Don’t trust the Pharaoh’s heart. We are living through the first hardening, perhaps the second— the moment when pride stiffens, when warnings are ignored, and the suffering of the people is met with indifference. Like in Exodus, the heart at the center of power does not yield with gentle counsel or the first sign of pain. It bends only when the cries become too loud, when the plagues of consequence are undeniable. But even then, the change is not true repentance— it is only a pause before the next hardening. Chorus: When thunder shakes the palace walls, the heart grows cold, not wise. A promise made in darkness fades beneath unyielding skies. The river’s red with warnings, but the ruler will not see. Each plea for mercy drowns beneath the weight of sovereignty. Don’t trust the hand that lifts in peace, then clenches into stone. Beware the voice that claims to change but stands apart, alone. The lessons of the ages say: beware the prideful throne. For hearts that harden once or twice will never break alone. Don’t trust the Pharaoh’s heart. It shifts under overwhelming external pressure, not genuine transformation. It listens to advisors who echo its will, not those who speak truth. The story warns us: “But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen…” (Exodus 8:15) And wisdom echoes through the ages: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, not in princes, in whom there is no salvation.” (Psalm 146:3) “He who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 28:14) Look closely at your own time, at the ruler on your throne, For every age has its Pharaoh, every nation seeds its stone. The hardening you witness now is written in today’s decree, The heart of your own leader shapes the fate you’re yet to see. So do not be deceived by sudden changes, by promises of peace after the storm. The hardened heart may soften for a moment— but unless it is transformed from within, the cycle will repeat, and the innocent will bear the cost. Don’t trust the Pharaoh’s heart. Watch for the signs, listen to the wisdom of the prophets and poets, and remember: It is not the first hardening that breaks a nation, but the refusal to learn, to change, to truly repent. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)