Exodus 12

Exodus 12:1

The Heart of Pharaoh Hardened

Many times Pharaoh has not let his heart softened, this time it is no longer possible. The verdict of the hardening has entered into force. He has defied the righteous Judge to the end: now is his judgment sealed. God does not let himself be mocked.

This is a serious example for a man who has often heard the gospel, but refuses to repent. The hardening by God only happens after man has radically rejected the testimony of God and there is no longer any reason to believe that he will come to repentance. Moreover, we cannot determine the time of the judgment or when the hardening will occur. Our task is to preach the gospel to everyone.

God has hardened the wicked heathen after they rejected God’s testimony in creation (Romans 1:24; 26; 28). God will harden Christ rejecting unbelievers because they have not accepted the love of truth to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Exodus 12:2

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:3

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:4

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:5

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:6

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:7

Announcement of the Seventh Plague

The seventh plague is announced as the first of the last series of three plagues. Judgments increase in severity and intensity. Three times Moses has to stretch out his staff and thus let judgments come directly from heaven (Exodus 9:22; Exodus 10:12; 21).

Moses has to go back to Pharaoh early in the morning to call him to let God’s people go. If Pharaoh does not listen, God will, He says, “send all My plagues on you”. He will do this by bringing down a very heavy hail. God reserves the hail for the day of wrath (Job 38:22-23). Instead of an invigorating, mild, blessing rain from heaven, as the land of Canaan knows it (Deuteronomy 11:10-12), there is a falling down of hard, all-destroying hailstones. The same plague will strike the world in the end time (Revelation 16:21).

God could have already wiped out Pharaoh because of his stubborn opposition. He does not do that, but let Pharaoh serve as a means by which the power of God becomes visible and His Name is proclaimed throughout the earth.

Paul refers to what the LORD says here of Pharaoh to establish the sovereignty of God: “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth” (Romans 9:17). He even says there that God “raised … up” Pharaoh for that purpose. Does that mean that God made him to be born for that purpose? No at all. ‘Raising up’ means that God has governed the history of Pharaoh’s life in such a way that Pharaoh shows what is in his heart toward God. It clearly is the history of rebellion against Him. It also appears that there is no inclination whatsoever to listen to the warnings He sends in the various plagues that affect the land.

Exodus 12:8

How to Escape the Plague

In His grace God, because of the severity of the plague, gives an indication of how to protect oneself against the coming disaster. The shelter is experienced by anyone who “feared the word of the LORD”. For the first time we read about a fear of the LORD among the Egyptians.

The fear or reverence of what the Lord has said, the recognition of His rights, is the means by which people can be saved, as we also see in the proclamation of the eternal gospel in view of the judgments: “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters” (Revelation 14:6-7).

Exodus 12:9

How to Escape the Plague

In His grace God, because of the severity of the plague, gives an indication of how to protect oneself against the coming disaster. The shelter is experienced by anyone who “feared the word of the LORD”. For the first time we read about a fear of the LORD among the Egyptians.

The fear or reverence of what the Lord has said, the recognition of His rights, is the means by which people can be saved, as we also see in the proclamation of the eternal gospel in view of the judgments: “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters” (Revelation 14:6-7).

Exodus 12:10

How to Escape the Plague

In His grace God, because of the severity of the plague, gives an indication of how to protect oneself against the coming disaster. The shelter is experienced by anyone who “feared the word of the LORD”. For the first time we read about a fear of the LORD among the Egyptians.

The fear or reverence of what the Lord has said, the recognition of His rights, is the means by which people can be saved, as we also see in the proclamation of the eternal gospel in view of the judgments: “And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters” (Revelation 14:6-7).

Exodus 12:11

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The judgments affect the whole land of Egypt in all their intensity. God sends down from “the storehouses of hail” the hail which He has reserved in it “for the day of war and battle” (Job 38:22-23), the day which has dawned for Egypt. Only in Goshen it doesn’t hail.

The world will be smitten by many judgments, including those of a great hail (Revelation 16:21). However, the believer is kept “from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This keeping is done by the Lord Jesus who takes up the church before the judgments erupt over the world.

Exodus 12:12

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The judgments affect the whole land of Egypt in all their intensity. God sends down from “the storehouses of hail” the hail which He has reserved in it “for the day of war and battle” (Job 38:22-23), the day which has dawned for Egypt. Only in Goshen it doesn’t hail.

The world will be smitten by many judgments, including those of a great hail (Revelation 16:21). However, the believer is kept “from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This keeping is done by the Lord Jesus who takes up the church before the judgments erupt over the world.

Exodus 12:13

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The judgments affect the whole land of Egypt in all their intensity. God sends down from “the storehouses of hail” the hail which He has reserved in it “for the day of war and battle” (Job 38:22-23), the day which has dawned for Egypt. Only in Goshen it doesn’t hail.

The world will be smitten by many judgments, including those of a great hail (Revelation 16:21). However, the believer is kept “from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This keeping is done by the Lord Jesus who takes up the church before the judgments erupt over the world.

Exodus 12:14

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The judgments affect the whole land of Egypt in all their intensity. God sends down from “the storehouses of hail” the hail which He has reserved in it “for the day of war and battle” (Job 38:22-23), the day which has dawned for Egypt. Only in Goshen it doesn’t hail.

The world will be smitten by many judgments, including those of a great hail (Revelation 16:21). However, the believer is kept “from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This keeping is done by the Lord Jesus who takes up the church before the judgments erupt over the world.

Exodus 12:15

The Seventh Plague: Hail

The judgments affect the whole land of Egypt in all their intensity. God sends down from “the storehouses of hail” the hail which He has reserved in it “for the day of war and battle” (Job 38:22-23), the day which has dawned for Egypt. Only in Goshen it doesn’t hail.

The world will be smitten by many judgments, including those of a great hail (Revelation 16:21). However, the believer is kept “from the hour of testing, that [hour] which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This keeping is done by the Lord Jesus who takes up the church before the judgments erupt over the world.

Exodus 12:16

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

Pharaoh lets Moses and Aaron call. For the first time, he acknowledges that he has sinned. But it is a confession that arises only from the consequences of his actions. There is no question of any self-judgment. It is similar to the words “I have sinned” of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) and of Judas (Matthew 27:4). This kind of repentance has no value to God. It is not the repentance of a broken and crushed heart. Therefore Pharaoh dies in the Red Sea and Saul and Judas commit suicide.

With David and the prodigal son we hear the same words (2 Samuel 12:13; Luke 15:18), but the difference from Pharaoh, Saul and Judas is enormous. With David and the prodigal son is spoken of a sorrow that is according to God that produces a repentance, leading to salvation as a consequence (2 Corinthians 7:10). Such sorrow is completely absent in the case of Pharaoh, and also in the case of Saul and Judas.

Although Moses knows that Pharaoh will not let the people go and there is no real fear of the LORD in him, he promises to pray for him. It is an example for us to pray for those for whom we have little or no hope that they will subject to the Lord. Moses also says how he will pray: by spreading out his hands to the LORD, that is with the desire to receive the request that he had made.

The purpose of his prayer for Pharaoh is that Pharaoh, even if he does not repent, will know that the earth belongs to the LORD. In this conviction that He is the sovereign Lord, however much others defy Him, we must also pray, for all who defy Him must come to know that. One day they will also have to acknowledge it (Philippians 2:10-11).

Exodus 12:17

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

Pharaoh lets Moses and Aaron call. For the first time, he acknowledges that he has sinned. But it is a confession that arises only from the consequences of his actions. There is no question of any self-judgment. It is similar to the words “I have sinned” of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) and of Judas (Matthew 27:4). This kind of repentance has no value to God. It is not the repentance of a broken and crushed heart. Therefore Pharaoh dies in the Red Sea and Saul and Judas commit suicide.

With David and the prodigal son we hear the same words (2 Samuel 12:13; Luke 15:18), but the difference from Pharaoh, Saul and Judas is enormous. With David and the prodigal son is spoken of a sorrow that is according to God that produces a repentance, leading to salvation as a consequence (2 Corinthians 7:10). Such sorrow is completely absent in the case of Pharaoh, and also in the case of Saul and Judas.

Although Moses knows that Pharaoh will not let the people go and there is no real fear of the LORD in him, he promises to pray for him. It is an example for us to pray for those for whom we have little or no hope that they will subject to the Lord. Moses also says how he will pray: by spreading out his hands to the LORD, that is with the desire to receive the request that he had made.

The purpose of his prayer for Pharaoh is that Pharaoh, even if he does not repent, will know that the earth belongs to the LORD. In this conviction that He is the sovereign Lord, however much others defy Him, we must also pray, for all who defy Him must come to know that. One day they will also have to acknowledge it (Philippians 2:10-11).

Exodus 12:18

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

Pharaoh lets Moses and Aaron call. For the first time, he acknowledges that he has sinned. But it is a confession that arises only from the consequences of his actions. There is no question of any self-judgment. It is similar to the words “I have sinned” of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) and of Judas (Matthew 27:4). This kind of repentance has no value to God. It is not the repentance of a broken and crushed heart. Therefore Pharaoh dies in the Red Sea and Saul and Judas commit suicide.

With David and the prodigal son we hear the same words (2 Samuel 12:13; Luke 15:18), but the difference from Pharaoh, Saul and Judas is enormous. With David and the prodigal son is spoken of a sorrow that is according to God that produces a repentance, leading to salvation as a consequence (2 Corinthians 7:10). Such sorrow is completely absent in the case of Pharaoh, and also in the case of Saul and Judas.

Although Moses knows that Pharaoh will not let the people go and there is no real fear of the LORD in him, he promises to pray for him. It is an example for us to pray for those for whom we have little or no hope that they will subject to the Lord. Moses also says how he will pray: by spreading out his hands to the LORD, that is with the desire to receive the request that he had made.

The purpose of his prayer for Pharaoh is that Pharaoh, even if he does not repent, will know that the earth belongs to the LORD. In this conviction that He is the sovereign Lord, however much others defy Him, we must also pray, for all who defy Him must come to know that. One day they will also have to acknowledge it (Philippians 2:10-11).

Exodus 12:19

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

Pharaoh lets Moses and Aaron call. For the first time, he acknowledges that he has sinned. But it is a confession that arises only from the consequences of his actions. There is no question of any self-judgment. It is similar to the words “I have sinned” of Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) and of Judas (Matthew 27:4). This kind of repentance has no value to God. It is not the repentance of a broken and crushed heart. Therefore Pharaoh dies in the Red Sea and Saul and Judas commit suicide.

With David and the prodigal son we hear the same words (2 Samuel 12:13; Luke 15:18), but the difference from Pharaoh, Saul and Judas is enormous. With David and the prodigal son is spoken of a sorrow that is according to God that produces a repentance, leading to salvation as a consequence (2 Corinthians 7:10). Such sorrow is completely absent in the case of Pharaoh, and also in the case of Saul and Judas.

Although Moses knows that Pharaoh will not let the people go and there is no real fear of the LORD in him, he promises to pray for him. It is an example for us to pray for those for whom we have little or no hope that they will subject to the Lord. Moses also says how he will pray: by spreading out his hands to the LORD, that is with the desire to receive the request that he had made.

The purpose of his prayer for Pharaoh is that Pharaoh, even if he does not repent, will know that the earth belongs to the LORD. In this conviction that He is the sovereign Lord, however much others defy Him, we must also pray, for all who defy Him must come to know that. One day they will also have to acknowledge it (Philippians 2:10-11).

Exodus 12:20

Flax, Barley, Wheat, Spelt

Also in nature there is a distinction between death by judgment and being spared from it. What has already come up from the earth perishes; what is still hidden in the ground is spared to come up later. Listening to God’s voice in the plagues will provide food for those who repent. However, if they remain unrepentant, the food will be eaten by the locusts at the next plague.

Exodus 12:21

Flax, Barley, Wheat, Spelt

Also in nature there is a distinction between death by judgment and being spared from it. What has already come up from the earth perishes; what is still hidden in the ground is spared to come up later. Listening to God’s voice in the plagues will provide food for those who repent. However, if they remain unrepentant, the food will be eaten by the locusts at the next plague.

Exodus 12:22

Moses Prays to the LORD

Moses prays and the plague stops. Like Elijah, Moses also uses the power of prayer to open and close heaven (James 5:17-18; cf. Revelation 11:6). Then it turns out for the umpteenth time that Pharaoh is stubborn. He continues to sin. He acts entirely according to his evil nature. His hardened heart is evident as he keeps the Israelites in slavery, despite all the speaking of God.

Pharaoh’s attitude is no surprise to God. He said it in advance. Yet God withdraws His hand from Pharaoh at the intercession of Moses. God is never impatient, not even in case of open revolt. He patiently waits for His time.

Exodus 12:23

Moses Prays to the LORD

Moses prays and the plague stops. Like Elijah, Moses also uses the power of prayer to open and close heaven (James 5:17-18; cf. Revelation 11:6). Then it turns out for the umpteenth time that Pharaoh is stubborn. He continues to sin. He acts entirely according to his evil nature. His hardened heart is evident as he keeps the Israelites in slavery, despite all the speaking of God.

Pharaoh’s attitude is no surprise to God. He said it in advance. Yet God withdraws His hand from Pharaoh at the intercession of Moses. God is never impatient, not even in case of open revolt. He patiently waits for His time.

Exodus 12:24

Moses Prays to the LORD

Moses prays and the plague stops. Like Elijah, Moses also uses the power of prayer to open and close heaven (James 5:17-18; cf. Revelation 11:6). Then it turns out for the umpteenth time that Pharaoh is stubborn. He continues to sin. He acts entirely according to his evil nature. His hardened heart is evident as he keeps the Israelites in slavery, despite all the speaking of God.

Pharaoh’s attitude is no surprise to God. He said it in advance. Yet God withdraws His hand from Pharaoh at the intercession of Moses. God is never impatient, not even in case of open revolt. He patiently waits for His time.

Exodus 12:26

The LORD Has Hardened the Hearts

The eighth plague is a special sign for the Israelites. On this basis they must tell the generations to come what God has done to Egypt. By this the Israelites will know “that I am the LORD”.

It is remarkable that the prophet Joel describes a plague of locusts and also mentions that the account of this event should be passed on to the generations to come: “Tell your sons about it, and [let] your sons [tell] their sons, and their sons the next generation” (Joel 1:3). Joel’s prophecy also shows that this plague has a prophetic meaning. In Joel 2, the plague of locusts appears to be a reference to the Assyrian army. They will overwhelm and destroy Israel and make it waste, like a swarm of locusts eat and destroy a land. It is a plague appointed by God, just as in Egypt.

In Revelation 9 locusts are connected to demonic powers (Revelation 9:3). These powers are manifesting themselves with increasing strength in the world. An example is the unprecedented success of ‘Harry Potter’ in book and film form. Through this and similar actions of today’s ‘locusts’, the last remainders of God’s truth are robbed from the hearts and these are made waste and empty. Thus hearts of people become a breeding ground for all kinds of occultism where no trace of ‘green’ as the fruit of God’s work can be seen anymore.

Making known to our children the plagues that will strike the world will warn them to keep themselves separated from the world. We must not only pass on these histories to our children as factual knowledge, but also point out to them that God is at work (cf. Psalms 78:3-4). He controls everything to attain His final goal.

Exodus 12:27

The LORD Has Hardened the Hearts

The eighth plague is a special sign for the Israelites. On this basis they must tell the generations to come what God has done to Egypt. By this the Israelites will know “that I am the LORD”.

It is remarkable that the prophet Joel describes a plague of locusts and also mentions that the account of this event should be passed on to the generations to come: “Tell your sons about it, and [let] your sons [tell] their sons, and their sons the next generation” (Joel 1:3). Joel’s prophecy also shows that this plague has a prophetic meaning. In Joel 2, the plague of locusts appears to be a reference to the Assyrian army. They will overwhelm and destroy Israel and make it waste, like a swarm of locusts eat and destroy a land. It is a plague appointed by God, just as in Egypt.

In Revelation 9 locusts are connected to demonic powers (Revelation 9:3). These powers are manifesting themselves with increasing strength in the world. An example is the unprecedented success of ‘Harry Potter’ in book and film form. Through this and similar actions of today’s ‘locusts’, the last remainders of God’s truth are robbed from the hearts and these are made waste and empty. Thus hearts of people become a breeding ground for all kinds of occultism where no trace of ‘green’ as the fruit of God’s work can be seen anymore.

Making known to our children the plagues that will strike the world will warn them to keep themselves separated from the world. We must not only pass on these histories to our children as factual knowledge, but also point out to them that God is at work (cf. Psalms 78:3-4). He controls everything to attain His final goal.

Exodus 12:28

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

For the seventh time there is the call: “Let my people go, that they may serve Me” (Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1; 20; Exodus 9:1; Exodus 10:3). In case of refusal there will be locusts, in unprecedented numbers. A single locust is insignificant, makes no impression at all, and can be easily trampled to death. Ten of the twelve Israelite spies, in their unbelief, felt this way toward the giants in Canaan (Numbers 13:33). But in large numbers locusts are overwhelming and devastating (cf. Judges 6:5; Judges 7:12).

After Moses has delivered his message, he turns around resolutely and leaves Pharaoh. He is not waiting for an answer.

Exodus 12:29

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

For the seventh time there is the call: “Let my people go, that they may serve Me” (Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1; 20; Exodus 9:1; Exodus 10:3). In case of refusal there will be locusts, in unprecedented numbers. A single locust is insignificant, makes no impression at all, and can be easily trampled to death. Ten of the twelve Israelite spies, in their unbelief, felt this way toward the giants in Canaan (Numbers 13:33). But in large numbers locusts are overwhelming and devastating (cf. Judges 6:5; Judges 7:12).

After Moses has delivered his message, he turns around resolutely and leaves Pharaoh. He is not waiting for an answer.

Exodus 12:30

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

For the seventh time there is the call: “Let my people go, that they may serve Me” (Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1; 20; Exodus 9:1; Exodus 10:3). In case of refusal there will be locusts, in unprecedented numbers. A single locust is insignificant, makes no impression at all, and can be easily trampled to death. Ten of the twelve Israelite spies, in their unbelief, felt this way toward the giants in Canaan (Numbers 13:33). But in large numbers locusts are overwhelming and devastating (cf. Judges 6:5; Judges 7:12).

After Moses has delivered his message, he turns around resolutely and leaves Pharaoh. He is not waiting for an answer.

Exodus 12:31

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

For the seventh time there is the call: “Let my people go, that they may serve Me” (Exodus 5:1; Exodus 7:16; Exodus 8:1; 20; Exodus 9:1; Exodus 10:3). In case of refusal there will be locusts, in unprecedented numbers. A single locust is insignificant, makes no impression at all, and can be easily trampled to death. Ten of the twelve Israelite spies, in their unbelief, felt this way toward the giants in Canaan (Numbers 13:33). But in large numbers locusts are overwhelming and devastating (cf. Judges 6:5; Judges 7:12).

After Moses has delivered his message, he turns around resolutely and leaves Pharaoh. He is not waiting for an answer.

Exodus 12:32

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

It seems as if Pharaoh must be persuaded to avert this plague, so much is his heart hardened. He listens to his servants, and sends for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh wants to let them go, at least that’s how it seems. However, he imposes an unacceptable condition on the departure of the Israelites. This condition also shows how cunning he is.

Pharaoh is not waiting for an answer to his offer. He let Moses and Aaron be chased away. He knows that his proposal would be rejected by them without any form of protest. This chasing away shows that there is no trace of sincerity in him. The judgment that has been announced is therefore rightly carried out.

This trick of Pharaoh, his third one, has to do with the relationship between parents and children. He wants to let the men go, but keep the children as hostages in Egypt. If the parents have celebrated the feast in the wilderness, they will return to Egypt because of their children. His proposal also comes down to the fact that he drives a wedge between parents and children.

Satan is doing the same now. He wants to allow the parents to occupy themselves with the things of the Lord and the Word and go to meetings where God’s Word is preached. But the children are not allowed to participate. But God wants the believers and their children to serve Him in the wilderness. If satan succeeds in holding the children, there is a good chance that the parents will return to the world and to the search for worldly things.

If satan gets the youth in his grip, the testimony of God is lost. However, if serving God and the meetings, wherever they are held, are really a feast, as Moses says here, then we will gladly take our children with us and they will also be glad to be there.

Exodus 12:33

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

It seems as if Pharaoh must be persuaded to avert this plague, so much is his heart hardened. He listens to his servants, and sends for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh wants to let them go, at least that’s how it seems. However, he imposes an unacceptable condition on the departure of the Israelites. This condition also shows how cunning he is.

Pharaoh is not waiting for an answer to his offer. He let Moses and Aaron be chased away. He knows that his proposal would be rejected by them without any form of protest. This chasing away shows that there is no trace of sincerity in him. The judgment that has been announced is therefore rightly carried out.

This trick of Pharaoh, his third one, has to do with the relationship between parents and children. He wants to let the men go, but keep the children as hostages in Egypt. If the parents have celebrated the feast in the wilderness, they will return to Egypt because of their children. His proposal also comes down to the fact that he drives a wedge between parents and children.

Satan is doing the same now. He wants to allow the parents to occupy themselves with the things of the Lord and the Word and go to meetings where God’s Word is preached. But the children are not allowed to participate. But God wants the believers and their children to serve Him in the wilderness. If satan succeeds in holding the children, there is a good chance that the parents will return to the world and to the search for worldly things.

If satan gets the youth in his grip, the testimony of God is lost. However, if serving God and the meetings, wherever they are held, are really a feast, as Moses says here, then we will gladly take our children with us and they will also be glad to be there.

Exodus 12:34

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

It seems as if Pharaoh must be persuaded to avert this plague, so much is his heart hardened. He listens to his servants, and sends for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh wants to let them go, at least that’s how it seems. However, he imposes an unacceptable condition on the departure of the Israelites. This condition also shows how cunning he is.

Pharaoh is not waiting for an answer to his offer. He let Moses and Aaron be chased away. He knows that his proposal would be rejected by them without any form of protest. This chasing away shows that there is no trace of sincerity in him. The judgment that has been announced is therefore rightly carried out.

This trick of Pharaoh, his third one, has to do with the relationship between parents and children. He wants to let the men go, but keep the children as hostages in Egypt. If the parents have celebrated the feast in the wilderness, they will return to Egypt because of their children. His proposal also comes down to the fact that he drives a wedge between parents and children.

Satan is doing the same now. He wants to allow the parents to occupy themselves with the things of the Lord and the Word and go to meetings where God’s Word is preached. But the children are not allowed to participate. But God wants the believers and their children to serve Him in the wilderness. If satan succeeds in holding the children, there is a good chance that the parents will return to the world and to the search for worldly things.

If satan gets the youth in his grip, the testimony of God is lost. However, if serving God and the meetings, wherever they are held, are really a feast, as Moses says here, then we will gladly take our children with us and they will also be glad to be there.

Exodus 12:35

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

It seems as if Pharaoh must be persuaded to avert this plague, so much is his heart hardened. He listens to his servants, and sends for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh wants to let them go, at least that’s how it seems. However, he imposes an unacceptable condition on the departure of the Israelites. This condition also shows how cunning he is.

Pharaoh is not waiting for an answer to his offer. He let Moses and Aaron be chased away. He knows that his proposal would be rejected by them without any form of protest. This chasing away shows that there is no trace of sincerity in him. The judgment that has been announced is therefore rightly carried out.

This trick of Pharaoh, his third one, has to do with the relationship between parents and children. He wants to let the men go, but keep the children as hostages in Egypt. If the parents have celebrated the feast in the wilderness, they will return to Egypt because of their children. His proposal also comes down to the fact that he drives a wedge between parents and children.

Satan is doing the same now. He wants to allow the parents to occupy themselves with the things of the Lord and the Word and go to meetings where God’s Word is preached. But the children are not allowed to participate. But God wants the believers and their children to serve Him in the wilderness. If satan succeeds in holding the children, there is a good chance that the parents will return to the world and to the search for worldly things.

If satan gets the youth in his grip, the testimony of God is lost. However, if serving God and the meetings, wherever they are held, are really a feast, as Moses says here, then we will gladly take our children with us and they will also be glad to be there.

Exodus 12:36

Announcement of the Eighth Plague

It seems as if Pharaoh must be persuaded to avert this plague, so much is his heart hardened. He listens to his servants, and sends for Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh wants to let them go, at least that’s how it seems. However, he imposes an unacceptable condition on the departure of the Israelites. This condition also shows how cunning he is.

Pharaoh is not waiting for an answer to his offer. He let Moses and Aaron be chased away. He knows that his proposal would be rejected by them without any form of protest. This chasing away shows that there is no trace of sincerity in him. The judgment that has been announced is therefore rightly carried out.

This trick of Pharaoh, his third one, has to do with the relationship between parents and children. He wants to let the men go, but keep the children as hostages in Egypt. If the parents have celebrated the feast in the wilderness, they will return to Egypt because of their children. His proposal also comes down to the fact that he drives a wedge between parents and children.

Satan is doing the same now. He wants to allow the parents to occupy themselves with the things of the Lord and the Word and go to meetings where God’s Word is preached. But the children are not allowed to participate. But God wants the believers and their children to serve Him in the wilderness. If satan succeeds in holding the children, there is a good chance that the parents will return to the world and to the search for worldly things.

If satan gets the youth in his grip, the testimony of God is lost. However, if serving God and the meetings, wherever they are held, are really a feast, as Moses says here, then we will gladly take our children with us and they will also be glad to be there.

Exodus 12:37

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

The LORD commands Moses to stretch his hand over Egypt. Then Moses stretches out his staff. Not his hand, but the staff of God in his hand makes the plague come. An east wind brings an unequalled number of locusts over Egypt. It is the army of the LORD (Joel 2:11). Everything that has not yet been destroyed by previous judgments is now being eaten. In all of Egypt there is no green left.

Exodus 12:38

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

The LORD commands Moses to stretch his hand over Egypt. Then Moses stretches out his staff. Not his hand, but the staff of God in his hand makes the plague come. An east wind brings an unequalled number of locusts over Egypt. It is the army of the LORD (Joel 2:11). Everything that has not yet been destroyed by previous judgments is now being eaten. In all of Egypt there is no green left.

Exodus 12:39

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

The LORD commands Moses to stretch his hand over Egypt. Then Moses stretches out his staff. Not his hand, but the staff of God in his hand makes the plague come. An east wind brings an unequalled number of locusts over Egypt. It is the army of the LORD (Joel 2:11). Everything that has not yet been destroyed by previous judgments is now being eaten. In all of Egypt there is no green left.

Exodus 12:40

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

The LORD commands Moses to stretch his hand over Egypt. Then Moses stretches out his staff. Not his hand, but the staff of God in his hand makes the plague come. An east wind brings an unequalled number of locusts over Egypt. It is the army of the LORD (Joel 2:11). Everything that has not yet been destroyed by previous judgments is now being eaten. In all of Egypt there is no green left.

Exodus 12:41

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

This time Pharaoh is in a hurry to summon Moses and Aaron. Again the confession comes over his lips: “I have sinned.” He even asks for forgiveness. He sees that death has entered his land. But the time for repentance is over. His incorrigibility has already proved itself. He has let his appointed time pass by (Jeremiah 46:17). He did not recognize the time of his visitation (Luke 19:44).

God is perfectly righteous in the judgment of the hardening. Yet He takes the plague away on the basis of Moses’ prayer. All locusts die in the Red Sea, where later Pharaoh and his riders will also die. There are no locusts left. What a testimony to His power!

Exodus 12:42

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

This time Pharaoh is in a hurry to summon Moses and Aaron. Again the confession comes over his lips: “I have sinned.” He even asks for forgiveness. He sees that death has entered his land. But the time for repentance is over. His incorrigibility has already proved itself. He has let his appointed time pass by (Jeremiah 46:17). He did not recognize the time of his visitation (Luke 19:44).

God is perfectly righteous in the judgment of the hardening. Yet He takes the plague away on the basis of Moses’ prayer. All locusts die in the Red Sea, where later Pharaoh and his riders will also die. There are no locusts left. What a testimony to His power!

Exodus 12:43

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

This time Pharaoh is in a hurry to summon Moses and Aaron. Again the confession comes over his lips: “I have sinned.” He even asks for forgiveness. He sees that death has entered his land. But the time for repentance is over. His incorrigibility has already proved itself. He has let his appointed time pass by (Jeremiah 46:17). He did not recognize the time of his visitation (Luke 19:44).

God is perfectly righteous in the judgment of the hardening. Yet He takes the plague away on the basis of Moses’ prayer. All locusts die in the Red Sea, where later Pharaoh and his riders will also die. There are no locusts left. What a testimony to His power!

Exodus 12:44

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

This time Pharaoh is in a hurry to summon Moses and Aaron. Again the confession comes over his lips: “I have sinned.” He even asks for forgiveness. He sees that death has entered his land. But the time for repentance is over. His incorrigibility has already proved itself. He has let his appointed time pass by (Jeremiah 46:17). He did not recognize the time of his visitation (Luke 19:44).

God is perfectly righteous in the judgment of the hardening. Yet He takes the plague away on the basis of Moses’ prayer. All locusts die in the Red Sea, where later Pharaoh and his riders will also die. There are no locusts left. What a testimony to His power!

Exodus 12:45

Pharaoh Asks for Intercession Again

This time Pharaoh is in a hurry to summon Moses and Aaron. Again the confession comes over his lips: “I have sinned.” He even asks for forgiveness. He sees that death has entered his land. But the time for repentance is over. His incorrigibility has already proved itself. He has let his appointed time pass by (Jeremiah 46:17). He did not recognize the time of his visitation (Luke 19:44).

God is perfectly righteous in the judgment of the hardening. Yet He takes the plague away on the basis of Moses’ prayer. All locusts die in the Red Sea, where later Pharaoh and his riders will also die. There are no locusts left. What a testimony to His power!

Exodus 12:46

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

Like the third and the sixth plague, the ninth plague, the darkness, comes without announcement. Like other plagues, this plague is also a revelation of God’s power against the idols of Egypt. Here the principal god, the sun (Ra), the source of light, warmth and life, is completely overpowered by God’s power and shrouded in darkness. The darkness is that great that it is impossible to see anyone else; it is not even possible to move. In complete darkness, there is no orientation at all.

This plague also occurs in the final judgments on the world (Revelation 16:10). It is the plague that strikes the wicked (Job 18:5-6) and to which, if he dies in his wickedness, there will be no end. He will be endlessly “in the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12; 2 Peter 2:17; Revelation 20:10).

In this plague we have an illustration of man without God, for he is darkened in the understanding (Ephesians 4:18). Also his “foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). A man without God goes his way by groping. He doesn’t know where he comes from or where he is going. However God can still shine in his heart “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). When the church is raptured, man will be completely delivered to satan and his demons, the powers of darkness.

In one place there is light today and that is with the people of God. That was also the case in Egypt: “But all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:23b). Spiritually, Christ was that light as the Passover Lamb. During the three days of darkness the Israelites had a lamb in their houses (Exodus 12:3). This reminds us of Revelation 21, where it is said of the new Jerusalem: “Its lamp [is] the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). How good it is when Christ, the true Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7b), is central in the homes of God’s children.

The Lord Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12a). Thus He came into the world. Whereas normally darkness disappears when light comes, the arrival of the Light of the world has proven how great the darkness is, for light has been rejected! However the individual who believes in Him will not remain in darkness (John 12:46). Children of God are also children of light and are therefore called to walk “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Exodus 12:47

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

Like the third and the sixth plague, the ninth plague, the darkness, comes without announcement. Like other plagues, this plague is also a revelation of God’s power against the idols of Egypt. Here the principal god, the sun (Ra), the source of light, warmth and life, is completely overpowered by God’s power and shrouded in darkness. The darkness is that great that it is impossible to see anyone else; it is not even possible to move. In complete darkness, there is no orientation at all.

This plague also occurs in the final judgments on the world (Revelation 16:10). It is the plague that strikes the wicked (Job 18:5-6) and to which, if he dies in his wickedness, there will be no end. He will be endlessly “in the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12; 2 Peter 2:17; Revelation 20:10).

In this plague we have an illustration of man without God, for he is darkened in the understanding (Ephesians 4:18). Also his “foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). A man without God goes his way by groping. He doesn’t know where he comes from or where he is going. However God can still shine in his heart “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). When the church is raptured, man will be completely delivered to satan and his demons, the powers of darkness.

In one place there is light today and that is with the people of God. That was also the case in Egypt: “But all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:23b). Spiritually, Christ was that light as the Passover Lamb. During the three days of darkness the Israelites had a lamb in their houses (Exodus 12:3). This reminds us of Revelation 21, where it is said of the new Jerusalem: “Its lamp [is] the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). How good it is when Christ, the true Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7b), is central in the homes of God’s children.

The Lord Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12a). Thus He came into the world. Whereas normally darkness disappears when light comes, the arrival of the Light of the world has proven how great the darkness is, for light has been rejected! However the individual who believes in Him will not remain in darkness (John 12:46). Children of God are also children of light and are therefore called to walk “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Exodus 12:48

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

Like the third and the sixth plague, the ninth plague, the darkness, comes without announcement. Like other plagues, this plague is also a revelation of God’s power against the idols of Egypt. Here the principal god, the sun (Ra), the source of light, warmth and life, is completely overpowered by God’s power and shrouded in darkness. The darkness is that great that it is impossible to see anyone else; it is not even possible to move. In complete darkness, there is no orientation at all.

This plague also occurs in the final judgments on the world (Revelation 16:10). It is the plague that strikes the wicked (Job 18:5-6) and to which, if he dies in his wickedness, there will be no end. He will be endlessly “in the outer darkness” (Matthew 8:12; 2 Peter 2:17; Revelation 20:10).

In this plague we have an illustration of man without God, for he is darkened in the understanding (Ephesians 4:18). Also his “foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). A man without God goes his way by groping. He doesn’t know where he comes from or where he is going. However God can still shine in his heart “to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). When the church is raptured, man will be completely delivered to satan and his demons, the powers of darkness.

In one place there is light today and that is with the people of God. That was also the case in Egypt: “But all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:23b). Spiritually, Christ was that light as the Passover Lamb. During the three days of darkness the Israelites had a lamb in their houses (Exodus 12:3). This reminds us of Revelation 21, where it is said of the new Jerusalem: “Its lamp [is] the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). How good it is when Christ, the true Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7b), is central in the homes of God’s children.

The Lord Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12a). Thus He came into the world. Whereas normally darkness disappears when light comes, the arrival of the Light of the world has proven how great the darkness is, for light has been rejected! However the individual who believes in Him will not remain in darkness (John 12:46). Children of God are also children of light and are therefore called to walk “as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Exodus 12:49

The Last Compromise Rejected

Pharaoh calls to Moses again. He has another proposal. They are all allowed to go, only they have to leave their flocks and their herds. Moses doesn’t let himself be deceived this time either. How could they sacrifice to God if they do not take their livestock? He is not prepared for the slightest compromise: there shall not even be a hoof of the livestock left behind in Egypt.

Christ has redeemed us and thereby has a right to all that we are and possess. This total possession must be for His praise and for His service. He must be allowed to dispose of it freely. We must not leave anything of it in the world. This is only possible if through the death and the resurrection of Christ we have truly entered a new world where we are aware of what service to Him is all about.

If there is no other way, satan wants us to go and serve God. But what is service to God worth if in our lives no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are found and also our possessions are not sacrificed to Him (Hebrews 13:15-16)? Many Christians believe that the highest service to God is charity or the preaching of the gospel. If, however, no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are made, satan has succeeded in his deceit.

We do not read that the Father seeks all kinds of Christian activity, although He appreciates and will reward it. We read that He seeks worshipers who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Above all, His heart desires that our hearts go out to Him and His gift in Christ.

Pharaoh is at the end of all his tricks. He bursts into anger against Moses. He never wants to see Moses again. “That will happen”, Moses says in peace and quiet. If Pharaoh later calls to Moses and Aaron again (Exodus 12:31), it is in a completely different situation and relation.

Exodus 12:50

The Last Compromise Rejected

Pharaoh calls to Moses again. He has another proposal. They are all allowed to go, only they have to leave their flocks and their herds. Moses doesn’t let himself be deceived this time either. How could they sacrifice to God if they do not take their livestock? He is not prepared for the slightest compromise: there shall not even be a hoof of the livestock left behind in Egypt.

Christ has redeemed us and thereby has a right to all that we are and possess. This total possession must be for His praise and for His service. He must be allowed to dispose of it freely. We must not leave anything of it in the world. This is only possible if through the death and the resurrection of Christ we have truly entered a new world where we are aware of what service to Him is all about.

If there is no other way, satan wants us to go and serve God. But what is service to God worth if in our lives no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are found and also our possessions are not sacrificed to Him (Hebrews 13:15-16)? Many Christians believe that the highest service to God is charity or the preaching of the gospel. If, however, no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are made, satan has succeeded in his deceit.

We do not read that the Father seeks all kinds of Christian activity, although He appreciates and will reward it. We read that He seeks worshipers who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Above all, His heart desires that our hearts go out to Him and His gift in Christ.

Pharaoh is at the end of all his tricks. He bursts into anger against Moses. He never wants to see Moses again. “That will happen”, Moses says in peace and quiet. If Pharaoh later calls to Moses and Aaron again (Exodus 12:31), it is in a completely different situation and relation.

Exodus 12:51

The Last Compromise Rejected

Pharaoh calls to Moses again. He has another proposal. They are all allowed to go, only they have to leave their flocks and their herds. Moses doesn’t let himself be deceived this time either. How could they sacrifice to God if they do not take their livestock? He is not prepared for the slightest compromise: there shall not even be a hoof of the livestock left behind in Egypt.

Christ has redeemed us and thereby has a right to all that we are and possess. This total possession must be for His praise and for His service. He must be allowed to dispose of it freely. We must not leave anything of it in the world. This is only possible if through the death and the resurrection of Christ we have truly entered a new world where we are aware of what service to Him is all about.

If there is no other way, satan wants us to go and serve God. But what is service to God worth if in our lives no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are found and also our possessions are not sacrificed to Him (Hebrews 13:15-16)? Many Christians believe that the highest service to God is charity or the preaching of the gospel. If, however, no spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanks are made, satan has succeeded in his deceit.

We do not read that the Father seeks all kinds of Christian activity, although He appreciates and will reward it. We read that He seeks worshipers who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Above all, His heart desires that our hearts go out to Him and His gift in Christ.

Pharaoh is at the end of all his tricks. He bursts into anger against Moses. He never wants to see Moses again. “That will happen”, Moses says in peace and quiet. If Pharaoh later calls to Moses and Aaron again (Exodus 12:31), it is in a completely different situation and relation.