Topical Bible: Israel: Exempt from the Plagues

◄ Israel: Exempt from the Plagues ►

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In the narrative of the Exodus, the nation of Israel is depicted as being divinely protected from the plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt. This exemption serves as a powerful testament to God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His sovereign ability to distinguish between His people and their oppressors.

Biblical Context

The account of the plagues is found in the Book of Exodus, chapters 7 through 12. God, through Moses and Aaron, brings ten devastating plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. These plagues include the turning of the Nile into blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.

Divine Distinction

From the fourth plague onward, Scripture explicitly notes the distinction God makes between the Egyptians and the Israelites. In Exodus 8:22-23 , God declares, "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people live, so that no swarms of flies will be found there. Then you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow."

This divine separation is further emphasized in subsequent plagues. For instance, during the plague of livestock, Exodus 9:4 states, "But the LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die." Similarly, during the plague of darkness, Exodus 10:23 notes, "No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings."

Theological Significance

The exemption of Israel from the plagues underscores several key theological themes:

1. Covenantal Faithfulness: God's protection of Israel highlights His faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reaffirms His promise to make Israel a great nation and to deliver them from oppression.

2. Divine Sovereignty: The plagues demonstrate God's supreme power over creation and His ability to control natural and supernatural events. By sparing Israel, God reveals His authority to protect and preserve His chosen people.

3. Judgment and Mercy: While the plagues serve as judgments against Egypt's idolatry and Pharaoh's hardened heart, they simultaneously manifest God's mercy towards Israel. This duality reflects God's justice and compassion.

4. Witness to the Nations: The distinction made between Israel and Egypt serves as a testimony to the surrounding nations of God's unique relationship with Israel. It is a demonstration of His power and a call to recognize His sovereignty.

Historical and Cultural Context

The land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, was situated in the northeastern part of Egypt. This geographical separation may have facilitated the physical distinction during the plagues. However, the biblical narrative attributes the exemption to divine intervention rather than natural causes.

Implications for Israel's Identity

The experience of being exempt from the plagues reinforced Israel's identity as God's chosen people. It was a formative event that shaped their understanding of God's protection and provision. This divine favor became a foundational aspect of Israel's national consciousness and religious heritage.

Conclusion

The exemption of Israel from the plagues is a profound demonstration of God's protective care and covenantal faithfulness. It serves as a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, highlighting the unique relationship between God and His people, and setting the stage for the subsequent deliverance and journey to the Promised Land.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 8:22,23
And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am the LORD in the middle of the earth.
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Exodus 9:4-6,26
And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.
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Exodus 10:23
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
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Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that you may know how that the LORD does put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
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Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
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Library

Concerning Persecution
... the sanctity of his life could exempt him from ... thou restore the kingdom again to
Israel?' (Acts 1:6 ... an aggravation of Babylon's miseries: Her plagues shall come ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... did not God harden his heart before the plagues were sent ... worship of images might,
as a people, exempt you from ... die as the house of Israel, and considered as a ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are ... not Jehovah, neither will I let
Israel go."(392 ... their fellow-subjects were themselves exempt from taxation ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... she knew that the beloved clay was not exempt from all ... he used were not, "The elders
of Israel have consulted ... of this divine word which rained plagues upon the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are ... and moreover I will not let Israel
go." Exodus 5:2 ... their fellow subjects were themselves exempt from taxation ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

V. ...
... spiritual possession of the churches; it is exempt, and no ... an idol so that the children
of Israel should be ... would turn away from us his anger and such plagues. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... of one who was found outside of Israel, a belief ... hour he cured many of diseases and
plagues and evil ... To accompany the Master does not exempt us from struggles ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... in virtue of which the human soul is exempt from the ... the Deluge, the destruction
of Sodom, the plagues of Egypt and deliverance of Israel, the giving of ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... often as God was pleased to deliver Israel from the ... another place it is said that
the plagues of Egypt ... 5:8). Paul acknowledges that he was not exempt from this ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... their greatness cannot at that day exempt themselves from ... As, therefore, the damsels
of Israel sang in their ... upon thee yet far greater plagues, losses, crosses ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm