Pharaoh's Heart

The Pharaoh's heart was hardened -

But not by God back when

His servant, Moses came and prayed

The Hebrews be free men

To go and worship God above
Short three days journey hence -
The Pharaoh chose the tyrant's role
Despite the evidence

That God Above was speaking

And fair was the request

But wicked man will not allow

His enemy be blessed.

For thus fault is admitted:
Great fault had Egypt done
When Pharaoh's father ordered death
To each Hebrew newborn son.

And this to cover further ill

As oppressors always fear

The beaten ones might just lash back

If freedom's call they hear.

So he thought to leave them weakened,
Bloodied, docile, broken
Hoping he could make it so
Despite all God had spoken

Pharaoh did not understand

That God cannot be thwarted

So even as he sought control

His strength had been aborted.

Plea by plea ignored, revenged
Then answered in return
By God above who'll not allow
His children be left to spurn

By those who will not heed His voice

But kick against the pricks

Until even Pharaoh's son

And all firstborn fell sick.

Finally Pharaoh chose to think
The Hebrew price too steep
And paid to see them go away
Their neighbors' gems to keep.

Yet even then he saw the work

Of slaves now freed forsaken

And burned inside with anger

At the slight to the Egyptian.

Calling forth his mighty men
They raced to head the hated
All down to the water's edge
Where choice became the fated.

Moses' staff struck down 'mid cries

The water was  held off

The Hebrews fled, Pharaoh's men drowned -

The ultimate price for scoff.

Against the mighty God above
A hardened heart is given choice
To heed or scorn, to hate or hear
The chance held in His voice.

But should one take the Pharaoh's path

Beware what lies ahead

Once hardened heart is set in stone,

Eternal hope's found dead.

Do not leave God's only course
To have you home once more
Be found in soft'ning fires of trial
'Til you hear Him at the door.

Rather let your heart be soft

Be quick to hear His call

You'll find He's there to raise you up

Should Pharaoh seek your fall.

(Started March '12, finally completed today.)