October 11, 2020
The book of Exodus tells the story of the birth of the nation of Israel fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. From the seventy descendants of Jacob, Israel was fruitful and multiplied greatly until they filled the whole land of Egypt. After four centuries of slavery, God answers the cries of His people for deliverance. God raises up Moses for this calling, to lead his people out of bondage to a land of promise and deliverance.
Some of the greatest stories of the Bible are featured in Exodus—from the Ten Plagues, and the Passover, to the crossing of the Red Sea, and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb, the exodus from the land of Egypt, the seven feasts, the tabernacle, and even the high priest, are all foreshadows of the ministry of Christ.
Chapters 1-18 contains the events leading up to God’s delivering the Hebrews from their captivity in Egypt, and chapters 19-40 shares the events in the wilderness and the account of God’s instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai to direct the life and worship of the nation.
Exodus 11
A Final Plague Threatened
1 The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely. 2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.” 3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
4 So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, 5 and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. 7 But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ 8 And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.’ And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. 9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- God reserved the most severe plague for last. After multiple warnings, the plague of the death of the first born would be the final one. What does this tell us about God’s heart for mankind?
- How is this consistent with what 2 Peter 3:9 tells us about God’s character?
- One must remember that Pharaoh was not an innocent person in this account. He was an evil ruler who had visited death and all sorts of misery upon the Israelites. God offers mercy and forgiveness in the midst of divine judgment.
- Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God took the initiative to offer us salvation from judgement just as he did in the Exodus account.
- Have you received this wonderful gift of salvation from God?
Prayer: I praise you Heavenly Father for your patience towards sinners. You give multiple warnings and a way of forgiveness and redemption from sin through Jesus Christ your son. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may be truly grateful for your grace and mercy towards me, and that I may declare your goodness to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Because of Your kind mercy and grace, You have forgiven us of our sins time and time again. But just like Pharoah, many have not heeded Your warnings. I love You dear God and I hear Your voice calling, like a sheep following his master. You have blessed me in so many ways. Thank you for your steadfast love. I praise your holy name. Lead me today to do your will and be a witness for your glory . In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gracias padre amado por tu amor sobre todo tu pueblo gracias porque eres nuestro Salvador a ti la gloría por los siglos de los siglos ayúdame padre a ser siempre obediente conforme tu palabra llena mi corazón de tu amor bondad que podamos seguir tus huellas perdona todo nuestros pecados libéranos de el has que podamos escuchar tu voz y seguirte según tu enseñanza gracias mi padre por mis hijos bendícelos bendice toda mi familia y todas las familias bendice tu nación padre llévate la peste que está consumiendo todas las naciones padre celestial tuyo es el reino tuya es la gloría por los siglos de los siglos mi Dios en nombre y por amor de tu hijo amado amén y amén ?
God is patient, and full of grace and mercy.
AMEN AND HALLELUJAH!!! I know that when I sin I pray and ask for forgiviness. I will always be in my Savoirs debt. He is merciful and glorious.
1 Peter 3:9 says (paraphrased) “that the Lord is patient toward us! He does not wish any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” Truly, the Lord’s patience is revealed through His dealings with the Phaoro when we read about all the different trials the Egyptians experienced! G d knew that He would be sacrificing His Only First Son to the human race, to take upon Himself all the sin of the human race! In taking the life of the firstborn (whether male or female) of every living thing G d would “connect” with His creation, so creation could know what it’s like to lose it’s “firstborn!”
In reading this scripture concerning the loss of a child, and you KNOW what it’s like to experience the death of your son or daughter, I hope you find comfort in knowing that G d knows what it’s like!
He gave up His ONLY Son for us!
God is so patient with us, but we are so rebellious, unwilling to repent and submit to God. Thank you God for pursing me with such perseverance, to save me because you love me and want what is best for me.