Exodus 19-24 Ten Commandments: Given And Ratified

Psalm 13:1-6 Singing the Blues
13:1 “How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I wrestle with my thoughts (NIV), having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look, and answer me, Yahweh, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death; 4 Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him;" Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall. 5 BUT, I have trusted in Your hesed. My heart will rejoice in Your salvation. 6 I will sing (praises) to Yahweh, because He has been good to me.”

Observation: Looks like someone is having a bad day: God doesn't take your calls, you wrestle with your thoughts (and lose), the bad guys are beating you up, and you feel like dying. Ever have a week, month, year or decade like that?
13:5 Everything changes because of this verse, trust in God's loyal love toward His people.
Two verb tenses are used “have trusted” = perfect (past completed action); “will rejoice” = imperfect (usually future incomplete action). The tenses flip in 13:6.

Application: When you're singing the blues, recall and reaffirm your trust in God's trustworthy, loyal love, and you'll be singing a different tune.

Prayer: O Lord, my God, because You are loyal to me, I will rejoice in Your salvation, and sing Your praises. (P.S., I wouldn't mind if that happens sooner, rather than later if it's OK with You. Thanks.) Amen.

Proverbs 4:9-13 Walk in Wisdom
4:9 “(7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom...) 9 She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you." 10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. The years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths. 12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction. Don’t let her go. Keep her, for she is your life."

Observations: 4:9-13 In order to experience the benefits of wisdom, we must listen, learn, and keep a firm grip on her. Wisdom is choosing the right (God glorifying) objectives, and the right means (steps) of reaching them. That means wisdom will guide our steps in the right paths leading to blessing. Abandoning wisdom leads to a short life full of stumbles and missteps.

Application: Get wisdom, don't let it go, but have it guide your steps daily

Prayer: God of wisdom, guide my steps in Your ways every day. Amen.

Exodus 19-24 Overview:
Exodus 19 sets the stage for God to give the law (which addressed moral, religious, and civil life).
Exodus 20 God gives the Big Ten.
Exodus 21-23 There were other law codes in existence going back to Mesopotamia which are all said to come from their gods. Moses gives more specific elaborations of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the laws for a civil society. Interspersed are stipulations regarding one's relationship with God, but mainly it's rules which would enable the Israelites to live in unity and harmony. Many are applicable to modern society, so if you haven't read them, you would profit from a quick skim. I just included general summary titles in the Observation sections, and you'll find the entire text at the end of the post.
Exodus 24 records the ratification of the Covenant, when the people commit to obey.

Questions to ask as you read:
Why did God say He gives the law?
To whom does God give the law?
What's the means of blessing the people?
Did God expect them to obey it?
What would happen if they didn't obey?
In the context, is there even a hint, much less an explicit statement, that the law was given to show they couldn't keep it? (If so, please put the verse(s) in the comment section.)

See: What's Up with the Law? on Truthbase.net for an OT and NT look at the law.

Exodus 19 Basis of Faith
19:1 "In the third month...on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 3 Moses went up to God...4 `You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles` wings, and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.` 8 All the people answered together, and said, "All that Yahweh has spoken we will do." 9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever." 12 You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, 'Be careful that you don't go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.16 On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. 18 Mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly."

Observations: 19:4-5 The basis of faith was what God had revealed, what they had seen 19:5, and heard (19:9).
19:6 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” - 1 Peter 1:9
19:12 Scrupulous obedience required. I'd be quaking too.

Exodus 20 Relationship with God
20:1 "God spoke all these words, saying, 2 "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
I. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
II. 4 "You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 and showing hesed/loyal love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
III. 7 "You shall not bear/take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who bears/takes his name in vain.
IV. 8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates; 11 for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.
V. 12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
VI. 13 "You shall not murder.
VII. 14 "You shall not commit adultery.
VIII. 15 "You shall not steal.
IX. 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
X. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor`s house. You shall not covet your neighbor`s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor`s."
18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance. 19 They said to Moses, "Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don`t let God speak with us, lest we die." 20 Moses said to the people, "Don`t be afraid, for God has come to refine/test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won`t sin."
21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was. 22 Yahweh said to Moses, "This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: `You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall most certainly not make alongside of me gods of silver, or gods of gold for yourselves. 24 You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace-offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you."

Observations: 20:1 The law was given to a redeemed people (not the other way around).
20:4 This is not a general prohibition against art, but against images to which people bow down. Some traditions consider vv4-6 as subset of v3, and split up v17 on coveting.
20:5 is repeated in Exodus 34 as the essence of God's glory (which Moses asks to see there).
20:7 is probably not about profanity. “Vain/vanity” is falsehood (Deuteronomy 5:20) emptiness, meaningless, to no effect (a chasing after the wind - Ecclesiastes). To bear or call on the name of God and not do what He says, is vanity (in vain). To call oneself a believer, and not believe or trust in everyday life is vanity.
20:8 The Sabbath command starts with a different verb form from all the other commandments. It is the only one not repeated in the NT. It is considered the sign of this covenant. Israel went into captivity for a period years equal to their failure to keep the Sabbath years (coming up in Leviticus 26:33-35).
20:12-16 These are commands to not engage in self-centered behavior at the expense of another (the opposite of love). Seems like a good idea.
Romans 13:10 "Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law."
20:17 Coveting is the opposite of the first commandment, and gets to the heart of the matter. If our value system revolves around temporal rather than eternal gratification, will incur guilt
20:20 Fear God so you won't sin. (It's His idea.) What about love? See 7 Questions in sidebar on Lordship.
John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commandments.
20:23-24 Exclusivity is the key to enjoying blessings.

Application: Evaluate yourself against the ten commandments, especially the first and last, and take any appropriate corrective action.

Prayer: God who lovingly redeems and requires loyalty, help me faithfully do what you want. Amen.

Exodus 21 Relationships with Each Other
21:1-11 Slave/Servant and Women's Rights
21:12-17 Capital Crimes
21:18-27 Compensation and Property Rights
21:28-36 Responsible Community Membership

Exodus 22 Legal Relationships
22:1-17 Restitutuion or Slavery for Offenses
22:18-20 Three Capital Offenses
22:21-27 Compassionate Justice
22:28 "You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people. 29 "You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. "You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me. 30 You shall do likewise with your oxen and with your sheep. 31 "You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.

Observations: Out of a relationship with God flow our relationships with each other. Many modern legal principles are found in these verses.

Exodus 23 Regulations
23:1-9 Honesty Justice Other-centeredness (love enemies)
23:10-19 Sabbath Years and Days and Feasts
23:20 "Behold, I send an angel before you, to keep you by the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him, and listen to his voice. Don`t provoke him, for he will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in him. 22 But if you indeed listen to his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries. 23 For my angel shall go before you, and bring you in to the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I will cut them off.
24 You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor follow their practices, but you shall utterly overthrow them and demolish their pillars. 25 You shall serve Yahweh your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from your midst. 26 No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 I will send the hornet before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land. 31 I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

Observations: 23:21 The law was not given them to show they couldn't keep it. God demanded and expected obedience, or else.
23:32-33 God commands His people to be separate (holy) or suffer the consequences.

Exodus 24 Covenant is Ratified
24:3 Moses came and told the people all the words of Yahweh, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which Yahweh has spoken will we do." 4 Moses wrote all the words of Yahweh 5 He sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen to Yahweh. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 He took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, "All that Yahweh has spoken will we do, and be obedient." 8 Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, "Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these words."
9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up. 10 They saw the God of Israel...12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the tables of stone with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them." 14 He said to the elders, "Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them." 15 Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of Yahweh settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 The appearance of the glory of Yahweh was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Observations: 24:3,7 Twice the people pledge obedience. God seals the deal with them by the sprinkling of blood. See observations on covenants in Gen 15. The sacrifices are not for sins.
24:10 They saw God (see full text below), yet that doesn't prevent future disloyalty.

Application: To get off the spiritual roller coaster of victory and defeat, we need to fear God (His idea) and change our values, so we'll want and do what He wants us to do.

Prayer: Awesome God, keep me mindful of who You are and what You've promised so I may keep Your commandments, as You desire. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God is awesome beyond description; holy and powerful beyond measure, yet He chooses to make and keep a covenant with His people; He meets our needs and gives laws for the benefit of all His people, so we can live in harmony, and be blessed by Him. He expects us to remember and obey, living in exclusive loyalty to Him, and He will punish those who are disloyal and disobey.

Us in a nutshell: We have the potential to be priests to our God, giving Him what He desires, and having a righteous relationship with Him. We are redeemed to serve God, rather than sin; we're recipients of additional blessing dependent upon our obedience.

Where to Go for More:

Exodus 15-18 Drink, Food, Fellowship, And Delegation

Psalm 12:6-8 Kept Safe According to God's Words
12:6 “The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 You shall keep us safe, O LORD, You shall preserve us from this generation forever. 8 The wicked strut freely on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men."

Observations: 12:1-5 See the previous post for vv 1-5, where God protects the godly from those who oppress them.
12:6-8 The psalmist puts his trust and hope in the revealed character and words of God. He expresses confidence that God will keep His people safe and preserve them from the wicked around them. When a culture honors what is vile or worthless the wicked increase and oppress the righteous, hence the need for God's help.

Application: Trust in God's words for deliverance from a wicked culture, and seek to exalt that which is worthy and honorable.

Prayer: God, thanks for communicating Your trustworthy and pure words, so I can hope in them and You, in the midst of a wicked and worthless generation of oppressors. Amen.

Proverbs 4:5-8 What Is Your Supreme Passion?
4:5 “Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth. 6 Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you.
7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.”

Observation: Wisdom is choosing the right objectives and the right means of obtaining them. Are there any of the four listed benefits of wisdom you don't want? So how do you get it? The previous verses in Proverbs 4 give some ideas, as do the previous three posts. If you haven't paid anything to get it, you don't have it. It's not just enough to get it, you've got to esteem it, use it, embrace it, love (be loyal to) it.

Application: Is wisdom at the top of your To-Get List? Are you getting it? How? Prove it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You offer supreme wisdom. Help me not fritter away the pennies of my life on pointless pursuits. Amen.


Exodus 15-18 Drink, Food, Fellowship, And Delegation

Exodus 15 Singing to Sighing
15:1 "Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, "I will sing to Yahweh, for He has triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 Yah is my strength and song, He has become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father`s God, and I will exalt Him. 3 Yahweh is a man of war. Yahweh is His name. 4 Pharaoh`s chariots and his host has He cast into the sea; 6 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power, Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces. 7 In the greatness of Your excellency, You overthrow those who rise up against You: You send forth Your wrath. 11 Who is like You, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in praises, doing wonders? 12 You stretched out Your right hand. The earth swallowed them. 13 "You, in Your hesed/loyal love, have led the people that You have redeemed. You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.
14 The peoples (Canaanites) have heard. They tremble...16 Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of Your arm they are as still as a stone;...Yahweh, until the people pass over who You have purchased. 17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, The place, Yahweh, which You have made for yourself to dwell in; The sanctuary, Lord, which Your hands have established. 18 Yahweh shall reign forever and ever."

22 Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they couldn`t drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. 24 The people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" 25 Then he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested/refined them; 26 and he said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in His eyes, and will pay attention to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you." 27 They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm-trees: and they encamped there by the waters."

Observations: This song of praise focuses on the attributes and actions of God in redeeming and leading His people (not so much about how the Israelites feel about it). It looks forward to the continuation of the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them into the Promised Land.
15:24 Different tune, a whole lot worse. From singing God's praise they switch to singing the blues. God let them experience need so they would call out in dependence upon Him (who just so gloriously delivered them). Instead they murmur against Moses.
15:25 Moses calls out to God who sweetens the very water they were complaining about. God says He is refining them (metallurgy). They were doubting God's goodness and complaining instead of calling out to Him. When will they/we ever learn?
15:26 God graciously gives yet another promise.

Question: How many of the attributes and actions of God listed above have you personally experienced?

Application: If we focus on who God has revealed Himself to be and what He has done in our life, the difficulties come into perspective as just a test.

Prayer: Awesome Incomparable God, You are One of a kind. Thanks for redeeming and leading me. May I faithfully follow You without faltering. Amen.

Exodus 16 More Murmuring and More Manna
16:1 "They took their journey from Elim, to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai...2 The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness; 3 "We wish that we had died by the hand of Yahweh in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger." 4 Then said Yahweh to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day`s portion every day, that I may test/refine them, to the intent that they will walk in My law. 5 It shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily."
8...Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against Him. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh." 9 Moses said to Aaron, "Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, `Come near before Yahweh, for He has heard your murmurings.`" 10...behold, the glory of Yahweh appeared in the cloud. 12 Speak to them, saying, `At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread: and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God.`" 13 It happened at evening that quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. 14 When the dew had gone, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, "What is it?" Moses said to them, "It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat." 16 This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: "Gather of it everyone according to his eating...19 Moses said to them, "Let no one leave of it until the morning." 20 Notwithstanding they didn`t listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was angry with them.
23 He said to them, "This is that which Yahweh has spoken, `Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning." 24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses asked, and it didn`t become foul, neither was there any worm in it. 25 Moses said, "Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. Today you shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none." 27 It happened on the seventh day, that some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 Yahweh said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, therefore He gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day." 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
31 The house of Israel called the name of it Manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Moses said, "This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, `Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt."

Observations: 16:5 God is purifying and refining His people in daily training them to walk in His law.
16:8 We tend to blame others for our problems.
16:26 God is giving them their daily manna, except on the Sabbath, when there was none, and the sixth day's double gathering lasted an extra day. He is teaching them obedience, but some don't get it.

Exodus 17 Water and War
17:1 "All the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to Yahweh`s commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?" 3 The people were thirsty for water there; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?" 4 Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, "What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me." 5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
7 He called the name of the place Massah (trial), and Meribah (quarrel), because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, "Is Yahweh among us, or not?" 8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us, and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God`s rod in my hand. 10 So Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 It happened, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses` hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. His hands were steady until sunset. 13 Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky." 15 Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Yahweh our Banner 16 He said, "Yah has sworn: `Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.`"

Observations: 17:1 God commands them to go where there is no water.
17:3 If God wanted the people dead, He would have left them in Egypt or by the Sea. Israel causes their own pain by failing to perceive God's purposes for them.
17:11-13 Conquest is a team sport. God makes it clear that He energizes the sword; our job is to constantly pray and wield it.
17:15 Yahweh our Banner/Ensign/Standard, like the Roman Legion's Eagle, the ensign embodied the honor and rallying point of the people.
17:16 Amalek descended from Esau. Attacking the descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people, has dire consequences.

Application: We doubt God's presence when we focus on ourselves instead of Him.

Prayer: God my Banner, thanks that You go with me, provide for me, and fight my battles through me; may my honor be loyalty to You. Amen.

Exodus 18 Fellowship and Delegation
18:1 "Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses` father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. 6 He said to Moses, I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her. 8 Moses told his father-in-law all that Yahweh had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel`s sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how Yahweh delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done 10 Jethro said, "Blessed be Yahweh...11 Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them." 12 Jethro, Moses` father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God...13...Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening...15 Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and his laws." 17 Moses` father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good. 18 You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. 19 Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God. 20 You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 23 If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all of these people also will go to their place in peace." 24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. 26 They brought the hard causes to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 27 Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land."

Observations: 18:10-11 Fellowship means to have in common. As Moses shared his experience with God, Jethro comes to know the True God. That's the way faith should be shared.
18:21 Note the characteristics of the people God can use. True of you?
18:23 God guides Moses through Jethro in the art of delegation (not abdication). We all have limits.

Question: How has God been good to you lately?

Application: Faithfully trusting God gives us a testimony of His goodness to us, so we can share our faith with others. No trust, no testimony.

Prayer: Great God, may I always be in a position where You can pour out Your goodness on me, so I can introduce others to You. Amen.


Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God is very interested in showing that He is Supreme, so others will trust Him, rather than false gods. He leads His people into difficultly so they will become more dependent upon Him. He dislikes disobedience, but tolerates it if we're on the right track. He trains us to be dependent on a daily basis, by giving us daily provision and protection. He communicates His will through others at times especially regarding our blind spots. He is not shy about punishing evil and those who attack His people. 

Us in a nutshell: We tend to have goldfish memories when it comes to trusting God: singing His praises one day, and singing the blues the next; we are also myopic about his promises, losing sight of them as soon as a difficulty looms into view. We have the responsibilities to pray and poke the pointy end of the sword into the other guy; God has the responsibility to ensure our safety and success. 


Where to Go for More:
Truthbase.net

Exodus 11-14 Yahweh Wins the Battle of the Gods; Let's Party

Psalm 12:1-5 Who Owns Your Lips?
12:1 “Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men. 2 Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart. 3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts, 4 who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?" 5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set him in safety from those who malign him."“

Observation: Self-centered speech isn't pretty. Even worse when it oppresses others to gain worth and value. God knows how to protect His servants when others malign and slander the faithful.
Matthew 12:36 "I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."
Application: When you encounter evil and lying people, groan to God, who will protect you.

Prayer: Lord, I trust in Your protection, set a guard over me and my mouth. Amen.


Proverbs 4:1-4 Selling Life Assurance
4:1 “1 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding; 2 for I give you sound learning. Don't forsake my law. 3 For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live. 7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom..."

Observations: A parent/father always has to sell their kids on what's right. With a reasonable faith based on God's revelation, and rules that are in the child's best interest, that's easy (especially when compared to the heartbreak of the alternative). The appeal is not just to the mind, but the heart, the place where values reside and decisions are made.

Application: What are you passing on to others? Pious sounding platitudes or Truth that gives the abundant life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for communicating Your law to me, may I be faithful to communicate it by my words and life to others. Amen.


Exodus 11-14 Final Plague, Passover, Exit

Exodus 11 Favor and Firstborns

11:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go...2..let them ask every man/woman of his/her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold." 3 Yahweh 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. 4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: `About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne...servant...cattle. 7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won`t even bark...that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won`t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go out of his land."

Observations: 11:2-3 Even though you'd think the Egyptians would hate the Israelites, God changed their hearts to enrich His people (so they could enrich Him in the building of the Tabernacle).
11:9 God is intent about glorifying Himself for the benefit of the world, not just about making our lives comfortable. In fact, as His servants, we will be uncomfortable (count on it) but enriched.
Hebrews 11:27 "By faith, he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible."
Application: If you don't obey and ask, you don't get.

Prayer: God, thanks that You can change hearts, so I can do what You require of me to accomplish Your purposes. Amen.

Exodus 12 Preparing for the Passover
12:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you...5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening. 7 They shall take same of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs. 11 This is how you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh`s Passover. 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh. 13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 15 Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 26 It will happen, when your children ask you, `What d o you mean by this service?` 27 that you shall say, `It is the sacrifice of Yahweh`s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.`" The people bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!"
35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians. 37 The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much cattle. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who sojourns among you."

Observations: 12:12 It's not just about the Israelites, but about God's glory.
12:13 No blood, no judgment Pass-over. Obedience was needed to apply the blood as specified.
12:15 No obedience no blessing (even in something as insignificant as bread). Yeast is a symbol of sin which spreads and takes over its host.
12:29 The firstborn of Pharaoh was the next god in line to protect Egypt.
12:32 Pharaoh finally agrees to all God's stipulations, and asks for a blessing!
12:41 God had this planned to the day, to keep His word to Abe. How did He know that? The Scriptures don't tell us. It probably has something to do with being Omniscient and outside of time. The Scriptures do tell us that Pharaoh was responsible for his choices and reaped the consequences of His stubborn, rebellious choices. That is abundantly clear.

Application: Despite "delays" God's timetable was to the day.

Prayer: God who delivers and is never late, help me focus on what You've told me to do, and leave the timing to You. Amen.

Exodus 13 Remember to Remember

13:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine." 5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. 9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt. 14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?` that you shall tell him, `By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.`

17 When Pharaoh had let the people go, God didn`t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;" 18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you." 21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn`t depart from before the people."

Observations: 13:9 The purpose of the ritual is to memorialize (keep in memory) what God had done (delivered and judged rebellion and disobedience to His will) so that Israel would obey. It was also a perpetual reminder that God owns it all, including us.
13:16 To redeem was to buy back from the slated sacrifice/destruction.
13:17 Sometimes God's will is the long way around for our protection. He knows what's best; do it His way.
13:19 Joseph's faith was vindicated and serves as a reminder that God keeps His promises.
13:21 God protects (cloud) and guides (fire) so we can follow Him, day or night.

Application: How do God's promises affect your behavior?
Hebrews 11:28 By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.
Prayer: O God who keeps His promises, I promise to always remember what You have done, and give You all that is Yours. Amen.

Exodus 14 God Washes Problems Away
14:3 "Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, `They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.` 4 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so. 5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel...10...The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh. 11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt? 12 Isn`t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?` For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness." 13 Moses said to the people, "Don`t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. 17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh..." 19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn`t come near the other all the night. 21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued...25 He took off their chariot wheels..."Let`s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!" 26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea...28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh`s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in His servant Moses."

Observations: 14:5 Note Pharaoh's self-serving value system which caused him to change his heart. God then hardened it.
14:12 Note the people's self-serving/protecting value system. They didn't value freedom nor serving God. Yet God still graciously hears them and saves them. The people also failed to believe all of God's promise, that they would serve Him. (But then they do provide comic relief 14:11 -no graves.)
14:13 They just had to stand (not run away) and then walk.
14:26 Youtube of Exodus and Route of Exodus and Chariot Wheels in the Sea.
14:31 About time; Israel fears and believes God. Let's see how long this lasts.

Application: Fear of man and faith in God don't walk together. Fear causes us to do stupid things. Faith causes God to save us and bless us, the better choice.
Hebrews 11:29 "By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up."
Prayer: O God who triumphs gloriously, keep in my memory who You are and what You do, so I will never doubt Your ability to protect and bless me. Amen.


Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God wants His people to worship Him, and will display His glory to the world in the process. He has a plan and a timetable, and works all things together for the good of His people, even the bad and the ugly, the mundane and the miraculous; He uses our obedience as the means of providing protection and prizes (Egyptian gold).

Us in a nutshell: To experience God's benefits, we must do what He says, as revealed in His word. We forfeit blessings and peace when we fear anything other than God, and fail to obey. We tend to focus on immediate relief, preferring even slavery to the far more beneficial sonship.


Route of Exodus and Chariot Wheels in the Sea
I realize there is controversy surrounding one of the individuals cited in the article, but on the whole, it is well reasoned.
More scholarly commentary on the above link


Exodus 11-14 (complete text)
Exodus 11
11:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold." 3 Yahweh 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. 4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: `About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maid-servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of cattle. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won`t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, `Get out, and all the people who follow you; and after that I will go out.`" He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. 9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won`t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt." 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go out of his land."

Exodus 12
12:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you. 3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, `On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers` houses, a lamb for a household; 4 and if the household be too little for a lamb, then he and his neighbor next to his house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats: 6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening. 7 They shall take same of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it. 8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs. 9 Don`t eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted with fire; with its head, its legs and its inner parts. 10 You shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire. 11 This is how you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh`s Passover. 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh. 13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 This day shall be to you for a memorial, and you shall keep it a feast to Yahweh: throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever. 15 Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 In the first day there shall be to you a holy convocation, and in the seventh day a holy convocation; no manner of work shall be done in them, except that which every man must eat, that only may be done by you. 17 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this same day have I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall you observe this day throughout your generations by an ordinance forever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty first day of the month at evening. 19 Seven days shall there be no yeast found in your houses, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a sojourner, or one who is born in the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.`" 21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, "Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover. 22 You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side -posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of his house until the morning. 23 For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two side-posts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you. 24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. 25 It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. 26 It will happen, when your children ask you, `What do you mean by this service?` 27 that you shall say, `It is the sacrifice of Yahweh`s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.`" The people bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!" 33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We are all dead men." 34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians. 37 The children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much cattle. 39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it wasn`t leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn`t wait, neither had they prepared for themselves any food. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations. 43 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover. There shall no foreigner eat of it, 44 but every man`s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. 45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who sojourns among you." 50 Thus did all the children of Israel. As Yahweh commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 51 It happened the same day, that Yahweh brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts."

Exodus 13
13:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine." 3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. 4 This day you go forth in the month Abib. 5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to Yahweh. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and no leavened bread shall be seen with you, neither shall there be yeast seen with you, in all your borders. 8 You shall tell your son in that day, saying, `It is because of that which Yahweh did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.` 9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt. 10 You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year. 11 "It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, as he swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it you, 12 that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn which you have that comes from an animal. The males shall be Yahweh`s. 13 Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons. 14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, `What is this?` that you shall tell him, `By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being males; but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.` 16 It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt." 17 It happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God didn`t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;" 18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you." 20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn`t depart from before the people."

Exodus 14
14:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal-zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, `They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.` 4 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so. 5 It was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" 6 He made ready his chariot, and took his army with him; 7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them. 8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand. 9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh. 11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt? 12 Isn`t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, `Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?` For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness." 13 Moses said to the people, "Don`t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which he will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again. 14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still." 15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. 16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground. 17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his host, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen." 19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn`t come near the other all the night. 21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh`s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army. 25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let`s flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!" 26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen." 27 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh`s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in his servant Moses."

Exodus 7-10 The Battle Of The Gods Begins

Psalm 11:1-7 Three Reasons to Trust and Be an Upright Tree
11:1 ”In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain!” 2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bows; They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 Yahweh is in His holy temple. Yahweh is on His throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men. 5 Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence His soul hates. 6 On the wicked He will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see His face.“

Observations: This is the first Psalm I learned to exegete in Hebrew, so it's dear to my heart and life (since it puts problems into perspective).
11:2-3 Two reasons to flee: enemies slandering, and social order turned upside down
11:4 Three reasons to trust God when your world falls apart: 1. God answers prayer (as demonstrated by the praise He receives in His temple); 2. God's in control (His throne is the highest, sovereignly above other gods'); 3. God's testing you (the rest of the Psalm elaborates this point). Remember Genesis 22, God tests the righteous so they can demonstrate uprightness.
11:7 A righteous tree is rightly related to the earth (roots there) and sky (branches there). After the storm of testing, it's still upright.
Deliberate ambiguity. In metallurgy, apply heat, skim impurities, repeat until the molten reflects your face. God skims our impurities through trials, looking to see his character reflected in us. Bonus: the pure see Him. (Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 12:14)

Application: This is only a test. Don't abandon your roots when the storm starts.

Prayer: Refiner of my soul, You have revealed Yourself to be the God who answers prayer, is in control, and tests His servants. Keep me rooted in Your Revelation. Amen.

Proverbs 3:21-26 God is the Wingman of the Wise
3:21 “My son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion/purpose: 22 so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck. 23 Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won’t stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Don’t be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes: 26 for Yahweh will be your confidence/flank, and will keep your foot from being taken.“

Observations: 3:21-26 This is a nice parallel to the end of Psalm 17. Those who keep sound wisdom and God's purposes (as revealed in Proverbs) in view will experience the best life has to offer. They will walk securely, and sleep sweetly. They will not fear because Yahweh is their wingman (literally “flank”). He protects the wise walkers.

Application: If you want God as your wing-man, keep wisdom in your sights.

Prayer: Lord, thanks that I can trust You to guide and protect me as I walk in Your ways. Thanks for revealing them, and helping me walk in them. Amen.



Exodus 7-10 God didn't need ten plagues to remove the Israelites from Egypt, but rather to remove Egypt from the Israelites. Yahweh demonstrates His superiority over the gods of Egypt so His people would trust Him, rather than the false gods of the created realm. Each of the plagues is directed against an Egyptian god (polemic), so that all would know that He is the true God.

Some things to note as you read:
God separates and protects His people as He brings judgment on their enemies.
God hardens or fixes a heart that doesn't listen to, nor fear, nor obey Him in the position of rebellion so the choice they have made is obvious as He judges.
See the Digging Deeper on the Weighing of the Heart Ceremony in Egypt.
Exodus 7 Battle of Gods Turns Bloody

7:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 3 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I stretch forth my hand on Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." 6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Yahweh commanded them, so they did. 7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

8 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 9 "When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, `Perform a miracle!` then you shall tell Aaron, `Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.`" 11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron`s rod swallowed up their rods. 13 Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh`s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go. 16 You shall tell him, `Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, "Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:" and, behold, until now you haven`t listened. 17 Thus says Yahweh, "In this you shall know that I am Yahweh. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 The fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall become foul; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from the river." 22 The magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments; and Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 23 Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he lay even this to heart. 24 All the Egyptians dug round about the river for water to drink; for they couldn't drink of the water of the river. 25 Seven days were fulfilled, after Yahweh had struck the river."

Observations: 7:11,22 The magicians duplicate some of the super-natural signs. We live in a material and immaterial world. Not all in the immaterial world is good. Both sides have “signs“ so test everything against the revealed Truth. See Satan outline.
Matthew 16:4 "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed."
Matthew 24:24 "For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones."
7:13-14 Pharaoh's heart was hardened in his anti-God posture by the duplication of the signs by the magicians. God “blames” Pharaoh for being stubborn and refusing to listen, a condition that began in Ex 5:2 by Pharaoh's choice, according to his own incorrect value system.
7:17 The Nile was responsible for life in Egypt. Yahweh turns it to death. Pharaoh's not impressed (7:23).

Application: Don't be deceived by the super-natural nor rationalistic explanations of life, but be tender towards God, hearing Truth at the low volume.

Prayer: Almighty God, may I be sensitive to, and quick to hear and obey You. Amen.

Exodus 8 God Bugs Pharaoh

8:1 "Yahweh spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, "This is what Yahweh says, `Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your borders with frogs: 7 The magicians did in like manner with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt. 8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat Yahweh, that he take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to Yahweh." 13 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn`t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.
16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, `Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.`" 18 The magicians tried with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they couldn`t. There were lice on man, and on animal. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.
21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies...22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am Yahweh in the midst of the earth.
25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God in the land!" 26 Moses said, "It isn`t appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Yahweh our God. Behold, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and won`t they stone us? 27 We will go three days` journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh our God, as he shall command us." 28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Yahweh your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me." 32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he didn't let the people go."

Observations: 8:8,28 God is gracious to respond to Pharaoh's partial repentance.
8:19 Even though his advisers tell Pharaoh, “It's God,” he doesn't change his heart in response to the truth. Note who is doing the heart hardening.
8:25 Pharaoh offers a compromise, but worshiping God requires total obedience.
8:26 The Israelites would sacrifice a bull, an abomination in the eyes of the Egyptians who worshiped the animal.

Application: The true worship of the True God requires total obedience, no compromise.

Prayer: God of frogs and flies, may Your command be my wish. Amen.

Exodus 9 Stubborn Sinners Stay Stuck
9:1 "Then Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, `This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still, 3 behold, the hand of Yahweh is on your cattle which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence. 4 Yahweh will make a distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt; and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel."`" 7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn`t let the people go.
8 Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt." 11 The magicians couldn`t stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians. 12 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn`t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken to Moses.
13 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, `This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14 For this time I will send all my plagues on your heart, and on your servants, and on your people; that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15 For now I would have put forth my hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth; 16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand, to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. 17 As you still exalt yourself against my people, that you won`t let them go. 18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now. 19 Now therefore command that all of your cattle and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn't brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die."`" 20 Those who feared the word of Yahweh among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their cattle flee into the houses. 21 Whoever didn`t regard the word of Yahweh left his servants and his cattle in the field. 23 Moses stretched forth his rod toward the heavens, and Yahweh sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashed down to the earth. Yahweh rained hail on the land of Egypt. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. 27 Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Pray to Yahweh;

30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear Yahweh God." 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he didn't let the children of Israel go, as Yahweh had spoken through Moses."

Observations: 9:7 When confronted with indisputable evidence, Pharaoh stubbornly refuses to acknowledge and do the truth.
9:14-16 God's goal is for all to know Him in truth. He could have wiped everyone out on day one.
9:20-21 God graciously gives people the opportunity to obey and escape judgment.
9:27-28 Pharaoh speaks the truth, and acknowledges his sin, but doesn't stick to it, because he doesn't fear God. Instead he sins yet more (9:30).

Application: If we don't learn to fear God, we won't develop wisdom, and will stay stupid sinners.

Prayer: God of Justice, may I always be the person You delight to protect rather than have to judge. Amen.

Exodus 10 Same Song 8th & 9th Verses

10:1 "Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs in the midst of them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your son`s son, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Yahweh." 3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, "This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: `How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country,

7 Pharaoh`s servants said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Yahweh, their God. Don`t you yet know that Egypt is destroyed? 8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, "Go, serve Yahweh your God; but who are those who will go?" 11 Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Yahweh; for that is what you desire!" They were driven out from Pharaoh`s presence. 12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, "I have sinned against Yahweh your God, and against you. 17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that he may also take away from me this death." 20 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn't let the children of Israel go. 21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt." 22 Moses stretched forth his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23...but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you." 27 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he wouldn't let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!" 29 Moses said, "You have spoken well. I will see your face again no more."

Observations: 10:3 Note that Pharaoh refuses to humble (lower) himself to obey God, and in the rebellion, continues to sin.
10:8, 24 Pharaoh just doesn't get it. He continues to offer compromises rather than obeying the will of God. God starts skipping the warnings and lets him have it.
10:16-17 Pharaoh recognizes his sin, seeks forgiveness, but still refuses (act of the will) to obey God. At times he relents, but then his old value system kicks in, and he's up to his old tricks.


Digging Deeper:
Egyptian writings (Book of the Dead) and paintings and carvings tell of the Weighing of the Heart. After the heart was dried, it was placed on a scale and weighed against a feather. The feather was the symbol of Ma'at, the goddess of justice and truth. If the heart was heavy with sin and bad deeds, it was gobbled up by the beast crouching by the scale. If it was lighter and full of good deeds, it would go into a pleasant afterlife. If you look closely at most depictions, the god/priest tending the scale helps tilt the scales in favor of the deceased (for an appropriate offering). A scarab (beetle shaped charm) was put on the heart to prevent it from drying out and hardening and facing judgment, (or in some accounts, to prevent the heart from testifying against the person). 
According to the Papyrus of Ani, there are 42 Confessions of Innocence one makes when facing this judgment. Pharaoh breaks the majority of them in this interchange with Moses.
God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart is fixing it in the decisions Pharaoh repeatedly made, so that he would be set up for judgment. When the pain began, Pharaoh would flip-flop, but with his choice fixed, there was no escaping judgment. As Regis would ask, “Is that your final answer?”

God in a nutshell: God is incredibly patient and gracious in announcing and delaying judgment so people can repent; He even stops the pain of the consequences even though He knows people will revert; God will eventually glorify Himself, and His desire will be accomplished, but at the expense of sinners; He protects His people as they observe the judgments upon the wicked.

Us in a nutshell: We're more stubborn than smart sometimes, thinking we can obstinately persist in our sin and outwit God. Silly humans. If we seek to be autonomous, we will reap pain until we humble ourselves under God's will.



Where to Go for More:
Exodus 7-10 (complete text)
Exodus 7
7 1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 3 I will harden Pharaoh`s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I stretch forth my hand on Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them." 6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Yahweh commanded them, so they did. 7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh. 8 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 9 "When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, `Perform a miracle!` then you shall tell Aaron, `Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.`" 10 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as Yahweh had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron`s rod swallowed up their rods. 13 Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh`s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning. Behold, he goes out to the water; and you shall stand by the river`s bank to meet him; and the rod which was turned to a serpent you shall take in your hand. 16 You shall tell him, `Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, "Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:" and, behold, until now you haven`t listened. 17 Thus says Yahweh, "In this you shall know that I am Yahweh. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 The fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall become foul; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from the river."`" 19 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, `Take your rod, and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their ponds of water, that they may become blood; and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.`" 20 Moses and Aaron did so, as Yahweh commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 The fish that were in the river died; and the river became foul, and the Egyptians couldn`t drink water from the river; and the blood was throughout all the land of Egypt. 22 The magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments; and Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 23 Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he lay even this to heart. 24 All the Egyptians dug round about the river for water to drink; for they couldn`t drink of the water of the river. 25 Seven days were fulfilled, after Yahweh had struck the river.

Exodus 8
8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, "This is what Yahweh says, `Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your borders with frogs: 3 and the river shall swarm with frogs, which shall go up and come into your house, and into your bedchamber, and on your bed, and into the house of your servants, and on your people, and into your ovens, and into your kneading-troughs: 4 and the frogs shall come up both on you, and on your people, and on all your servants.`" 5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, `Stretch forth your hand with your rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.`" 6 Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. 7 The magicians did in like manner with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt. 8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat Yahweh, that he take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to Yahweh." 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "I give you the honor of setting the time that I should pray for you, and for your servants, and for your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, and remain in the river only." 10 He said, "Tomorrow." He said, "Be it according to your word, that you may know that there is none like Yahweh our God. 11 The frogs shall depart from you, and from your houses, and from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only." 12 Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to Yahweh concerning the frogs which he had brought on Pharaoh. 13 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields. 14 They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart, and didn`t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken. 16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, `Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.`" 17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were lice on man, and on animal; all the dust of the earth became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 The magicians tried with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they couldn`t. There were lice on man, and on animal. 19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh`s heart was hardened, and he didn`t listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken. 20 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, he comes forth to the water; and tell him, `This is what Yahweh says, "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. 22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am Yahweh in the midst of the earth. 23 I will put a division between my people and your people: by tomorrow shall this sign be."`" 24 Yahweh did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants` houses: and in all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies. 25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God in the land!" 26 Moses said, "It isn`t appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Yahweh our God. Behold, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and won`t they stone us? 27 We will go three days` journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh our God, as he shall command us." 28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Yahweh your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me." 29 Moses said, "Behold, I go out from you, and I will pray to Yahweh that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; only don`t let Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Yahweh." 30 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh. 31 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. There remained not one. 32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he didn`t let the people go.

Exodus 9
9:1 Then Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, `This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still, 3 behold, the hand of Yahweh is on your cattle which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence. 4 Yahweh will make a distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt; and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel."`" 5 Yahweh appointed a set time, saying, "Tomorrow Yahweh shall do this thing in the land." 6 Yahweh did that thing on the next day; and all the cattle of Egypt died, but of the cattle of the children of Israel, not one died. 7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn`t let the people go. 8 Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt." 10 They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became a boil breaking forth with boils on man and on animal. 11 The magicians couldn`t stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians. 12 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn`t listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken to Moses. 13 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, `This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14 For this time I will send all my plagues on your heart, and on your servants, and on your people; that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15 For now I would have put forth my hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth; 16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand, to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. 17 As you still exalt yourself against my people, that you won`t let them go. 18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now. 19 Now therefore command that all of your cattle and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn`t brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die."`" 20 Those who feared the word of Yahweh among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their cattle flee into the houses. 21 Whoever didn`t regard the word of Yahweh left his servants and his cattle in the field. 22 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch forth your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt." 23 Moses stretched forth his rod toward the heavens, and Yahweh sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashed down to the earth. Yahweh rained hail on the land of Egypt. 24 So there was very severe hail, and lightning mixed with the hail, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. 27 Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Pray to Yahweh; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer." 29 Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Yahweh`s. 30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear Yahweh God." 31 The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom. 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had not grown up. 33 Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go, as Yahweh had spoken through Moses.

Exodus 10
10:1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs in the midst of them, 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your son`s son, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Yahweh." 3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, "This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: `How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, 5 and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won`t be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field. 6 Your houses shall be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as neither your fathers nor your fathers` fathers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.`" He turned, and went out from Pharaoh. 7 Pharaoh`s servants said to him, "How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Yahweh, their God. Don`t you yet know that Egypt is destroyed? 8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, "Go, serve Yahweh your God; but who are those who will go?" 9 Moses said, "We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast to Yahweh." 10 He said to them, "Yahweh be with you if I will let you go with your little ones! See, evil is clearly before your faces. 11 Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Yahweh; for that is what you desire!" They were driven out from Pharaoh`s presence. 12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left." 13 Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and Yahweh brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all the night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. 15 For they covered the surface of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened, and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. There remained nothing green, either tree or herb of the field, through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, "I have sinned against Yahweh your God, and against you. 17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that he may also take away from me this death." 18 He went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh. 19 Yahweh turned an exceeding strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt. 20 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he didn`t let the children of Israel go. 21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt." 22 Moses stretched forth his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They didn`t see one another, neither did anyone rise from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you." 25 Moses said, "You must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt-offerings, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh our God. 26 Our cattle also shall go with us. There shall not a hoof be left behind, for of it we must take to serve Yahweh our God; and we don`t know with what we must serve Yahweh, until we come there." 27 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh`s heart, and he wouldn`t let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to him, "Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!" 29 Moses said, "You have spoken well. I will see your face again no more."