What can we learn from Pharaoh's officials urging him to release the Israelites? The Scene in Exodus 10:7 “Pharaoh’s officials asked him, ‘How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, so that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is in ruins?’” God’s Judgments Expose Reality • The officials’ lament comes after seven plagues; they have watched literal, historical catastrophes dismantle Egypt’s economy and religion. • Their words reveal the intended effect of God’s signs: “that you may know that there is none like the LORD our God” (Exodus 8:10). • When the living God acts, even hardened unbelievers are forced to admit, “Egypt is in ruins”—sin’s consequences cannot be covered up. Hard Hearts vs. Open Eyes • Pharaoh clings to defiance (Exodus 10:1), but his advisors begin to see: “How long…?” • Proverbs 13:15: “Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard.” Pharaoh’s path becomes painfully hard; his counselors feel every blow. • The contrast reminds us that God’s Word divides responses (Hebrews 4:12): some soften under truth, others double down. Godly Counsel—Ignored at Peril • Earlier, magicians already admitted, “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19). The king dismissed them—now the stakes are higher. • Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, the people fall.” Egypt’s fall is pictured in real time because leadership rejects counsel aligned with God’s purposes. • Biblical pattern: wise rulers heed warning (2 Samuel 12:13; Jonah 3:6-9). Pharaoh models what happens when leaders refuse. Sin’s Stubborn Cost List the damage tallied so far: – Water to blood (Exodus 7) ruined commerce. – Frogs, gnats, flies (Exodus 8) brought misery and disease. – Livestock plague (Exodus 9:6) wrecked agriculture and transport. – Boils (Exodus 9:10) struck personal health. – Hail (Exodus 9:25) destroyed crops and trees. Yet Pharaoh still says “no,” illustrating Romans 2:5: “Because of your stubborn and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself.” Mercy Woven Into Judgment • Every plague ended when Moses prayed (Exodus 8:12-13; 9:33). God repeatedly offered space to repent. • Nahum 1:3: “The LORD is slow to anger.” The officials’ plea shows that even amid judgment, God leaves doors open for surrender. What We Can Learn Today – Listen early. It is safer to heed gentle nudges than catastrophic wake-up calls. – Evaluate counsel. When advice lines up with Scripture—take it. When it opposes God’s clear word—reject it. – Recognize sin’s ripple effect. Pharaoh’s pride harmed an entire nation; our choices also reach far beyond us. – Marvel at grace. The same God who shattered Egypt offers rescue to all who humble themselves (James 4:6). – Choose soft hearts. “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). |
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