As I read Exodus 1-18 for this week, several questions arise in my mind, as does when I read almost any Old Testament passage. What are your thought on these?
First, throughout this passage, the writer makes it clear that God knows ahead of time Pharoah's every response before it occurs. In fact, not only does God tell Moses ahead of time that Pharoah's heart will be hard (Ex. 3:19, for instance), but we see God actually hardens Pharoah's heart on purpose (Ex. 7:3) . Is Pharoah really responsible for his rebellion against God if God is the one hardening his heart? What do you think?
Second, do you think these are random plagues that God sends upon Egypt, or is there a specific message directed towards the Egyptians with each plague? Why do you think that God decides to use the plagues that He does?
I'm curious as to your thoughts!
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I have always had a hard time with the way God hardens Pharoah's heart, but in looking at each time, Pharoah harden's his own heart more often. I think about how it says that God is using the Egyptians and this situation to show his power, and it is hard to think about the tragedies that happened in light of that. I don't think I could deal with God allowing my firstborn to die to make an example of his power to protect the Israelites.
ReplyDeleteI am not aware of any meaning in the type of plagues that were sent.
I know that this might sound wierd but with regards to babies dying, I wonder if for God, He takes them and knows that that they are much better off being with Him. It's the mothers and fathers left that have to really deal with the loss.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point Jen about Pharoh hardening his own heart many times too.