Last week, I mentioned that we may draw up different lessons from our study of Scripture, even from the same topic. Again, applying SOQPA (Scripture, Observation, Question, Prayer, and Application) as a tool, let us delve further into the story of the 10 plagues. Through observation, we may note that it was God who hardened Pharaoh’s heart and shut his ears.1
Why would God do this thing? What could be God’s motive? The answers in context are found in Scripture; one only needs to search for the answers diligently. As God multiplies signs and wonders in the land, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened. Thus says the LORD, “By this you shall know that I am the LORD2 . . . so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.3 But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, . . . 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.4 . . . so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.5 . . . so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.6
God is highly concerned about his Name and his Word that it be exalted above all.7 But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD.”9
LORD, we proclaim that we have no other gods before you.10 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh, come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts . . .11
Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.12
Notes:
i. Title was lifted from Google Images. No copyright infringement is intended
1. Exodus 7:3-4
2. Exodus 7:17
3. Exodus 8:10
4. Exodus 8:22-23
5. Exodus 9:14
6. Exodus 9:29
7. Psalm 138:2
8. Exodus 9:16
9. Exodus 10:1-2
10. Exodus 20:3
11. Psalm 95:1-8
12. Matthew 6:9-10
