We continue our exploits from the 10 Plagues in the book of Exodus. As we learn more about God, we realize he doesn’t do random. Everything is meant for God’s purpose and glory. As mentioned, there are different methodologies that may aid us in our study of Scripture. Whatever tool we use, it is beneficial to view the Bible as the living and abiding word of God.1 It is written for clarity and to help us grow spiritually. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.2
Through observation, we may extract 3 more principles from the 10 Plagues as follows:
1. The plagues were used to exhibit a distinction between God’s chosen and the others. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth. Thus I will put a division between my people and your people.3 But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing of all that belongs to the people of Israel shall die.4
2. The plagues were used to grant favor to God’s people. And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.5 And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.6
3. The plagues were used to set God’s people free that they may serve him. The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness.”7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. . .”’8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Rise us early in the morning and present yourself to Pharaoh,” as he goes out to the water, and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. . . .”’9 Then the LORD said to Moses,”Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. . . .”’10 Then the LORD said to Moses,”Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me. . . .”’11
The Old Testament is a foreshadow of what is to come and has indeed come as told in the New Testament. While nailed to the cross, Jesus knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” . . . When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.12
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.13
Notes:
1. 1 Peter 1:23
2. Hebrews 4:12
3. Exodus 8:22-23
4. Exodus 9:4
5. Exodus 11:3
6. Exodus 12:36
7. The 1st Plague: Water Turned to Blood; Exodus 7:16
8. The 2nd Plague: Frogs; Exodus 8:1
9. The 4th Plague: Flies; Exodus 8:20
10. The 5th Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die; Exodus 9:1
11. The 7th Plague: Hail; Exodus 9:13
12. John 19:28-30
13. Galatians 5:1
