How does Exodus 18:11 reveal God's supremacy over other gods? Setting the Scene Exodus 18 records Moses recounting to his father-in-law Jethro all that “the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake” (v. 8). Jethro, a Midianite priest, responds with worship and a confession that crystallizes the whole narrative’s point: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.” (Exodus 18:11) The Key Declaration Jethro’s words underline four realities of God’s supremacy: • The LORD is “greater than all other gods” — a direct acknowledgment that any rival spiritual powers are subordinate. • His greatness is demonstrated, not merely claimed; it is proven by concrete historical acts. • The focus is His deliverance of Israel — God’s covenant faithfulness is the stage on which His supremacy shines. • The defeat of Egypt’s arrogance shows that human and demonic opposition collapses under His hand. Layers of Supremacy Revealed 1. Historical Supremacy • Ten plagues (Exodus 7–12) dismantled Egypt’s pantheon one by one. • Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) turned the world’s strongest army into an illustration of divine power. 2. Moral Supremacy • God sides with the oppressed (Exodus 3:7-8). • He humiliates rulers who exalt themselves (Proverbs 18:12; James 4:6). 3. Covenant Supremacy • His actions spring from promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). • No other so-called deity covenants in faithfulness and keeps every word (Deuteronomy 7:9). 4. Exclusive Supremacy • “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5). • Exodus 18:11 foreshadows the first commandment soon to be given: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Supporting Witnesses Across Scripture • Psalm 95:3 — “For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.” • 1 Samuel 5 — Dagon falls face-down before the ark. • 1 Kings 18:39 — “The LORD, He is God!” cried the people after fire consumed Elijah’s sacrifice. • Colossians 2:15 — Christ “disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Worship the LORD alone; He still topples every rival allegiance. • Trust His historical, tangible interventions as anchors for present faith. • Confront arrogance — whether personal, cultural, or spiritual — by resting in God’s proven supremacy. • Celebrate that the Exodus points to the greater deliverance in Christ, who rescues from the bondage of sin with the same unstoppable authority. |
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