Exodus 7-11

Welcome to The Safe Space! Where we last left off in the Bible, God had promised Moses that He would rescue the Israelites from slavery and bring them into the land promised to their ancestors. But Pharaoh had hardened his heart, making the Israelites’ suffering even worse. Now Moses and Aaron stand before him again, carrying a message that will shake the foundations of Egypt: the Lord demands, “Let my people go.” God tells Moses that Pharaoh will refuse, but through a series of mighty signs and wonders, Egypt will know that He is the Lord. Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, and Aaron’s staff becomes a serpent before him. When Pharaoh’s magicians duplicate the sign, Aaron’s staff swallows theirs. Yet Pharaoh remains stubborn. Then the plagues begin. Aaron stretches his staff over the Nile, and the water turns to blood. Fish die, the river stinks, and the Egyptians struggle to find drinking water. Still, Pharaoh refuses to listen. Frogs swarm throughout Egypt, invading houses, bedrooms, ovens, and even kneading bowls. Pharaoh pleads for relief, but once the frogs disappear, his heart hardens again. Next come gnats, covering people and animals. Pharaoh’s magicians cannot reproduce this miracle and admit, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh will not yield. Flies then fill Egypt, bringing destruction to the land, while God protects the Israelites in the region where they live. Pharaoh repeatedly promises to let the people go, but each time relief comes, he changes his mind. A devastating plague strikes Egypt’s livestock, killing the animals of the Egyptians while sparing those belonging to Israel. Then painful boils break out on people and animals. Even Pharaoh’s magicians cannot stand before Moses because of the sores. Still, Pharaoh refuses to surrender. God sends a terrifying hailstorm unlike anything Egypt has ever seen. Those who heed God’s warning bring their servants and livestock indoors and survive, while those who ignore it suffer the consequences. Pharaoh finally admits that he has sinned, but once the storm ends, his heart hardens again. Locusts follow, devouring what the hail left behind. Pharaoh’s officials plead with him to stop resisting before Egypt is completely ruined. Pharaoh calls Moses back and confesses his sin, but once again, when the plague is removed, he refuses to let Israel go. Then darkness falls—a darkness so thick it can be felt. For three days, Egypt is plunged into darkness, while the Israelites have light where they live. Pharaoh offers another compromise, but Moses refuses. God’s people will not leave their families and possessions behind. Furious, Pharaoh orders Moses never to appear before him again. But Moses has one final warning. God announces a devastating tenth plague: at midnight, every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from Pharaoh’s household to the lowliest servant, and even the firstborn of the livestock. A great cry will rise throughout Egypt, unlike anything ever heard before. The Lord is about to deliver His people—but before freedom comes, Egypt will face the final and most devastating judgment of all. Verse of the Day: Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; sha can laugh at the days to come. Question of the Day: How can you make dignity a part of your being?