What does the "great cry in Egypt" teach about consequences of disobedience? The Setting: Exodus 12:30 “Pharaoh rose in the night, he and all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.” What Prompted the Cry • God’s repeated command—“Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1; 9:1)—had been stubbornly refused. • Nine earlier plagues warned Egypt, each increasing in severity (Exodus 7–10). • Pharaoh hardened his heart again and again (Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34). • The final plague—the death of the firstborn—fell at midnight (Exodus 12:29), triggering nationwide grief. Lessons on the Consequences of Disobedience • Disobedience accumulates judgment – Each “no” to God stored up wrath (Romans 2:4–5). • Judgment finally falls suddenly and decisively – “In the same night” (Exodus 12:29) echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:3: “When they are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ then destruction comes suddenly.” • Sin’s reach is universal – “There was not a house without someone dead” (Exodus 12:30). Compare Romans 3:23—sin touches every household. • Grief replaces defiance – The people who once mocked Moses now wail (Exodus 10:28; 12:30). Disobedience eventually silences arrogance. • God’s warnings are gracious, but not indefinite – Nine plagues = nine chances to repent; yet Pharaoh persisted (Hebrews 3:7–15). • The cost of rebellion is life itself – “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The firstborn’s death previews ultimate spiritual death for unrepentance. • God vindicates His people – Israel, shielded by the Passover blood, walks free (Exodus 12:13, 33–36). Disobedience to God means opposition to His people and guarantees defeat (Zechariah 2:8). Take-Home Realities • God means what He says; ignoring His Word invites real, measurable loss. • Early obedience spares later sorrow—every “plague” could have been avoided with repentance. • God’s judgments uphold His glory and defend His covenant promises. Living in Light of the Lesson • Stay tender to God’s voice; habitual hardness escalates consequences (Proverbs 29:1). • Remember the Passover parallel: Christ’s blood shields believers from judgment (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Share the warning lovingly—point others to obedience that leads to life (John 3:36). |
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