Catholic Answers Live #12680 Did God Harden Pharaohs Heart? Cattle, Myrrh, and Heaven - Jimmy Akin
Apr 18, 2026
Jimmy Akin, Catholic apologist and author, brings biblical expertise and clear explanations. He tackles whether God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, ownership of livestock in Egypt, the symbolism of the Magi’s myrrh, the meaning of God’s Sabbath rest, and how Jesus’ death reshaped God’s relationship with Israel. Short, engaging dives into Scripture and tradition.
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Israelites Kept Their Own Livestock
- Israelites in Egypt retained private livestock and a separate intra-Israelite economy despite social stigma from Egyptians.
- Jimmy Akin points to Genesis/Exodus passages showing they were shepherds who kept sheep and goats and maintained separate houses and trade.
Why Israelites Took Livestock Into The Desert
- The Israelites insisted on taking their animals into the desert because God might require specific sacrificial livestock at the festival.
- Moses refused Pharaoh's offer to leave livestock behind, arguing uncertainty about God's demands required bringing all animals.
Magi Gave Practical Luxury Gifts Not Prophetic Tokens
- The Magi's gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) are best seen as valuable luxury items for honoring a royal infant, not necessarily symbolic prophecy.
- Jimmy Akin argues the Magi gave practical, prestigious gifts useful as wealth, perfume, and incense rather than foreseeing Jesus' death.
