The narrative of Pharaoh and the Egyptians serves as a profound illustration of the afflictions that befall the wicked, as depicted in the biblical account of the Exodus. This account, found primarily in the Book of Exodus, highlights the consequences of defying God's will and oppressing His chosen people, the Israelites.

Background

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several generations, initially welcomed due to Joseph's high standing with a previous Pharaoh. However, as time passed, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8). Fearing the growing population of the Israelites, Pharaoh subjected them to harsh slavery, hoping to suppress their numbers and strength (Exodus 1:9-14).

The Hardened Heart of Pharaoh

Pharaoh's heart is a central theme in the narrative, illustrating the spiritual blindness and obstinacy that can afflict the wicked. Despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart, refusing to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7:13, 22; 8:15, 32; 9:7, 34).

The Ten Plagues

God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each increasing in severity, as a direct response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to heed God's command. These plagues served as both judgment upon the Egyptians and a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty.

1. Water Turned to Blood: The Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, was turned to blood, causing the fish to die and the river to stink, making the water undrinkable (Exodus 7:20-21).

2. Frogs: Frogs swarmed the land, entering homes and disrupting daily life (Exodus 8:6).

3. Gnats: Dust turned into gnats, afflicting both people and animals (Exodus 8:17).

4. Flies: Swarms of flies invaded Egyptian homes, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites lived (Exodus 8:24).

5. Livestock Disease: A severe plague struck the Egyptian livestock, while the livestock of the Israelites remained unharmed (Exodus 9:6).

6. Boils: Painful boils broke out on the Egyptians and their animals (Exodus 9:10).

7. Hail: A devastating hailstorm destroyed crops and livestock in the fields, sparing only the land of Goshen (Exodus 9:25-26).

8. Locusts: Locusts consumed what was left of the crops after the hail, leaving Egypt in ruin (Exodus 10:15).

9. Darkness: A palpable darkness covered Egypt for three days, yet the Israelites had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:22-23).

10. Death of the Firstborn: The final and most severe plague was the death of all firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's own son to the firstborn of the prisoners, prompting Pharaoh to finally release the Israelites (Exodus 12:29-31).

Theological Implications

The afflictions of Pharaoh and the Egyptians underscore the biblical principle that defiance against God leads to judgment and suffering. Pharaoh's persistent refusal to acknowledge God's authority resulted in the devastation of his land and people. The plagues also served to demonstrate God's power over the false gods of Egypt, each plague targeting specific deities and aspects of Egyptian life that were revered.

Divine Justice and Mercy

While the plagues were acts of divine judgment, they also revealed God's mercy. Throughout the narrative, God provided opportunities for Pharaoh to repent and release the Israelites. The sparing of the Israelites from the plagues highlighted God's protection and favor towards His people, contrasting the fate of the wicked with the deliverance of the righteous.

Legacy

The account of Pharaoh and the Egyptians has been a powerful reminder throughout history of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God. It serves as a warning to those who would oppress God's people and a testament to God's ultimate authority and justice.Exodus 9:14,15
For I will at this time 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 14:24,25
And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked to the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Preface to the Commandments
... and blasphemed the name of God.' Revelation 16:9. Afflictions on the wicked make
them ... plague upon Egypt increased the plague of hardness in Pharaoh's heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

A Stanza of Deliverance
... we should repeat that senseless and wicked trust in man ... of their enemies to enrich
Israel: Pharaoh had intended ... Trials and afflictions, which threaten to kill us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a stanza of deliverance.htm

Hebrews xii. 6-Apr
... that so great multitude of the wicked, should not ... himself [gave] when speaking with
Pharaoh; "Few and ... all these were made illustrious from their afflictions? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix hebrews xii 6-apr.htm

The Providence of God
... Shimei cursed David, it was wicked and sinful, for ... Poverty shall starve their sins,
and afflictions shall prepare ... to Israel, and a sepulchre to Pharaoh and all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

The First Book
... since it was for God that they bore these afflictions. ... he is loath to punish even
wicked men; to the ... Pharaoh repented, gathered his army, overtook the fugitives ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Moses And Aaron Returned Into Egypt To Pharaoh. ... Of Their Country, And Experienced
Great Afflictions; And When ... After This Misfortune Grew Wicked And Served ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Prosperity under Persecution
... as he did in the case of Pharaoh's oppression of ... us take heed unto our ways, because
the wicked watch our ... Rejoice, therefore, in your afflictions, if so be you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Acts VII
... and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave ... (21) And when he was cast
out, Pharaoh's daughter took ... this mad earth are witnessed when wicked men set ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... to blame for your perverse and wicked habits, because I ... apply these very expressions
to Pharaoh, and see ... trouble; and, after enduring his afflictions to satiety ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

Against Heresies
... author of sin, because He blinded Pharaoh and his ... made between the righteous and
the wicked The future ... the saints have suffered so many afflictions, they shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/

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