How do we understand Pharaoh's response to God's command?

Pharaoh's haughty dismissal of God's command, characterized by his question, 'Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?' reveals a profound ignorance and rebellion against divine authority. As stated in Romans 1, Pharaoh embodies the depravity of man, who, in pursuing idolatry, elevates himself above the living God. His refusal not only exemplifies a typical human response to God's governance, but it also highlights the futility of man’s pride when faced with divine sovereignty. In this narrative, Pharaoh's hard heart serves as a backdrop for the unfolding theme of God’s power and glory, further emphasizing that through Pharaoh's resistance, God's plan will not be thwarted but rather magnified.