What lessons can we learn about obedience from the Egyptians' experience in Exodus 11:5? The verse in focus “and every firstborn in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the maidservant behind the millstones, and every firstborn of the cattle as well.” (Exodus 11:5) What had brought Egypt to this point? • Repeated, willful refusal to obey God’s clear command: “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:2; 9:17). • Nine previous plagues, each an opportunity to repent, all rejected. • A final warning—merciful in its certainty—now pronounced before the tenth plague. Key lessons about obedience • Immediate obedience matters – God’s command was unambiguous from the start. Pharaoh’s delays and half-measures (“only the men may go,” “go, but leave your flocks”) show that postponed obedience is disobedience (James 1:22). – Proverbs 29:1: “A man who remains stiff-necked after much rebuke will suddenly be broken—without remedy.” • Disobedience carries consequences that reach everyone – Judgment fell “from the firstborn of Pharaoh … to the firstborn of the maidservant,” even the cattle. Title, status, or innocence of association could not shield them. Romans 6:23 underscores the principle: “the wages of sin is death.” – Our choices ripple outward; they seldom hurt only ourselves (Joshua 7:1, 11). • God is utterly impartial – The palace and the millstone were judged alike. Acts 10:34 affirms that God shows no partiality. – Obedience is the great leveler as well: blessings for all who heed (Deuteronomy 28:1-2), not merely for the influential. • Warnings are mercy in disguise – Exodus 11:1-4 shows God announcing judgment before delivering it, giving space for repentance. Hebrews 3:15 urges, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Ignoring divine warnings hardens the heart further; Pharaoh’s story illustrates the peril of repeated refusal. • Our allegiance must be to God over earthly authority – Egyptian society obeyed Pharaoh; Israel chose to obey God by applying the lamb’s blood (Exodus 12:7, 13). Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” – Earthly power can demand compliance, but only God’s commands carry eternal weight. • Obedience safeguards the next generation – Israel’s firstborn lived because their households obeyed the Passover instructions (Exodus 12:28-29). – Obedience today provides spiritual covering for those under our care (Ephesians 6:4). The stark contrast • Egypt: hardened hearts, escalating judgment, national grief (Exodus 12:30). • Israel: obedient faith, protected by the blood of the lamb—a foreshadowing of Christ, “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Practical takeaways for us today • Respond to God’s Word promptly; delayed compliance invites unnecessary loss. • Examine areas where partial obedience has replaced full surrender (1 Samuel 15:22). • Remember that our obedience—or lack of it—impacts family, workplace, church, and community. • Treasure God’s warnings as acts of kindness meant to steer us back to life (Deuteronomy 30:19). • Keep loving obedience central: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). In sum Exodus 11:5 teaches that obedience is non-negotiable, delay is dangerous, God is impartial, and disobedience always costs more than we expect. Choosing prompt, wholehearted obedience preserves life and invites God’s blessing, both for ourselves and for those who follow after us. |
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