Bible Study of Exodus 11:1-10
A stubborn heart brings on yet another plague to Egypt – death of every firstborn. As Christians, are we sometimes stubborn when it comes to listening to Gods guidance for us?
Have you ever felt like a “plague” was being imposed on your life?
This passage from the Book of Exodus talks about how God took certain steps to form Israel into a nation.
Egypt and Pharaoh were just His “tools” used to complete the process.
We are also being molded by God. Sometimes the journey may not be pleasant but if we allow God to work in our lives, the end result will be fantastic!
Let’s read about the first born plague of Egypt Moses promises Pharaoh.
God Declares the Firstborn Plague Upon Egypt
Now the Lord said to Moses, “One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here.
When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here completely.
Speak now in the hearing of the people that each man ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold.”
The Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians.
Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
Moses said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well.
Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.
But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’
All these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, ‘Go out, you and all the people who follow you,’ and after that I will go out.”
And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. – Exodus 11:1-8 NASB
Israel: The Chosen People
In this chapter, God has finally established a distinct difference between Egypt and Israel.
The Israelites are now the chosen people of God.
The Steps to a Nation
The lesson from the Egyptian plagues is the beginning of a nation. Israel is becoming a society with its own governing laws.
In other words, the exodus from Egypt means the molding of a new nation called Israel.
Israel Becomes God’s Chosen People
God is making preparations for the people to receive the Ten Commandments when they later wander in the desert.
He is getting the people ready to become a real nation with their own land. They are to follow His laws, making them different from any other nation on earth.
The nation of Israel is born.
God Sees Us as Distinct
Just as He saw the Israelites as His people, God sees us for what we can become – not just what we are now.
So, when changes come, remember that God is molding us into “His” people.
As Christians, we are distinct too. This doesn’t make life easier or keep us from facing hardships. But it does help to explain it.
Furthermore, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us; and God to comfort us during trying times.
Stubborn, Unbelieving Pharaoh
The great pharaoh of Egypt could not, and would not believe that God was mightier than he.
Even with all the plagues and miracles he witnessed through Moses and Aaron he remained stubborn.
What Does It Take for Us?
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”140418970X” locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/61tiYNjAhZL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”113″]It’s really simple although not always easy.
If we will only open our hearts to Gods plan for us, a great catastrophe is not necessary to bring us back to Him.
Ask for directions through prayer. The answer may come in the form of a whisper – not a plague.
Remember, we have to listen closely or we may not hear God.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.