What did the ancient world know about God's dealings with Pharaoh?
The ancient world knew what had happened down in Egypt when the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dealt with Pharaoh. God placed Pharaoh in his position specifically to magnify His own name, and even years later people remembered that display of divine dealing.
Les explains that even years later, people of the ancient world knew what had happened down in Egypt as a result of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dealing with Pharaoh. He stresses that God put Pharaoh in that position for the purpose of magnifying His own name. This discussion comes from Romans chapter 9, where Paul deals with God's mercy and sovereign dealing.
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
More Questions
Why did God raise up Pharaoh?
God says to Pharaoh that he raised him up for this same purpose: to show God's power in him and to declare God's name throughout all the earth.