The final plague in the Egyptian nation is a most terrible thing. Who can imagine the death of a child, 1st, 2nd or 3rd….. Certainly, it is a thing few are prepared for and none want. Yet, this is the final way God choose to convince the Egyptian people and Pharaoh to submit to His demand to free the people of God.
Reading through the first 12 chapters of Exodus one might assume God was trying to corner Pharaoh into obeying His will. But that would be wrong. Let us look at somethings God knew about Egypt and Pharaoh.
- Had to show Jehovah God superior to all their gods.
- Had to show Jehovah God was in command of all.
- Had to show Jehovah God’s power was real.
- Had to show Jehovah God superior to Pharaoh.
While there may be others these had to be accomplished in order for there to be a chance of freedom for Israel without a fight.
Some may say “my God would not cause the death of anyone.” Yet, our story reveals a sobering fact many would do well to accept. God is good and great and loving but he has and will destroy evil in every form as He sees fit, Genesis 6 is only one of many places we find this.
Many have thought as Pharaoh and the Egyptian people God won’t or can’t destroy. But God has shown, while not his desire he will destroy evil when necessary.
As a people we should acknowledge this fact and prepare now for that time.
2Th 1:6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
