Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Exodus 10:1-20

Roman Catholic Lens Reading of Exodus 10:1-20

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read Exodus 10:1-20 as a powerful display of God's sovereignty and the hardening of Pharaoh's heart as a divine action meant to reveal God's glory and justice. This passage shows God's involvement in human history, which prefigures the Incarnation, where God enters creation fully in Jesus Christ. We see this as part of the divine pedagogy, teaching the Israelites about God's power and fidelity, which ultimately leads to the Paschal mystery fulfilled in Christ.

Key Language Decisions

In the Hebrew text, the term 'harden' (חָזַק, chazaq) can mean to strengthen or make stubborn. Our tradition emphasizes how this reflects God's justice and mercy, allowing Pharaoh's heart to reveal the depth of human sin and God's ultimate authority. This hardening is not arbitrary but serves a greater salvific plan, echoing our understanding of God's providence as both just and merciful.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our tradition diverges from some Reformed traditions that might emphasize predestination in a way that negates human free will. We affirm that while God hardens Pharaoh's heart, this does not eliminate human responsibility. Unlike some interpretations that see the Exodus as purely historical, we view it typologically, as a foreshadowing of Christ's salvific work, emphasizing God's ongoing covenantal relationship with humanity.

Pastoral Application

As pastors, we should highlight God's sovereignty and fidelity in our homilies, encouraging the faithful to trust in God's providence. We must remind our congregation of the sacramental view of history, where God's actions in the past prefigure His saving work in the Eucharist today. This passage invites us to reflect on our own hearts, seeking God's grace to avoid the hardness that leads us away from His love. Our people should leave Mass with a renewed sense of God's mighty works and His call to participate in His divine life through the sacraments.

Cross-References: Romans 9:17-18, which discusses the hardening of Pharaoh's heart as part of God's plan; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, where Paul speaks of the Israelites' experiences as examples for us; Psalm 136:10-15, which praises God for His mighty acts in Egypt; Acts 7:35-36, where Stephen recounts Moses leading Israel out of Egypt

Doctrinal Connections: Divine Providence, which is God's loving and wise governance of creation; The Paschal Mystery, which sees the Exodus as a foreshadowing of Christ's death and resurrection; The concept of typology, where events in the Old Testament prefigure New Testament realities; The doctrine of the Incarnation, where God's entry into history is prefigured by His actions in Israel