1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
To confess that he was wrong would humiliate him in the eyes of his subjects, and he would thereby be blamed for the trainwreck that brought Egypt to its knees. Therefore, rather than go that route the king then decides to dig in, and let the chips fall where they may, even if it meant that in the process, his entire army together with the magicians, and counselors would also perish.
The following excerpts should be closely studied, for they give us a window into the mind of pharaoh, as he comes to that final, and fatal decision, never to repent. Pay very close attention to the thinking of his supporters, as they desperately search for any excuse to save face.
[Patriarchs 7 Prophets pp 283] Pharaoh's counselors declared to the king that their bondmen had fled, never to return. The people deplored their folly in attributing the death of the first-born to the power of God. Their great men, recovering from their fears, accounted for the plagues as the result of natural causes. “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” was the bitter cry.
Exodus 14:5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!