Pharaoh and the Grace of God?

Image via WikipediaOver the past weeks we have been looking at how grace was bestowed upon people in the Old Testament.  One question that often comes up is, "if God is gracious and merciful, how did that apply to someone such as Pharaoh?  In several places where God is talking about Pharaoh it is recorded as,  'But I will harden Pharaoh's heart..'?"

Did Grace Exist in the Old Testament?

Image via Wikipedianow John 1:17 NET  For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ.

This scripture combined with other ideas has led to some interesting ideas about the God and his relationship to man in the Old Testament verses the New Testament.  Over the past weeks we have looked at how grace is a gift from God that brings us joy because it elevates us to allow us to be in his presence.  Was grace available to the patriarchs and those under the law or was their acceptance by God tied to their works?