We open today with the LORD’s answer to Moses’ plea: “How will Pharaoh listen to me?” Echoing the words of creation that He spoke at the burning bush, the LORD reminds Moses just Who it is that can control what men speak, what they hear, and even how they respond. So Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh, speak the words they are given, and perform the signs they are commanded. Watch as the focus shifts from Moses’ apprehension to Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

Follow the rhythm as the people of Egypt suffer in an ever-more-tragic spiral. Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded… And the LORD did as Moses asked… But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, as the LORD had said.

Listen for some important themes through these first seven plagues. First, this is a battle not simply between Moses and Pharaoh but between the LORD and the gods of Egypt and the very might of Pharaoh himself. Pharaoh’s magicians can replicate the first few signs, but are forced out of the contest early on, even pleading with Pharaoh that “this is the finger of God.”

Second, listen for when the children of Israel are protected from the plagues, which means they too were affected by the first few. These were not just plagues, but signs of the LORD’s might.

Third, listen for indicators that the LORD is allowing Pharaoh to see that these are not just natural coincidences. “In the sight of Pharaoh…” Aaron struck the Nile. “Be pleased to command me when I am to plead for you,” Moses tells Pharaoh, allowing him to decide when the frogs are supernaturally removed. “Tomorrow this sign will happen,” Pharaoh is warned of the impending flies.

We end in the middle of chapter 9 to highlight the impact this was having in Egypt: “Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses…” Remember the guarantees God made at the beginning of our reading today, and the promises all the way back in Genesis 12.

Our verse for this week is Hebrews 11:22: “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.”

Exodus 7 through 9. Now let’s read it!

Day 19 Guided Podcast