LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 27
Exodus 10:1-11:10
Psalm 76:10

“Surely the wrath of man
shall praise thee …”

LESSONS FROM THE TEN PLAGUES (IV)

God forewarned Pharaoh that if he would not humble himself and let His people go, the eighth plague of swarms of locust would eat up whatever the other plagues did not destroy. Even Pharaoh’s servants asked him if he still could not see that Egypt was already ruined and that he should let these slaves go. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told them that only the men could leave to worship. Leaving the women and children behind probably assured Pharaoh of the men’s return. The LORD sent such an immense number of locust which devoured the remaining vegetation that it was darkened by their coverage. Pharaoh quickly re-summoned Moses and Aaron and asked for forgiveness. But his judicially hardened heart did not release the people when the plague was lifted. The ninth plague of three days of total darkness upon only the Egyptian-dwelling area was so intense that the darkness could be felt (Exod 10:21). The darkness was so enveloping and fearsome, they could not move around at all. This was devastating to the Egyptians for they worshipped the sun as their most powerful god. The children of Israel, however, had light. The God of the slaves could control the light rays to shine only upon His people while the Egyptians endured petrifying doomlike darkness. But still, Pharaoh sought to bargain with Moses – leave the animals behind. Moses was so full of faith by now that he did
not give in. They needed animals to make sacrifices. We must learn not to budge, fully obeying, without fear of man. Pharaoh prophesied that Moses would not see his face anymore because the next time they met, he would kill Moses. Moses, full of courage now, agreed with Pharaoh but for a different reason. For the tenth plague, Moses simply told Pharaoh that he would leave Egypt at midnight, and all the Egyptians’ firstborn would die at that time, including Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh’s people would kowtow to him and send the Hebrew slaves away. Pharaoh’s hardened heart was used to display God’s power. Moses’ faith had grown. What about ours? Let our faith be strong!

THOUGHT: The wrath of man will be used to praise God.
PRAYER: LORD, may I see beyond trials to behold Thy glory.