October 27, 2024
Exodus 7:8-25
“The Showdown Begins”
Service Overview: Here, a dramatic and divine contest begins to unfold as God, through Moses, begins to systematically confront and dismantle the ego and “power” of Pharaoh.
Memory Verse for the Week:
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)
Background Insights:
- For over eighty years, and probably much longer, the Egyptians had oppressed the Hebrews, and patiently had God borne with their persecution of His people. But the time had arrived when He was to interpose on behalf of His “firstborn” (4:22) and take vengeance on those who had reduced Israel to the most servile bondage. (Arthur Pink, Gleanings in Exodus, 1729)
- Of all the signs that God could have given to Pharaoh, he chose to turn Aaron’s staff into a serpent. The more we know about the Egyptians and their snakes, the clearer it becomes that by doing this, God was waging war against Satan. The Egyptians were fascinated with snakes, partly because they were so afraid of them. Many of them carried amulets to protect them from Apophis, the serpent-god who personified evil. Egyptian literature contains various spells and incantations to afford protection from snakebite. It was this fear of snakes that led Pharaoh to use the serpent as the symbol of his royal authority. (Phillip Graham Ryken, Preaching the Word: Exodus, 206)
- (v.9) The word used here signifies a large, deadly, venomous snake, which would likely have been a cobra. Again, God was taking on the gods of Egypt, not just Pharaoh. Snakes captivated the Egyptians. Pharaoh wore one on his head as a symbol of his authority. He was to be feared, like snakes were feared. The Egyptians were so awestruck by snakes that it led them to serpent worship. They reportedly built a temple in honor or the snake goddess Wadjet, who was represented by a cobra (Phillip Graham Ryken, Exodus, 206)
- The Nile was the lifeblood of Egypt. Essentially, there is no Egypt without the Nile. It was responsible for transportation, irrigation, drinking water, food, and the setting of the calendar. This type of catastrophe would be similar to cutting off all oil supplies, the stock market collapsing, drinking water being contaminated, and having no food in the grocery store. It would be total chaos. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus, 57)
- Many of the plagues are attacks on specific Egyptian gods. Hapi, the god of fertility, was closely associated with the Nile. Without the River Nile were was no fertility in Egypt—there was no Egypt. But the Lord turns the Nile to blood (7:19-21). (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 74)
What purpose do these plagues serve both here and in the overarching story of God in the Bible?
- To reveal the one true God.
(Ex. 20:3; Deut. 6:4; Ps. 86:10; Is. 43:10-11; Jer. 10:10; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; 1 Tim. 2:5)
The plagues were designed to reveal the God who sent them (J. Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, 105)
The nine plagues systematically undermine Egypt’s pluralist claims. They are a lecture against religious pluralism—the belief that all religions are valid—and personal autonomy—the belief that I have the right to live how I like. (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 74)
- To expose the reality and counterfeit nature of Satan.
(Mat. 24:24; John 8:44; 2 Cor. 4:4; 11:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 12:9)
Exodus shows us that while the evil one may have real influence, he is no match for God; Satan is a counterfeiter. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus, 55)
Some scholars think that Pharaoh’s priests were magicians in the modern sense of the word — clever illusionists who performed parlor tricks by sleight of hand… Others say that Pharaoh’s priests were snake charmers… there is a long history of snake-handling along the Nile… These arguments have a certain plausibility, but rather than seeking some sort of natural explanation, it is better to concede that Pharaoh’s priests performed their wonders by the power of Satan. When the Bible speaks of “secret arts,” it refers specifically to demonic spells and incantations. (Phillip Graham Ryken, Preaching the Word: Exodus, 208-9)
- To affirm the superiority of Jehovah over all other gods.
(Exo. 15:11; Deut. 10:17; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 95:3; 97:9; Isaiah 46:9; Jeremiah 10:6-7)
The only true and living God would perform signs that were so astonishing that there would be no doubt that He is superior. So it was not just going to be a frog or two, a few bugs, a little red water, a little hailstorm, a few people with boils, or a cloudy day. No, the plagues were horrific signs of God’s judgment and sovereign power. God was making sure people know that He was doing it and that He alone is God. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus, 54)
- To demonstrate the ruinous power of pride.
(Prov. 11:2; 16:18; 18:12; 29:23; Is. 2:11; Ez. 28:17; Luke 14:11; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
Pharaoh stands as a warning to everyone. Do not harden your heart to God. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus, 55)
Pharaoh was not offended by the Israelites having their own God, choosing their own religion, or developing their own spirituality. What he took offence at was the suggestion that the God of Israel might have a claim on him. (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 74)
Conclusion… How do these things influence and inform our faith today?
A. As they call us to revere God and resist rival loyalties.
(Ex. 20:3; Deut. 6:13; Jos. 24:14-15 Psalm 86:11; Isaiah 42:8 ; Matthew 6:24; 1 John 5:21)
The plagues should serve as a warning not only for those who refuse to believe the gospel but for believers who are tempted to love, serve, and trust anything except the living God. (Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Exodus, 56)
An idol is anything, any attitude, any belief, or any god that so captures a person’s attention and allegiance that God does not have pre-eminence. (Richard Mayhue, First and Second Thessalonians, 57)
B. As we’re reminded to stay alert to Satan’s counterfeits.
(2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:27; 6:11; Col. 2:8; 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1)
As Jesus taught in the parable of the tares (Matt. 13:24–30, 36–43), Satan is a counterfeiter who “plants” imitation Christians in this world. Paul called them “false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). Satan has an imitation gospel (Gal. 1:6–9), a counterfeit righteousness (Rom. 10:1–3), and even counterfeit ministers who spread his lies (2 Cor. 11:13–15). Satan will one day produce a false Christ who will deceive the whole world (2 Thess. 2:1–12). (Warren Wiersbe, Be Delivered: Exodus, 39)
Satan can only corrupt, never create. The Bible says that “the work of Satan [is] displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9). Satan is always a counterfeiter, never an innovator. (Phillip Graham Ryken, Preaching the Word: Exodus, 209)
C. As we’re challenged to root out pride before it ruins.
(Prov. 11:2; 16:18; 18:12; 29:23; Is. 2:11; Ez. 28:17; Luke 14:11; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
Pride is a devastating sin and is complex. Most sins turn us away from God, but pride directly attacks God. It lifts us above and against God, seeking to dethrone Him by enthroning ourselves. (Joel Beeke, A Just War, Tabletalk, October 2008, p. 37)
In the eyes of the Lord disobedience is as greatly abhorred as obedience is prized. (J. Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, 102)
The longer sinners resist God’s will and refuse to hear His Word, the “louder” He has to speak to them through His judgments. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Delivered: Exodus, 39)
The hardening of our hearts overthrows reason. We find excuses for our sinful and proud desires. We find reasons for doing what we want to do. When it all unravels, we wade further into sin, rather than accepting our terrible mistake and backing away from it. (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 70)
Gospel Connection…
In Christ, pride and deception are conquered, revealing the true God’s power to save.
(Ephesians 1:19-20 ; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15 ; 1 John 4:4)
Jesus died bearing our sins in his body on the cross, for that is what sin merits, and saving us from the wrath to come, for that is where sin leads. If the plagues begin with the disasters sin brings, they lead inexorably to the death with which sin ends. (J. Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, 103)
Spiritual Challenge Questions…
Reflect on these questions in your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with a Christian family member or Life Group.
- Pride played a key role in Pharaoh’s resistance to God. Where do you see pride manifesting in your own life, and how can you take steps to root it out?
- What does it mean to truly fear and revere God, and how should that reverence affect the way we live and make decisions?
- How can we, as believers, stand firm in the truth of who God is, even when the world offers convincing counterfeits or distractions?
- In what areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God, recognizing His superiority over all other influences?
Quotes to note…
The use of magic in Egypt is well documented in the Westcar Papyrus, in which magicians are credited with changing wax crocodiles into real ones only to be turned back to wax again after seizing their tails. (Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Exodus, Location 3356)
Three times we’re told that Pharaoh’s heart “became hard”, “was hard” and “was unyielding” (7:22; 8:19; 9:7). Three times we’re told that Pharaoh “hardened his heart” (8:15, 32; 9:34). There is a kind of madness to Pharaoh’s actions. Calamity after calamity is inflicted on Egypt, but he refuses to submit. At one point his officials beg him to relent (10:7)—but he keeps on inviting more suffering on his country. (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 69)
Despite their fear of snakes, the ancient Egyptians nevertheless were drawn to worship them. This is how Satan generally operates, using fear to gain power. (Phillip Graham Ryken, Preaching the Word: Exodus, 206)
The three sign miracles that we’re considering—the staff turned into a serpent, the water turned to blood, and the invasion of the frogs—have in common the fact that all of them were duplicated by Pharaoh’s court magicians. Perhaps “counterfeited” is a more accurate word, because what they did was more likely deceptive sleight of hand. However, Satan can empower his people to perform “lying wonders” (2 Thess. 2:9–10; Matt. 24:24; Rev. 13:11–15), and that may have been the source of their power. (Warren Wiersbe, Be Delivered: Exodus, 39)
The very first plague struck at the heart of Egypt’s life as the whole country and its people were dependent on and sustained by the river they considered to be divine, showing that there is a God greater even than the Nile, and it is his decision whether life on earth is sustainable or not. (J. Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, 105)
The carnal mind says, Do good in order to be saved: God says, You must be saved before you can do any good thing. (Arthur Pink, Gleanings in Exodus, 1700)
The purpose of the plagues is that Egypt might know that “I am the Lord”. God’s identity and authority will be revealed through the words of two 80-something-year-olds (v 6-7) and the mighty deeds of the eternal God. (Tim Chester, Exodus for You, 68)
The great confrontation in Exodus was not simply a dispute between Moses and Pharaoh, or a conflict between Israel and Egypt, but a battle between God and Satan. (Phillip Graham Ryken, Preaching the Word: Exodus, 203)
The story of God in the whole Bible is the story of God’s ultimate triumph, a victory that will involve the redemption and reconciliation of all creation to himself, issuing in a new creation to be inhabited by those from every tribe, nation, and language who will have been redeemed by the blood of Christ shed on the cross. (Christopher J.H. Wright, Exodus, 207)