EXODUS
CHAPTER
8
1. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ' Thus says the LORD: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 2. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. 3. The river shall swarm with frogs; they shall come up into your palace, into your bedchamber and your bed, and into the houses of your officials and of your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. 4. The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your officials.'"5. And the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your hand with your staff over the rivers, the canals, and the pools, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.'"
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 1 to 5)
The scourge of frogs can be associated with the people of God who multiplied like the frogs and like the frogs were viewed as a threat or pestilence to the Egyptian nation. During our times people in power having Christian values are viewed as a threat to the economy and other areas of life because the values that they hold go against market values that make the wheel of economy go around. In order to visualise the plagues mentioned in chapter 8 of the book of Exodus and others that will be mentioned in the following chapters, please click on the following link:
6. So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 But the magicians did the same by their secret arts, and brought frogs upon the land of Egypt. 8 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron, and said, "Pray to the LORD to take away the frogs from me and my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 6 to 8)
On reflecting we can observe that the Pharaoh was starting to gradually surrender his power when exposed to the power of God. The Pharaoh asked Moses to tell God to take away the frogs and then he would let the people go to worship God. We can also observe that nature is subject to God and that He can use it to suit His means even though this may be catastrophic as in a plague.
9. Moses said to Pharaoh, "Kindly tell me when I am to pray for you and for your officials and for your people, that the frogs may be removed from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." 10. And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "As you say! So that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God, 11 the frogs shall leave you and your houses and your officials and your people; they shall be left only in the Nile."
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 9 to 11)
When reflecting on verses 9 to 11, the issue of intercession comes to mind. As Moses intervened before God on behalf of the Pharaoh and his officials and the people, as Christians we can intervene on behalf of friends, family and or people whom we know that are in need of God's intervention especially those facing some form of crisis.
12. Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh; and Moses cried out to the LORD concerning the frogs that he had brought upon Pharaoh." 13. And the Lord did as Moses requested the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. 14. And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15. But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite. he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 12 to 15)
When the Pharaoh saw that the issue of the frogs had been resolved and that order had been restored, he went back from his word and would not let God's people go to worship. This is our reality as Christians. As long as God responds to our requests all is well however, the first time that God deems it not for our good we rebel against Him and may even stop praying altogether.
16. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt.' " 17. And they did so; Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and gnats came on humans and animals alike; all the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt. 18. The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not. There were gnats on both humans and animals. 19. And the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God! But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 16 to 19)
After having witnessed all these plagues, the magicians of the Pharaoh had to admit that the plagues where the fruit of God's intervention. One day science will also have to admit that the issues mentioned in the book of Genesis and the Bible at large are truly God's intervention and not scientific phenomena to which there is no answer. Lady science will finally have to bow her head in humility before God and admit it was mistaken in its quest to reject the existence of God as supreme maker of the earth and also in relation to many other issues. In order to view the plague of Gnats and others still to be mentioned please click on the following link:
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 6 to 8)
On reflecting we can observe that the Pharaoh was starting to gradually surrender his power when exposed to the power of God. The Pharaoh asked Moses to tell God to take away the frogs and then he would let the people go to worship God. We can also observe that nature is subject to God and that He can use it to suit His means even though this may be catastrophic as in a plague.
9. Moses said to Pharaoh, "Kindly tell me when I am to pray for you and for your officials and for your people, that the frogs may be removed from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." 10. And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "As you say! So that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God, 11 the frogs shall leave you and your houses and your officials and your people; they shall be left only in the Nile."
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 9 to 11)
When reflecting on verses 9 to 11, the issue of intercession comes to mind. As Moses intervened before God on behalf of the Pharaoh and his officials and the people, as Christians we can intervene on behalf of friends, family and or people whom we know that are in need of God's intervention especially those facing some form of crisis.
12. Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh; and Moses cried out to the LORD concerning the frogs that he had brought upon Pharaoh." 13. And the Lord did as Moses requested the frogs died in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields. 14. And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15. But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite. he hardened his heart, and would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 12 to 15)
When the Pharaoh saw that the issue of the frogs had been resolved and that order had been restored, he went back from his word and would not let God's people go to worship. This is our reality as Christians. As long as God responds to our requests all is well however, the first time that God deems it not for our good we rebel against Him and may even stop praying altogether.
16. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt.' " 17. And they did so; Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and gnats came on humans and animals alike; all the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the whole land of Egypt. 18. The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not. There were gnats on both humans and animals. 19. And the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God! But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 16 to 19)
After having witnessed all these plagues, the magicians of the Pharaoh had to admit that the plagues where the fruit of God's intervention. One day science will also have to admit that the issues mentioned in the book of Genesis and the Bible at large are truly God's intervention and not scientific phenomena to which there is no answer. Lady science will finally have to bow her head in humility before God and admit it was mistaken in its quest to reject the existence of God as supreme maker of the earth and also in relation to many other issues. In order to view the plague of Gnats and others still to be mentioned please click on the following link:
More plagues of Moses
20. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he goes out to water, and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD; Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 21. For if you will not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, and your people, and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians shall be filled with swarms of flies; so also the land where they live. 22. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people live, so that no swarms of flies shall be there,that you may know that I the LORD am in this land. 22 Thus I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign shall appear tomorrow.'"
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 20 to 22)
On reflecting we can comment that when evil starts to weaken the strong become stronger. On reflecting on verses 20 to 22 we can infer that God told Moses to present himself before Pharaoh, thus this means without the Pharaoh's permission, which under normal conditions this would not have not been allowed. Therefore it always best to side with God who is always the winner in every situation.
23. Thus I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign shall appear tomorrow."
(Exodus chapter 8 verse 23)
There exists two types of discrimination positive and negative. In negative discrimination the outcome is negative such as racial or gender bias. On the other hand as mentioned in verse 23 the outcome of this positive form of discrimination is totally positive. People of God will shine in this world of darkness. There will be light in Goshen and darkness and the mentioned plagues in the other parts of Egypt. This does not mean that Christians will not have their share of negative outcomes however the attitude that one has when accepting what happens in life as being according to the will of God is more positive. This is to be our attitude. God will discriminate positively in our favour when we appear in His presence, however on earth the world may discriminate negatively against us for what we believe and for the values that we have.
24. The LORD did so, and great swarms of flies came into the house of Pharaoh and into his officials' houses; in all of Egypt the land was ruined because of the flies. 25. Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God within the land." 26. But Moses said, "It would not be right to do so: for the sacrifices that we offer to the LORD our God are offensive to the Egyptians. If we offer in the sight of the Egyptians sacrifices that are offensive to them, will they not stone us?
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 24 to 26)
By means of verses 24 to 26 of the 8th chapter of the book of Exodus, Moses raises a very important issue that is of value to people of all worshipping religions. This is the issue of respect for others who may not have the same belief or values. If I am a Muslim living in Malta one cannot decide to face north towards Mecca in any public place and start praying to my god. Like wise this is the same for Christians who have to be sensitive to people of other religions and not condemn others for worshipping other deities or gods, by implying that these people are going to rot in hell for their whole lives. We surely may not agree with the beliefs that others hold, but we are to respect the presence of God in such non believers and show our love and respect, as if to God.
27. We must go a three day's journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as he commands us." 28. So Pharaoh said, "I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness provided you do not go very far away. Pray for me." 29. Then Moses said, "As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his officials, and from his people; only do not let Pharaoh again deal falsely by not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 27 to 29)
The word that describes the message of verses 27 to 29 is 'Compromise'. In order to spare himself from the wrath of God, the Pharaoh is showing signs of compromise. He is ready to let the people go to worship but on the condition that they do not go far away and that prayers are offered on his behalf. Time and time again, we have made promises to God and others, that we had no intention of keeping. Our only intention was to try and bend the hand of God or to impress others. I decide to fast all Easter and not smoke or eat chocolate, only to satisfy God and not to respect other non smokers out of love for their well being. As soon as Easter passes, we will continue if not increase our habits full blast especially if God has not met our request in time, our time.
30. So Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. 31. And the LORD did as Moses asked; he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his officials, and from his people; not one remained. 32. But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and would not let the people go.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 30 to 32)
Although we may try to be nice with those who do not agree with us, the outcome may not always be positive. It could be that for some reason God may be hardening the heart of the person, so that God's will may come about. At times we may not understand why things are not happening our way, however, it could be that the object of our desire may not be according to the will of God.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Forgive me Oh God for those moments when I did not accept Your will and tried to bargain with You in order to get my way, instead of saying 'May Your will be done! instead of saying 'May my will be done on earth and maybe even in heaven! Thank You for controlling the situation and stopping me from making the wrong decisions that may have had a negative impact on both myself and my family. I would like to ask Your forgiveness for relying on proof than trusting in You. Today the battery of my car quitted. My wife told me that there were lights in rear that remained switched on but I did not believe her and the battery became flat. I was so stubborn that I remained sceptic up to the point when the battery was recharged and the lights switched on again in my presence. Sorry Oh God for being so stubborn. If I showed doubts in humans how can I trust 100% in You? Please oh God help me in my unbelief!
20. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh, as he goes out to water, and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD; Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 21. For if you will not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you, your officials, and your people, and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians shall be filled with swarms of flies; so also the land where they live. 22. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people live, so that no swarms of flies shall be there,that you may know that I the LORD am in this land. 22 Thus I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign shall appear tomorrow.'"
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 20 to 22)
On reflecting we can comment that when evil starts to weaken the strong become stronger. On reflecting on verses 20 to 22 we can infer that God told Moses to present himself before Pharaoh, thus this means without the Pharaoh's permission, which under normal conditions this would not have not been allowed. Therefore it always best to side with God who is always the winner in every situation.
23. Thus I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign shall appear tomorrow."
(Exodus chapter 8 verse 23)
There exists two types of discrimination positive and negative. In negative discrimination the outcome is negative such as racial or gender bias. On the other hand as mentioned in verse 23 the outcome of this positive form of discrimination is totally positive. People of God will shine in this world of darkness. There will be light in Goshen and darkness and the mentioned plagues in the other parts of Egypt. This does not mean that Christians will not have their share of negative outcomes however the attitude that one has when accepting what happens in life as being according to the will of God is more positive. This is to be our attitude. God will discriminate positively in our favour when we appear in His presence, however on earth the world may discriminate negatively against us for what we believe and for the values that we have.
24. The LORD did so, and great swarms of flies came into the house of Pharaoh and into his officials' houses; in all of Egypt the land was ruined because of the flies. 25. Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God within the land." 26. But Moses said, "It would not be right to do so: for the sacrifices that we offer to the LORD our God are offensive to the Egyptians. If we offer in the sight of the Egyptians sacrifices that are offensive to them, will they not stone us?
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 24 to 26)
By means of verses 24 to 26 of the 8th chapter of the book of Exodus, Moses raises a very important issue that is of value to people of all worshipping religions. This is the issue of respect for others who may not have the same belief or values. If I am a Muslim living in Malta one cannot decide to face north towards Mecca in any public place and start praying to my god. Like wise this is the same for Christians who have to be sensitive to people of other religions and not condemn others for worshipping other deities or gods, by implying that these people are going to rot in hell for their whole lives. We surely may not agree with the beliefs that others hold, but we are to respect the presence of God in such non believers and show our love and respect, as if to God.
27. We must go a three day's journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the LORD our God as he commands us." 28. So Pharaoh said, "I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness provided you do not go very far away. Pray for me." 29. Then Moses said, "As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the LORD that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his officials, and from his people; only do not let Pharaoh again deal falsely by not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 27 to 29)
The word that describes the message of verses 27 to 29 is 'Compromise'. In order to spare himself from the wrath of God, the Pharaoh is showing signs of compromise. He is ready to let the people go to worship but on the condition that they do not go far away and that prayers are offered on his behalf. Time and time again, we have made promises to God and others, that we had no intention of keeping. Our only intention was to try and bend the hand of God or to impress others. I decide to fast all Easter and not smoke or eat chocolate, only to satisfy God and not to respect other non smokers out of love for their well being. As soon as Easter passes, we will continue if not increase our habits full blast especially if God has not met our request in time, our time.
30. So Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. 31. And the LORD did as Moses asked; he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his officials, and from his people; not one remained. 32. But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and would not let the people go.
(Exodus chapter 8 verses 30 to 32)
Although we may try to be nice with those who do not agree with us, the outcome may not always be positive. It could be that for some reason God may be hardening the heart of the person, so that God's will may come about. At times we may not understand why things are not happening our way, however, it could be that the object of our desire may not be according to the will of God.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Forgive me Oh God for those moments when I did not accept Your will and tried to bargain with You in order to get my way, instead of saying 'May Your will be done! instead of saying 'May my will be done on earth and maybe even in heaven! Thank You for controlling the situation and stopping me from making the wrong decisions that may have had a negative impact on both myself and my family. I would like to ask Your forgiveness for relying on proof than trusting in You. Today the battery of my car quitted. My wife told me that there were lights in rear that remained switched on but I did not believe her and the battery became flat. I was so stubborn that I remained sceptic up to the point when the battery was recharged and the lights switched on again in my presence. Sorry Oh God for being so stubborn. If I showed doubts in humans how can I trust 100% in You? Please oh God help me in my unbelief!
Thank You God
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