Slices
Prepare
Worship the Son of God who ‘is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation’ (Colossians 1:15).
Bible passage
The plague on the firstborn
11 Now the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely. 2 Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbours for articles of silver and gold.’ 3 (The Lord made the Egyptians favourably disposed towards the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)
4 So Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord says: “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. 5 Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. 6 There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt – worse than there has ever been or ever will be again. 7 But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.” Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. 8 All these officials of yours will come to me, bowing down before me and saying, “Go, you and all the people who follow you!” After that I will leave.’ Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh.
9 The Lord had said to Moses, ‘Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you – so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.’ 10 Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.
Explore
‘Israel is my firstborn son,’ the Lord says when he calls and commissions Moses (4:22). Of all the people groups in the world, God chose the people of Israel to be a blessing to the world. The prophet Hosea will later link this status to the Exodus from Egypt (Hosea 11:1). The firstborn son was special in ancient societies and would be expected to continue the family name and family traditions.
Events are turning out just as the Lord predicted. Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelite slaves leave Egypt, so the ultimate sanction will be used – the death of the firstborn sons of Egypt. While his position may have insulated Pharaoh from the worst effects of earlier plagues, this time the disaster hits the royal household as much as every other Egyptian family (v 5; 12:29,30). Meanwhile, the Israelite families are spared. The distress call of the Israelites began the dramatic intervention of the Lord (2:23); it will end with a great cry from the land of Egypt (12:30).
Even as Pharaoh refuses to be moved by Moses’ demands, his servants are impressed. Ordinary Egyptians respect their Israelite neighbours (vs 2,3). Have you ever been surprised by the reaction of others when you have made a stand for your faith?
Respond
Pray that your beliefs and lifestyle may make an impact on your family, friends and colleagues, even those who disagree with you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Judges 21; Proverbs 13,14
Pray for Scripture Union
At the start of this new financial year join Kathy Brooks, Appeals and Legacies Manager, in giving thanks for all our supporters and praying that over this coming year we will continue to build good relationships with them.
