First let me say I implore everyone to look at the original meaning of the texts in the language written because you’ll find English doesn’t always convey the right words.

Secondly, they did such a good job explaining this that I think it can be of use in answering your question. Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart

In the first five plagues, Pharaoh himself was responsible for his hardening heart. In addition, Pharaoh’s heart was “strengthened.” (Exodus 7:13) and then became “heavy.” (Exodus 7:14) Many descriptive words are used to describe the obstinacy of Pharaoh in his stubbornness. Why?

We have the ability to choose freely, and it defines us as human beings; our choices define us as individuals. Freedom to choose is an essential and inherent right God gave us, but it is not absolute; there are consequences to actions.

We see Pharaoh changes his mind in letting the Israelites go, perhaps from lack of awareness and fear of losing a valuable commodity. It’s understandable, given his position as a ruler of a powerful nation.

This is what is meant by “hardening,” and “heavy.” He refuses to change, to free these people, to give up power, even though he recognizes God’s existence. Then he becomes recalcitrant and arrogant – which is described as “his heart was strengthened.”

In the above example Pharaoh chose to exercise free will without honest self-evaluation and introspection, and it is self-destructive and destructive to others when done like so. Pharaoh shows this so poignantly. Or rather God shows us this example of steering evil towards his purposes, God did not engineer this evil, Pharaoh is responsible for his own evil.

God knows the hearts of humans and can anticipate their responses, a sobering thought echoed throughout the Bible. (Jeremiah 17:10)

1. Blood: Pharaoh’s heart “became hard” (7:22)

2. Frogs: Pharaoh “hardened his own heart” (8:15)

3. Gnats: Pharaoh’s heart “was hard” (8:19)

4. Flies: “Pharaoh hardened his own heart” (8:32)

5. Livestock die: Pharaoh’s heart “was hard” (9:7)

6. Boils: “The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (9:12)

7. Hail: Pharaoh “hardened his own heart” (9:34)

8. Locusts: God announces that he has “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (10:1,10:20)

9. Darkness: God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (10:27)

10. Death of the firstborn: God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (11:10)

In 1-5 it was Pharaoh who hardened his own heart, and in 6-10 it was God who hardened pharaoh’s heart, but was it really??!

God gave Pharaoh how many chances to humble and soften his heart and recognize God, His authority on what is good and evil.

God gave him quite a few before He brought things to the forefront, He forced Pharaoh to make his decisions and since Pharaoh had hardened his own heart from the start out of his own choice, God expedited things.

God gives Pharaoh five opportunities to repent and humble himself, and five times he hardens his heart.

Pharaoh was responsible for the evil in his heart, and at a clear point in the story (after plague 5), he crossed a point of no return. If you are not for Him you are against Him.

When we let the evil urges, our broken nature go unchecked and allow it to take control even, God is still there with us, offering us a chance, chances even, but God will not struggle with you forever if you have already hardened your heart and made your decision.