The Plagues are Persuasive: Exodus 8:20-9:12
We continue this morning to see the LORD display His power and authority over Pharaoh and all of Egypt
through three more plagues. But this time the LORD makes a clear distinction between His people, their
possessions, and their land. The LORD is good to provide the protection that His people need!
o A Continued Confrontation vs. 20-21; 9:1-3
Pharaoh is told again by Moses to “let my people go that they may serve me”. Costly consequences come from the hand of the LORD, as He sends down swarms of flies and death on all your livestock that is in the field. The Lord is relentless in the pursuit of the freedom of His people!
o A Clear Contrast vs. 22-24; 9:4-6
The LORD always shows His grace on His people, there is a major division and distinction between God’s
people and Pharaoh’s people and between their livestock. He purposefully set apart the land, the people, and the livestock. He further demonstrates that He is the LORD in the midst of the earth! What the LORD
proclaims and promises in His Word will come to pass, “And the Lord did so.”
Despite all what Pharaoh saw, he hardened his heart and did not let the people go. But no one can rival the strong hand of the LORD.
o A Cunning Concession vs. 25-28
Pharaoh does show that the plagues are beginning to persuade him to listen to Moses, but motives are clearly deceitful in what he says, you can go but not far and plead for me! He is still on his throne, so he thinks. The truth for us to see is that the Lord God knows the purpose of our pleas for He sees the heart of man. He will not be bargained with!
o A Call for Character vs. 29-30
Moses call for Pharaoh not to cheat or deceive again shows that He knows that Pharaoh is a liar.
o A Curious Conclusion vs. 29-31; 9:7
The Lord answers Moses prayer and supernaturally removes the flies just as they began!
Though the Lord hears and answers, Pharaoh sees the relief and hardens his heart!
o A Confirmation of God’s Command vs. 9:8-12
The sixth plague of boils comes upon Pharaoh and Egypt without any warning. But Pharaoh is a direct witness yet again and is without excuse in his rebellion to LORD. Don’t miss the contrast, the magicians could not even stand before Moses because of the boils. But guess who was enabled to stand before the Pharaoh of Egypt? The LORD is showing yet again His unmatched power!
Further Application:
Remember that as followers of Christ we are a special separate people because of the LORD. Because we are in Christ we are freed from the wrath & judgement of God 1 Pet. 2:9
Know that the LORD is in complete control of all events in nature, and He will not be bargained with or
mocked. We must come to Him on His terms. Gal. 6:7
Understand that all the plagues are just a small picture of what the final judgement will be like. Rev. 16:2