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Disciplers Bible Studies EGYPT TO CANAAN LESSON 3 God's First Four Judgments on Egypt Exodus 7-8 Introduction After calling, commissioning, and counseling Moses, God was ready to use him to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt to the blessing of freedom. God had patiently responded to Moses’ questions, self-doubts, poor self-image, and complaining. He persistently redirected Moses toward His will despite Moses’ preference to seek the sidelines, where he might watch the action from a safe distance. The initial objections from Moses stand in contrast to the obedient response from our Lord Jesus, who always pleased God with "not My will but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Who are you most like in response to God’s directions, Jesus or Moses? Who will you choose to be like today? Outline of Exodus 7-8 I. Key Characters Introduced - Exodus 7:1-7 II. God's Judgment Begins: Plagues 1-4 - Exodus 7:8-8:32 I. Key Characters Introduced - Exodus 7:1-10 4. "Aaron, your brother, shall be your prophet" - 7:1 A prophet is God’s spokesman. Aaron would fill that role until Moses gained sufficient assurance to step fully into his God-given position. Prophets such as Aaron represent God’s merciful provision to repent before judgment falls. 5. "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD...." - 7:5 God’s purpose was gracious and salvific (with intent to save) to reveal Himself to those who would otherwise not know Him. “These miracles would be an invitation for the Egyptians to believe in this LORD. Thus, the invitation was pressed repeatedly in Exodus 7:5; 8:10, 22; 9:14, 16, 29; 14:4,18. Some apparently did believe, for there was ‘a mixed multitude’ (12:38) that left Egypt with Israel” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Exodus, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.). 6. "....when I stretch out My hand on Egypt" - 7:5 A. God - Exodus 7:1-5 1. So the LORD said.... - 7:1 An essential fact about the Bible is that it is God’s Word. Thus saith the LORD is proclaimed hundreds of times throughout its pages. The Bible repeatedly testifies that it is the word of God from Genesis to Revelation (Genesis 1:3-29; Deuteronomy 5:5-22; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Revelation 1:1-3, 21:5). 2. ....to Moses - 7:1 God communicated directly to Moses, the most prominent prophet of God until Jesus Christ. Forty years later, when Moses was about to die, God promised that a greater Prophet would arise. "I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth" (Deuteronomy 18:18). Even during Jesus’ earthly ministry, some understood He was that Prophet (John1:45, 6:14). 3. "I have made you as God to Pharaoh" - 7:1 As God’s prophet, Moses represented God to Pharaoh who had many gods, but sadly lacked the true living God. God approached Pharaoh in the person of Moses to give him the opportunity to hear His word directly. God is sovereign over all nations to bless or to judge. “The image of an outstretched or mighty hand or arm is common in Egyptian inscriptions to describe the power of Pharaoh. It is used throughout the exodus narratives to describe God’s power over Pharaoh” (The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Walton, Matthews and Chavalas, editors). B. Moses – Exodus 7:1-10 1. "You shall speak all that I command you" 7:2 Moses would realize God’s purpose for him as he grew in the position of leadership. He would eventually speak rather than relying on Aaron to speak for him. 2. Moses and Aaron did so....just as the LORD commanded - 7:10 Moses was God’s man and only eighty years old! He had lived forty years in a palace under the teaching of the Egyptians and forty years in the desert as an outcast living in exile before receiving his call from God at the burning bush. “D.L. Moody wittily said that Moses spent forty years in Pharaoh’s court thinking he was somebody; forty years in the desert learning that he © 2014 by Disciplers Bible Studies, Inc., all rights reserved. Egypt to Canaan Lessons written by Pearl C. Hamilton, 1991 Disciplers Bible Study - 2 - was nobody; and forty years showing what God can do with somebody who found out he was a nobody” (His Way Out, Bernard L. Ramm). Moses was finally ready for the most amazing assignment ever given to one man, "I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10). The LORD would use Moses to set the Israelites free from bondage so they might worship Him. C. Aaron - Exodus 7:1-7 Aaron was eighty-three when he received his assignment. Later he also became Israel's first high priest (Exodus 28:1-4), God’s ordained head of the Levitical priesthood that endured until the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. He began as Moses’ mouthpiece and stayed with Moses until death. Although he was the older brother, Aaron faithfully assisted and supported Moses. What a beautiful picture of humble service! “God mercifully decided still to use his reluctant servant [Moses] by sending his brother, Aaron, to supply any deficiency Moses might have felt. However, Moses had a price to pay for his intransigence: Aaron would receive the honor of leading the priesthood. At least that appears to be the only reason for including this reference to ‘the Levite’ (Exodus 4:14b) in the divine announcement –it is a hint about the things to come in the future service of Aaron and his sons (1 Chronicles 23:13). There is a risk in declining the call of God: it may be a forfeiture of divine blessing even though there is grace and mercy for the obstinate” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Exodus, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.). Do you respond wholeheartedly in obedience to God, or at times does He use others, like Aaron for Moses and Deborah for Barak (see Judges 4), to receive honor and blessings? Will you be more like Aaron and obey God quickly the next time His Spirit prompts you? D. Pharaoh – Exodus 7:1- 4 1. Egyptian royal title "Pharaoh" was the title given to ancient Egyptian rulers. All pharaohs were considered sons of Ra, the sun god. The one Moses and Aaron confronted had a heart problem. His heart was hard: stubborn, relentless, and cruel. 2. Hardness of heart – 7:3-4 Pharaoh arrogantly disdained the LORD, displaying contempt for God’s will and God's servants. He refused to listen or show concern about the grievances of the Hebrew people. He rejected every evidence of God’s Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 power, as well as the pleas of his advisers and servants when they acknowledged God and voiced their concern for Egypt (Exodus 8:19; 9:20; 10:7). Pharaoh’s hard heart is mentioned twenty times in ten chapters (Exodus 4-13). Sometimes the verses state Pharaoh hardened his own heart and sometimes it was hardened by God. There are ten Scripture references where the "hardening" of Pharaoh is ascribed to God (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17). But there are another ten passages where it is stated just as plainly that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34, 35; 13:15). Clearly, there was no resistance on Pharaoh's part when God hardened his heart. Pharaoh had no inclination to humble himself before God, although he had ample opportunity. Pharaoh allowed his nation, land, throne, and family to be devastated without shifting his course. He did not repent and in the end relented only temporarily when under extreme duress. The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart to demonstrate how calloused rebellion and defiance is ultimately ineffective against the all powerful sovereign God. God knows each person perfectly, as Job proclaimed, "He knows the way that I take" (Job 23:10). In His sovereignty God is just. Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! Paul wrote in Romans 9:14. (Also note Romans 9:15-21.) God allowed Pharaoh to have his own way and gave him over to his own vices (see Romans 1:24-28). We are urged to heed this warning, Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (Psalm 95:7-8; Hebrews 3:7-8,15; 4:7). II. God's Judgment Begins: Plagues 1-4 - Exodus 7:8 - 8:32 A. Warning Prelude to the Plagues - Exodus 7:8-14 God gave a warning sign when Pharaoh asked for a miracle. Aaron’s rod turned into a serpent. But rather than taking this demonstration of God’s power seriously, Pharaoh called his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians to replicate the miracle. Their “rods” may have been stiffened snakes which, when released, lost their rigidity, appearing similar to Aaron’s real rod which became a serpent. Whatever the case, God showed His superior power when Aaron’s rod swallowed the others. “Commentators generally agree that the plagues basically represent a contest between Moses as the representative of Yahweh and Pharaoh as the representative of the gods of Egypt” (His Way Out, Bernard Ramm). While many associate these plagues with specific gods, Hill and Walton say it is "better to understand the plagues collectively as judgment against the whole pantheon of Egyptian gods, rather than particular deities with each plague" (A Survey of Disciplers Bible Study - 3 - the Old Testament, Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton). Either way, the Egyptians’ gods were unable to protect them from the Almighty God. “Some have suggested that a sequence of natural occurrences can explain the plagues from a scientific point of view, all originating from an overflooding in the summer months and proceeding through a cause-andeffect process into March. Those who maintain such a position will sometimes admit to the miraculous nature of the plagues in terms of timing, discrimination between Egyptians and Israelites, prior announcement and severity” (The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Walton, Matthews and Chavalas, editors). B. First Plague: Nile River Turned to Blood – Exodus 7:15-24 Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 The Egyptians worshiped a frog goddess called "Heket". Archeologists have discovered ancient amulets carved in the shape of frogs. 2. Aaron’s rod – 8:5-6 Aaron obeyed God’s command through Moses to stretch out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 3. Magicians – 8:7 The magicians did not help the situation when they conjured additional frogs with their enchantments. Just what Egypt needed! They could not reverse the frog plague and only added to the problem. 4. Pharaoh’s response - 8:8 1. Pharaoh goes out to the water - 7:15 Without the Nile, Egypt would have been a desert land. The clear waters and the many fish made it the chief resource in the lives of the Egyptians. Consequently, many of their gods were associated with the Nile. One of their primary gods was Osiris, and the Nile was believed to be his bloodstream. Pharaoh probably went to the river in the morning to practice his pagan religion. Pharaoh was at the river worshiping when Moses confronted him. 2. Warning before the event - 7:16-19 Again, Moses gave Pharaoh a way to escape the judgment of God. But Pharaoh paid no attention to the warning that God would turn the waters of the Nile to blood, killing the fish and causing a stench. 3. Aaron’s rod - 7:20-24 In obedience to God’s command, Aaron used his rod to turn the river to blood. All the land of Egypt was affected, but Pharaoh was unconcerned. When his magicians were able to duplicate the event, Pharaoh casually went back to his house, seemingly unconcerned that the Nile he worshiped was putrid and filled with dead fish, making the water undrinkable. C. Second Plague: Frogs - Exodus 7:25-8:15 1. Warning – 7:25–8:4 One week passed as God allowed time for the effects of the first plague judgment to make an impact. Then Moses again went to Pharaoh with the LORD’s command to, "Let My people go." He warned that Pharaoh’s refusal would result in frogs from the river covering the land. Pharaoh did not heed the warning. At first Pharaoh seemed to relent, asking Moses to, "Entreat the LORD that He may take away the frogs," after which he promised to let the people go. 5. Moses’ prayer - 8:9-14 Moses told Pharaoh he would intercede with God on his behalf to destroy the frogs on the land. He asked Pharaoh to select the time. Moses did this so Pharaoh would know it was God and not a coincidence when the only living frogs were in the river again. Pharaoh chose the next day. When Moses prayed according to Pharaoh’s request, God answered and the frogs plaguing the houses, courtyards, and fields died and were gathered…together in heaps, and the land stank. 6. Hardened heart - 8:15 Once the frog crisis passed, Pharaoh saw that there was relief and hardened his heart again. He would not let the people go. D. Third Plague: Lice - Exodus 8:16-19 1. No warning, Aaron’s rod – 8:16-17 Perhaps because Pharaoh broke his promise to let the people go, no warning was given for the next plague, lice. The Hebrew word used here refers to a specific insect which may have been lice, gnats, or even mosquitoes. The New King James Version designates it as lice. Some commentators note that lice polluted the Egyptians' pagan temple, making the plague an insult to the gods worshiped there. Others believe that this pollution in the dust of the earth was an insult to the Egyptian god of the earth, Seth. Disciplers Bible Study Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 - 4 - Aaron followed the LORD’s instruction through Moses to "Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice"….and the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 2. Magicians – 8:18-19 This time Pharaoh's magicians could not duplicate the plague. Perhaps they or their paltry power were exhausted. They acknowledged God’s hand, but Pharaoh was unmoved even though there were lice everywhere he stepped. Pharaoh’s heart grew hard.... just as the LORD had said. E. Fourth Plague: Swarms of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32 1. Warning - 8:20-23 God told Moses, "Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh." Moses obeyed and met Pharaoh at the river once again. Pharaoh persisted in his idol worship despite having witnessed the power of God. Moses again gave God’s command to let the people go, adding a graphic description of the swarms of flies that would descend upon Pharaoh and his people. Pharaoh neither relented nor repented. land." Moses was quick to see that Pharaoh's offer was a sham. The sacrifices of animals would be offensive to the Egyptians, placing the Israelites in danger of being stoned. Most importantly, to remain in the land would be disobedient to God who had told Moses he would bring the people "out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:12). When you must make a decision do you go to God’s Word to see what He has to say on that subject? Do your decisions reflect your own convenience or obedience to God’s will? 5. Pharaoh’s second compromise offer - 8:28 "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away." This too was favorable only to Pharaoh. The Israelites would seem to be free but they would be within Pharaoh’s reach. Are you so close to the world that its influence reaches and controls you? Are you unable to move for God because you have not moved far enough away from the world? It is possible to seem separate and spiritual without “burning your bridges.” Many have decided to follow Jesus but only as long as He does not require them to go very far from their old habits, haunts, and social circles. 6. Moses’ entreaty - 8:29-31 2. God’s people separated - 8:23 For the first time, God set apart the land of Goshen, giving the Israelites immunity from the plague. God’s people experience the same trials as others do. Christians have accidents, illnesses, disappointments, and reversals. However God is always governing their circumstances. There are times when He specifically protects, guards, and shields His own. King David appreciated this protection when he described God as his rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, and stronghold (Psalm 18:2). What is God to you? How have you experienced His grace and mercy? Will you take a moment right now to thank Him for his care and protection? 3. A grievous swarm - 8:21, 24 The fourth plague was the first to touch the people physically. The first three plagues were loathsome and disgusting, but escape was possible. There was no escape from the swarms of flies on the people, in the houses, and on the ground. 4. Pharaoh’s first compromise offer - 8:25-27 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and gave them permission to "Go sacrifice to your God in the Again Pharaoh asked Moses to intercede and Moses agreed with a warning to Pharaoh to stop dealing deceitfully in letting the people go. When Moses left Pharaoh, he prayed and the LORD did according to the word of Moses. What a beautiful way of describing God’s grace in answering prayer. The apostle John wrote, If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14). That is what makes prayer exciting. 7. Pharaoh’s hardened heart – 8:32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go. Application 1. How tender is your heart toward God and His words? How does your life reflect your answer to that question? 2. Do you know that each time you resist or postpone obedience to God you harden your heart and it becomes more difficult to hear God's voice and choose to obey Him? What steps will you take to begin living in obedience to God today? Disciplers Bible Study - 5 - Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 QUESTIONS Questions are based on the New King James Version of the Bible. DAY ONE: Read all notes and references. 1. What was new or interesting to you this week about Moses, Aaron, or Pharaoh? 2. What did you learn about God in last week's lesson? How will you apply what you learned to your life? DAY TWO: Read Exodus 9:1-12. 3. a. Describe the fifth plague. b. Describe the condition of Pharaoh's heart. c. What was Pharaoh’s reaction? 4. a. Describe the sixth plague. b. How did the magicians respond to this plague? Explain. c. What happened to Pharaoh's heart? d. How did Pharaoh respond to the plague? DAY THREE: Read Exodus 9:13-35. 5. a. In Exodus 9:13 and 8:20 what did Moses have to do to deliver God’s message? b. Are you willing to do this in order to understand God’s Word and serve Him? c. If you have ever done this or are doing it now, will you share your experience with your group? 6. a. What was God's revealed purpose in sending His plagues? Give verses. b. What warning was given before the seventh plague? c. Describe briefly the seventh plague. Disciplers Bible Study - 6 - Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 7. a. How did Pharaoh's servants respond to this plague? Give verses. b. What confession did Pharaoh make this time? c. What did Pharaoh do after Moses interceded and the hail stopped? d. How could you relate this to "human nature" and the way people act today? DAY FOUR: Read Exodus 10:1-20. 8. a. Whose hearts were hard before the eighth plague was sent? Why were their hearts hard? Give verses. b. What was the eighth plague? 9. How did Pharaoh’s servants respond to Pharaoh? Give verses. 10. From verses 9-11, how did Pharaoh attempt to have Moses compromise? 11. a. What did Pharaoh ask Moses to do for him? b. How did Pharaoh ultimately respond to this plague? DAY FIVE: Read Exodus 10:21-29. 12. What was the ninth plague? 13. Give Pharaoh’s reactions to the ninth plague. 14. What was Pharaoh’s final compromise offer to Moses? Giv verses. Disciplers Bible Study - 7 - Egypt to Canaan Lesson 3 DAY SIX: Read Exodus 11:1-10. 15. What important information did God share with Moses in verses 1-2? 16. How would the Israelites and Moses be viewed by the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s servants? Give verses. 17. a. What message from God did Moses deliver to Pharaoh? b. How did Pharaoh's servants respond? c. What was Moses' attitude as he left Pharaoh? 18. a. What did the LORD tell Moses about Pharaoh's response? b. Why would Pharaoh respond that way? 19. What did you learn about God as you studied these five plagues? How will you respond?