Creator, Father, King #73

On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD!

PHARAOH WAS UNYIELDING. LIKE the Great Pyramids or the Great Sphinx of Giza, his heart was an unmovable rock fixed in the Egyptian desert. Despite the constant warnings of Moses and Aaron and nine previous plagues that ravaged his nation, he refused to let Israel go. So God was going to send a tenth plague—the final and most terrible judgment—on Egypt.

Every firstborn male of all Egyptian families, even animals, was going to die. But God would spare the entire Israelite nation if each family sacrificed a spotless one-year-old male lamb or goat and sprinkled its blood on the doorframe of their home.

The Israelites obeyed God, and he “passed over” his people, inaugurating the first annual Passover festival that Jews still celebrate today. However, it was a catastrophic night for the Egyptians. “Loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died” (Exodus 12:30). So Pharaoh drove Israel out.

What’s It Mean?

After 430 years of slavery, Israel was free at last! The story of the ten plagues started with Pharaoh’s extreme pride, as he defiantly asked Moses, “Who is the LORD? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go?” (Exodus 5:2). But it ends with Pharaoh begging Moses, “Get out! . . . Leave my people . . . but bless me as you leave” (Exodus 12:31-32). In fact, as the Israelites departed, the Egyptians even gave them gifts of clothing and precious jewelry!

Pharaoh changed his mind one more time, pursued Israel, and experienced complete humiliation at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1–15:21). The mightiest ruler on earth at the time exalted himself against God, but the Lord greatly humbled him. With the establishment of the Passover, God wanted his people to always remember his powerful, saving deliverance for their good and the glory of his name (Exodus 12:25-27).

God still wants his people today to remember how he works on their behalf. How has he worked mightily in your life? Humbly praise him for the great things he has done for you!

Now What?

Record in a journal the mighty ways that God has worked to save and help you.

Did You Know?

The Israelites eventually used their plunder of Egyptian treasures for the worship of the golden calf (bad!) and the building of the Tabernacle (good!).