Romans 9:17

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did. raise thee up, that. might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth.

'For' -'Paul goes further, and explains the contrary phenomenon--that of. man who does not and cannot receive mercy.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 662)

But another point may be under consideration. Pharaoh is an example of someone selected to fulfill God's purposes (Romans 9:17), just like the nation of Israel had been (Romans 9:5). But being 'used' in God's plan, didn't mean 'automatic salvation' to those so used. Pharaoh could of glorified God by bowing to God's power and voluntarily letting Israel go, but he chose another route.

'For this very purpose did. raise thee up' -(Romans 9:16 'allowed you to remain'). 'The Exodus passage seems to be saying God has been sustaining Pharaoh through six terrible plagues so as to draw the lesson out. (Moses had been asked by Pharaoh: "Who is Jehovah?" and Moses signed him up for. 10-lesson course.) God could have slain Pharaoh immediately but preferred to make the lesson. prolonged one for its teaching value.'

'The reference may be not merely to God's raising up Pharaoh to be king, but to His patience in preserving him alive, in spite of his disobedience.'

'that. might show in thee my power' -'in showing my power in dealings with thee' (TCNT).

'that my name might be published abroad' -(Exodus 2:14 ff; Joshua 2:10; Joshua 2:9; 1 Samuel 2:8), for the effect produced on other nations by the news of the Exodus and attendant events. (Bruce p. 194)

POINTS TO NOTE:

1. Pharaoh didn't have to resist God's will. Even wicked, rebellious, and head-strong people can change when confronted with God. (Ezekiel 2:21; Jonah 3:4; 1 Timothy 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9)

2. God's will could have been worked out in two ways. Pharaoh could have submitted to God, and everyone would have heard that the 'great king of Egypt' even bows before the God of Israel (God is glorified, His name is published), or, Pharaoh could foolishly resist, and God could destroy Egypt to the point that Pharaoh would be forced to let Israel go (God is glorified).

3. Even here, in dealing with. rebellious man, God demonstrates tremendous mercy and forbearance. God allows this man to survive through ten plagues, to give him the opportunity to repent. (Romans 2:4; Exodus 2:3)