Introduction

God's warning to Pharaoh is a pivotal narrative in the Book of Exodus, illustrating the divine power and sovereignty of God over earthly rulers. This account is central to the account of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage and serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Context

The Israelites had been living in Egypt for several centuries, initially welcomed during the time of Joseph. However, as their numbers grew, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and viewed the Israelites as a threat. Consequently, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor. In response to their cries for deliverance, God raised up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt.

The Call of Moses

God appeared to Moses in the burning bush on Mount Horeb, commissioning him to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. God assured Moses of His presence and power, saying, "I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go" (Exodus 3:20).

The Initial Confrontation

Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh with God's command: "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Let My people go, so that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilderness'" (Exodus 5:1). Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused, questioning, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2).

The Plagues as Warnings

God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each serving as a warning to Pharaoh and a demonstration of God's power. These plagues were not random acts of destruction but were purposefully designed to challenge the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh's authority. The plagues included:

1. Water Turned to Blood: The Nile, Egypt's lifeblood, was turned to blood, demonstrating God's power over the river deity.
2. Frogs: Frogs overran the land, mocking the frog-headed goddess Heqet.
3. Gnats: Dust became gnats, a plague the magicians could not replicate, acknowledging, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19).
4. Flies: Swarms of flies filled the land, yet Goshen, where the Israelites lived, was spared.
5. Livestock Disease: A severe plague struck the Egyptian livestock, sparing the Israelites' animals.
6. Boils: Painful boils afflicted the Egyptians, including the magicians.
7. Hail: A devastating hailstorm destroyed crops and livestock, with a warning given beforehand to seek shelter.
8. Locusts: Locusts consumed what the hail had left, leaving Egypt desolate.
9. Darkness: A palpable darkness covered Egypt for three days, yet the Israelites had light.
10. Death of the Firstborn: The final and most severe plague, resulting in the death of every firstborn in Egypt, led to Pharaoh's eventual release of the Israelites.

Pharaoh's Hardened Heart

Throughout the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, either by his own stubbornness or by divine intervention. This hardening served to magnify God's power and glory, as stated in Exodus 9:16 : "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

The Passover and Exodus

The institution of the Passover marked the culmination of God's warnings. The Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, so the angel of death would pass over their homes. This act of faith and obedience spared the Israelites from the final plague and became a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance.

Aftermath

Following the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh relented and allowed the Israelites to leave. However, his subsequent pursuit of the Israelites led to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered His people and destroyed the Egyptian army. This event solidified God's supremacy and faithfulness, as Moses and the Israelites sang, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2).

Significance

God's warning to Pharaoh is a profound demonstration of His power, justice, and mercy. It underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the assurance of His promises to His people. The narrative serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.