In this chapter of Exodus, Moses and Aaron are still talking with Pharaoh, seeking the release of the Israelites from bondage. Pharaoh is not deterred by the plagues, nor humbled (vs.3). He was determined not to surrender his self-assertiveness nor his maintenance of his sovereignty, not even to the true God. Isn't this the essence of sin?
In the opening of the chapter, God is stating the reasons for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart-that I may show these signs of Mine before him and that you may tell in the hearing of your sons and your son's sons the mighty things I have done in Egypt and My signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD" (NIV) verses 1-2.
This makes me think of God's ways not being our ways. I know that He cannot sin or do evil. Yet so many people are being adversely affected by these plagues that God calls My signs. Here God is exercising His justice. There is not sin by God in this. I need to keep my mind clear in this so as not to accuse God of wrongdoing by causing suffering. Here God is not just allowing suffering, but is causing it. And it says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Pharoah chose to not submit to God, but it was as much God's doing as it was Pharaoh's ( Romans 9:14-24 speaks of God choosing to have mercy on whom He will have mercy and hardens whom He wills to harden, like Pharaoh.
In verse 4 God again, warns Pharaoh ahead of time of a coming plague, this time locusts. Even Pharaoh's servants entreated Pharaoh to let the Israelites go because Egypt was being destroyed. So, Pharaoh listened to these advisors and agreed to let SOME go, but not all. He still wanted rule over the Israelites and leaving some behind would ensure that the ones who go will come back. Pharaoh said that the MEN could go. Moses demanded that ALL would leave with him, including young, old, male, female, and all of their livestock.
Pharaoh warns Moses that evil lies ahead if they go.
I believe the Lord hardened Pharoahs heart bringing out what was in him. In Acts 7:18. Stephen states "Till ANOTHER king arose, which knew not Joseph." I've heard the word another being used here suggests a different type in the Greek. There is 2 words used for "another" in the Greek. One is when you want another of the same and the other is one of a different kind. the second is used here. This Pharoah might have been an Assyrian.
Isaiah 52:4. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the ASSYRIAN oppressed them without cause.
God Magnified his Great name YHWH in Egypt and all the World feard the God of Israel as he will do again in the latter days.
Ezekiel 38:22-23. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
In this chapter of Exodus, Moses and Aaron are still talking with Pharaoh, seeking the release of the Israelites from bondage. Pharaoh is not deterred by the plagues, nor humbled (vs.3). He was determined not to surrender his self-assertiveness nor his maintenance of his sovereignty, not even to the true God. Isn't this the essence of sin?
In the opening of the chapter, God is stating the reasons for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart-that I may show these signs of Mine before him and that you may tell in the hearing of your sons and your son's sons the mighty things I have done in Egypt and My signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD" (NIV) verses 1-2.
This makes me think of God's ways not being our ways. I know that He cannot sin or do evil. Yet so many people are being adversely affected by these plagues that God calls My signs. Here God is exercising His justice. There is not sin by God in this. I need to keep my mind clear in this so as not to accuse God of wrongdoing by causing suffering. Here God is not just allowing suffering, but is causing it. And it says that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Pharoah chose to not submit to God, but it was as much God's doing as it was Pharaoh's ( Romans 9:14-24 speaks of God choosing to have mercy on whom He will have mercy and hardens whom He wills to harden, like Pharaoh.
In verse 4 God again, warns Pharaoh ahead of time of a coming plague, this time locusts. Even Pharaoh's servants entreated Pharaoh to let the Israelites go because Egypt was being destroyed. So, Pharaoh listened to these advisors and agreed to let SOME go, but not all. He still wanted rule over the Israelites and leaving some behind would ensure that the ones who go will come back. Pharaoh said that the MEN could go. Moses demanded that ALL would leave with him, including young, old, male, female, and all of their livestock.
Pharaoh warns Moses that evil lies ahead if they go.
I believe the Lord hardened Pharoahs heart bringing out what was in him. In Acts 7:18. Stephen states "Till ANOTHER king arose, which knew not Joseph." I've heard the word another being used here suggests a different type in the Greek. There is 2 words used for "another" in the Greek. One is when you want another of the same and the other is one of a different kind. the second is used here. This Pharoah might have been an Assyrian.
Isaiah 52:4. For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the ASSYRIAN oppressed them without cause.
God Magnified his Great name YHWH in Egypt and all the World feard the God of Israel as he will do again in the latter days.
Ezekiel 38:22-23. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Jeremiah 16:13-15.
Jeremiah 23:6-8.
Thank you and
God bless.
And may the Lord bless you in all that you do.
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