/08