Read Exodus 11.
The LORD told
Moses to announce the tenth plague. This time the LORD Himself will pass
through the land of Egypt at midnight and kill the
firstborn of every family and of all cattle. This was a direct
confrontation with Pharaoh whose own firstborn son was considered a god.
The suffering throughout the nation would be unimaginable.
The plagues
were designed to demonstrate to an unbelieving king and nation the power and
authority of the Living God and to call them to repentance toward Him.
The result would be Pharaoh's unconditional release of his Hebrew slaves.
But there would
be no such suffering among the Israelites. "Not a dog shall growl
against any of the people of Israel." (v.7)
The
Jews had lived in Egypt for 400 years. As slaves, they had
very little in the way of possessions. Journeying from Egypt to
the land of Canaan would require resources to sustain
them. How would this practical need be met? While Pharaoh hardened
his heart against God and the Israelites, the LORD gave Moses and His people
favor among the Egyptians. The Egyptians willingly shared their silver
and gold with the slaves in anticipation of their departure.
There are four
lessons here that will sustain us in the toughest of times.
1. God wants
everyone to know, love and worship Him alone.
2. God is
all-powerful and the ultimate source of all authority.
3. God protects
His people.
4. God provides
for the needs of His people.
"And my
God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ
Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
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