Why was the pharaoh so stubborn about setting the captives free?

The pharaoh's stubbornness about setting the captives free, particularly in the context of the biblical Exodus story, can be attributed to a combination of pride, political power, and economic interests. He viewed the Israelites as essential laborers for his grand projects and feared losing control over his kingdom. Additionally, his hardened heart may have been a response to the challenges posed by Moses, leading him to resist what he saw as a threat to his authority and divine status. Ultimately, this stubbornness contributed to the narrative of oppression and liberation that defines the Exodus story.