Exodus Chapter 10
In the very first verse of this chapter, we read that the LORD told Moses that He hardened the heart of the Pharaoh. This is true as well as Pharaoh hardened his own heart as seen in verse 34 of the last chapter. When people refuse to acknowledge God there comes a point when He hardens their heart. And for those who have read ahead in the story, we know what their end will be. God is patient and God is so very merciful, but God wants to see a humble and contrite heart.
This is something we need to teach to our children and our grandchildren. We need to teach them the many signs that God has given to us in the past (in the Bible) and the work of His creation and His mercy that is present all around us. Each person needs to recognize their need for God, and they must humble themselves before Him.
Let's Reflect
1. Because the Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, the Lord told Moses that He was going to deal harshly with all the Egyptians. These miracle signs of judgements had a purpose for the Israelites too. What was the purpose?
2. The big question that was asked of the Pharaoh is one that we might want to lovingly ask our unsaved relatives who have been stubborn about seeing the truth of the gospel. What was the question Aaron and Moses asked of the Pharaoh?
3. How extensive was the 8th plague of locusts? There have been several times in our own recent history when there have been swarms of locusts which came and destroyed a whole field of crops. This is what some people will use to discredit the plague of locusts in the Bible. And this is not to discount those times as being bad, because it is certainly a tragedy when all of a farmer’s hard work is stolen by locusts. But what do verses 14 and 15 say about the enormity of the swarms of locusts during this plague?
4. What did Pharaoh’s servants suggest that he should do when this 8th plague was announced?
5. It seemed like the Pharaoh relented and was going to let them go, but he thought he was clever when he said that he would only allow the men to go. He was going to hold the women and children hostage. He knew that they would never agree to that. What does the last half of verse 11 teach us about the demeanor of the Pharaoh?
6. By what means did God send in the locusts to the land of Egypt and by what means did He remove them?
7. The Pharaoh gave a false confession of sin once again and so God did what?
8. What was the 9th plague in Egypt but once again did not affect the Israelites where they lived?
9. What bargain did the Pharaoh next try to make with Moses and Aaron?
10. The Pharaoh said something significant in verse 28, a threat really, what was the threat?
