^{16 Ref} So then, it is not by the desire or by the attempt of man, but by the mercy of God.

^{17 Ref} For the holy Writings say to Pharaoh, For this same purpose did I put you on high, so that I might make my power seen in you, and that there might be knowledge of my name through all the earth.

^{18 Ref} So then, at his pleasure he has mercy on a man, and at his pleasure he makes the heart hard.