TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 5-9
OVERVIEW:
Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh; the first seven of the 10 plagues.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Seven times God says to Pharaoh, “Let my people go, that they may serve me” (Ex. 5:1;7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3). God’s purpose in deliveringIsraelout of the bondage ofEgyptwas for Him, not for them! Likewise, God’s purpose in delivering us out of the bondage ofEgypt(sin/world) was not so we could live comfortable and happy lives. He saved us for His purposes and pleasure (Eph.2:10, Rev. 4:11).
The ten plagues ofEgypthad a fourfold purpose:
- They were signs toIsrael, assuring them of God’s power and care (Ex. 7:3, 1 Cor.1:22).
- They were judgments uponEgyptand it’s ruler Pharaoh for persecutingIsrael.
- They were prophecies of judgments that will come upon this world and Satan when Moses reappears on this planet during the tribulation period (Rev.16).
- To show the people of Egypt God’s superiority over their gods.
- The 1st plague of bloody waters was directed against the Egyptian god, Osiris, the god of theNile. (Ex. 7:20)
- The 2nd plague of the frogs was directed against Hekt, the Egyptian frog goddess. (Ex. 8:6)
- The 3rd plague of lice was directed against the Egyptian god, Seb, the earth god. (Ex. 8:17)
- The 4th plague of flies was directed against the Egyptian goddess, Hatkok, the wife of Osiris. (Ex. 8:24)
- The 5th plague of cattle disease was directed against the Egyptian god, Apis, the sacred bull god. (Ex. 9:6)
- The 6th plague of boils was directed against the Egyptian god, Typhon. (Ex. 9:10)
- The 7th plague, hail with fire, was directed against the Egyptian god Shu, the god of the atmosphere.
- The 8th plague of locusts was directed against Serapia, the god who supposedly protectedEgyptagainst locusts.
- The 9th plague, darkness, was directed against the Egyptian god, Ra, the sun god.
- The 10th plague, the death of the firstborn, was directed against all gods.
Notice Pharaoh’s (Satan’s) response to God’s command to let his people go in Exodus 5:1. “Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” (Ex. 5:2). Keep in mind that the world and Satan have no respect for God’s Word; it is “vain” to them (5:9). Sinners either yield to God’s Word, or resist it and become hardened (Ex.7:14, Heb.3:13).
Note that God says that His purpose in allowing Pharaoh to oppressIsraelwas so that His power and glory might be known to the world (Ex. 6:7; 7:5, 17;8:10, 22). Today, God desires to reveal His power and glory through His church (Eph.3:10)! That is why God allows us to be oppressed (suffer persecution – II Tim.3:12). Just as withIsraelit is so that God’s power and glory might be known to the world! Our response to persecution and suffering will determine whether or not we will fulfill God’s purposes in allowing it (I Peter 2:19-23, Phil. 1:28-29).
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As the REDEEMER from the bondage of sin – Ex. 6:6 (Rom.6:14; Gal.3:13;I Pet. 1:18-25)