Overview:
As Moses appealed to Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, Pharaoh offered to grant only part of the request. Yet Moses knew he couldn’t accept less than God’s full plan.
Pharaoh’s heart was so hard, not even the destruction of the Egyptian landscape shook his evil resolve. Plague after plague descended upon the land in Exodus 7–10. Pastor Chuck Swindoll studies the relevance of each plague and vividly portrays what it was like to live through the disasters.
Gain a fresh reverence for God and a determination to wait for His plan to unfold!
Message Summary:
In this tenth message of the series Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the dramatic escalation of God’s judgment upon Egypt. As Pharaoh stubbornly refused to release the Israelites, ten devastating plagues descended upon the land. This study of Exodus 7–10 reveals that these were not just natural disasters, but divine messages “preaching” the supremacy of the Lord over the false gods of Egypt and the hardened heart of man.
Message Key Facts:
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The Conflict of Wills: Pharaoh repeatedly attempted to negotiate with Moses, offering partial concessions (e.g., leaving the children or the livestock behind), but Moses insisted on total obedience to God’s plan.
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The Target of Judgment: Each plague was a direct challenge to an Egyptian deity, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the one true Sovereign over nature, health, and life itself.
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The Hardening of Pharaoh: Despite the destruction of Egypt’s landscape and economy, Pharaoh’s resolve remained evil and defiant, illustrating the dangerous power of a calloused heart.
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The Distinction: God sovereignly protected His people in the land of Goshen, ensuring they did not suffer the same judgments that fell upon the Egyptians.
Message References:
Primary Scripture Reference: Exodus 7–10
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Exodus 7:14–25: The first plague—turning the Nile River into blood, a direct strike against the Egyptian god Hapi.
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Exodus 8:1–15: The second plague—frogs covering the land, challenging the goddess Heqet.
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Exodus 9:1–7: The fifth plague—the death of livestock, exposing the impotence of the bull-god Apis.
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Exodus 10:21–23: The ninth plague—three days of thick darkness, a judgment on the sun-god Ra.
Lessons from the Plagues
Pastor Chuck Swindoll highlights key principles for understanding God’s hand in judgment and deliverance:
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Never Compromise God’s Standard: Pharaoh offered “half-way” obedience, but Moses knew that partial obedience is actually disobedience. We must wait for God’s full plan to unfold.
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God Reclaims His Glory: The plagues served to strip away the idols of Egypt. God will often allow circumstances to “preach” to us until we recognize His supreme authority in our lives.
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The Danger of a Hardened Heart: Pride can make a person blind to the obvious hand of God. Continuous resistance to the truth only leads to deeper destruction.
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Security in God’s Presence: Just as the Israelites were safe in Goshen while Egypt suffered, those who abide in Christ find spiritual security even in the midst of global or personal turmoil.
