In particular, Pharaoh is presented as an anti-God figure, whose actions are clearly intended to curb the fulfillment of God’s purposes on earth. Pharaoh’s antagonism toward the Israelites is much more than xenophobia. It is an attack on God and his will for humanity. This is even more noteworthy when we recall that the Egyptian pharaohs were viewed as divine beings. Especially important in understanding the significance of Pharaoh’s anti-God behavior is the description of the Israelites’ remarkable