About the Reading:
Put simply, today’s reading is about all the things that God did when Pharaoh refused, again and again, to let His people out of Egypt to worship in the desert.
My Thoughts and Notes:
Throughout the reading, it is mentions that God made Pharaoh obstinate. So, was this a test to Moses to see how many times he would come back?
Was this to show His people how much he would work to free them?
Or am I looking into this in the wrong direction? Pharaoh does have free will, does he not, like any of us? So is it just that God knows that Pharaoh will be obstinate?
What do you think?
I also find it interesting that most of the plagues God brings are really nuisances. Now, the river turning to blood is something that could have lead to the death of the people, but for the most part, frogs? flies? boils? mosquitoes? While I wouldn’t want to live through those (especially the boils) they really are just a nuisance, aren’t they?
No, I’m not forgetting about the death of their animals nor the promise of the death of all their first born sons. The death of their sons was really God’s breaking point, wasn’t it?
Then I reflect on Exodus 9:16
But I have let you survive for this reason: to display my power to you and to have my name talked of throughout the world.
I guess that explains it all, doesn’t it? No need for an explanation because, really, God needs not to explain any of His actions to us; but it is explained.
What are your thoughts on the plagues?
blood, frogs, gnats, flies, cattle die, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, first born die. Did you notice that the first 2 plagues were easily duplicated by the Pharaoh's magicians.
ReplyDeleteGod was wanting to make absolutely CERTAIN that the Egyptians knew that God is Lord! (7:5)
I think God knew that Pharaoh wasn't going to let the Hebrew children go. Therefore He used this to His advantage. See, God didn't want it to be easy for the Israelites to leave Egypt, if it had been, credit would have been given to Pharaoh or to Moses or to themselves. It would have been "Pharaoh let the people go." But God wanted everyone to know without any doubt that GOD brought them out. of Egypt. And I do believe it worked!