Beyond the immediate deliverance of the Israelites, what theological purpose does the repeated emphasis on God hardening Pharaoh's heart serve in the Exodus narrative?

A It highlights Pharaoh's inherent wickedness, demonstrating that he was always destined for destruction regardless of God's intervention. B It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and control over human will, even to the point of orchestrating disobedience to demonstrate His power. C It suggests that Pharaoh was initially willing to release the Israelites, but external demonic forces manipulated him, forcing God to intervene directly. D It emphasizes the importance of free will, showing that Pharaoh's choices were entirely his own, and God merely responded to his actions.