Read to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Exodus 7-9
Exodus 7:20
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
In case you ever wanted one, below is an overview of the ten plagues that God cast upon Egypt.
1. Water into blood Exodus 7:20 Magicians duplicated
2. Invasion of frogs Exodus 8:6 Magicians duplicated
3. Lice Exodus 8:17 Could not duplicate
4. Flies Exodus 8:24 Pharaoh said go, then didn’t let them
5. Cattle disease Exodus 9:6 Only Egyptian owned cattle
6. Boils Exodus 9:10 Magicians afflicted couldn’t stand
7. Hail with fire Exodus 9:24 Pharaoh said go, then didn’t let them
8. Locust Exodus 10:13 Pharaoh asked, “Who will go?”
9. Three days of darkness Exodus 10:22 Pharaoh said go, but with limits
10. Death of the firstborn Exodus 12:29 The Passover
From this simple overview a few practical lessons can be observed.
One. Sometimes evil workers can do supernatural things similar to the works of God. Beware, not all that is seen is of God.
Two. Pharaoh on occasion said he would let Israel go, but once the threat was over he changed his mind. How many times have individuals pledged to stop committing this or that sin, only to return to it over and over?
Three. Of some of these plagues it was clearly stated that they did not affect Israel, but have no doubt, the people of God suffered because of them all. After so long in Egypt they may have had friendly relationships with an Egyptian, their suffering would make any friend suffer hurt over their loss. Other practical social issues also were affected, after all these caused great chaos.
Four. There were ten plagues. The number ten seems to indicate a completeness both temporal and spiritual. For example, of the ten commandments four are spiritual, and six are temporal.
Five. These plagues seem to grow in severity. Similar to the chastisement of God.
Six. When reading these chapters notice the negotiation that takes place between Pharaoh and Moses.
As some “food for thought” consider that these ten plagues give credence to the reality of the plagues found in the last book of the Bible. If God did it once, He has the power to do it again. These plagues on Egypt were physical, so too will be the seals, vials, trumpets, and the three great woes that are found in the Book of the Revelation.
William T. Howe Ph.D.
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