What does "the LORD killed every firstborn" reveal about God's power and justice? Setting the Scene Exodus 13:15 says, “When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of men and animals.” This echoes the midnight moment of Exodus 12:29. The tenth plague is God’s climactic act in freeing Israel. God’s Supreme Power on Display - Creation’s Author can also be Creation’s Judge (Isaiah 45:7). - The plague strikes palace and prison alike—Pharaoh’s heir and the dungeon inmate’s child—showing no earthly rank can shield from divine decree. - Egypt’s gods were thought to protect life; Exodus 12:12 says the LORD was “executing judgment against all the gods of Egypt,” revealing every idol powerless beside Him (Jeremiah 10:10-11). Justice That Fits the Crime - For centuries Egypt enslaved, oppressed, and murdered Israel’s sons (Exodus 1:22). The loss of Egypt’s firstborn mirrors their own cruelty—measure-for-measure justice (Galatians 6:7). - God gave nine opportunities to repent. Each refusal intensified accountability (Romans 2:4-5). - Romans 9:17-18 underscores that God’s hardening of Pharaoh was judicial, not arbitrary: “that I might display My power in you.” Mercy Interwoven with Judgment - While Egypt’s firstborn died, every Israelite home marked by blood was spared (Exodus 12:13). - The Passover lamb points ahead to Christ, “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), where judgment and mercy meet at the cross. - Israel’s firstborn were later redeemed instead of slain (Numbers 3:13), showing God’s preference to save through substitution. What This Teaches Us Today - God’s power is absolute; no force—political, spiritual, or natural—can block His purpose (Job 42:2). - His justice is perfect; He judges sin decisively yet provides a way of escape for the repentant (Psalm 103:8-10). - Delayed obedience invites escalating discipline; prompt surrender aligns us with His redemptive plan (Hebrews 3:15). - Remembering the cost of redemption fuels worship: Israel consecrated every firstborn to God (Exodus 13:11-16); believers offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Key Takeaways - The phrase “the LORD killed every firstborn” reveals a God who is both omnipotent and morally consistent. - Judgment against persistent evil magnifies His righteousness, while simultaneous provision for salvation magnifies His grace. |
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