Category: Egyptian bondage

One More Night with the Frogs! #2

Sunday, January 30, 2022

“And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God” (Exodus 8:10 KJV).

Who has replied with, “To morrow,” and why has he answered thusly?

This plague of frogs was the second of 10 Divine judgments on Egypt because Pharaoh relentlessly held the nation Israel hostage. Actually, it was Satan using Pharaoh to keep the Jews as his political prisoners. Concerning these curses, JEHOVAH God proved He was superior to whatever the King of Egypt worshipped or even thought himself to be (pharaohs were regarded as gods—they were self-centered, to say the least). Remember, the King of Egypt, in a most unenviable position, proposed in verse 8: “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.” That is, if Israel’s God removes the frogs, Pharaoh would release Israel.

Now, let us recall the words of verse 9: “And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?” In other words, “Pharaoh, you have the honor of deciding what time you prefer I pray to the LORD to take away the frogs.” The King of Egypt, not the LORD or Moses, has been given the power or privilege to determine just how long he wants to suffer this type of judgment.

Pharaoh’s answer is in today’s Scripture: “To morrow.” In his stubborn pride, the king makes a poor decision. He is willing to let the plague continue just a bit longer before he considers freeing Israel. To wit, “I would rather tolerate these unpleasant frogs one more night before I think about submitting to the God of Israel!” Willful Pharaoh has no one to blame but himself for his misery. The Egyptians have no one to blame but their defiant monarch for their suffering….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain, ‘God save the king?’”

One More Night with the Frogs! #1

Saturday, January 29, 2022

“And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God” (Exodus 8:10 KJV).

Who has replied with, “To morrow,” and why has he answered thusly?

Reading today’s Scripture with its context: “[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. [2] And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: [3] And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: [4] And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.

“[5] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. [6] And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. [7] And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.

“[8] Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. [9] And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? [10] And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. [11] And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.”

What happens next? Let us see….

Waxing of Numbers—Waning of Numbers

Thursday, January 13, 2022

“So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel” (Numbers 1:45 KJV).

What can this fourth Book of Moses tell us about the detrimental effects of sin?

Numbers derives its name from two censuses taken once the Israelites escaped Egyptian slavery. In chapter 1, the LORD commands Moses and Aaron to count every Jewish man 20 years old and above: “So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war in Israel; Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty” (verses 45,46). That is, 603,550 such Jewish men are reckoned as living.

Toward the end of Numbers, chapter 26, another tally was taken: “And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers’ house, all that are able to go to war in Israel…. These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty” (verses 1,2,51). Now, a mere 601,730 Jewish males qualify for war.

What is most startling is the realization these two figures were recorded 40 years apart! Once Israel rebelled against the LORD God in chapters 13 and 14, her people died off in unbelief as they spent four long decades wandering in the wilderness. New generations were born, but, overall, it did not matter. According to the data collected during the second census, the nation itself actually shrank by 1,820 men during those 40 years. Just think how large the nation would have grown had they entered the Promised Land in faith four decades prior! In short, sin took its toll, indubitably affecting future generations—it just took time to become apparent. Never forget, sin’s consequences, though delayed, surely come (Numbers 32:23)!

Our first Bible Q&A for 2022: “What does ‘peculiar’ mean in the King James Bible?”

Saved Man, Senseless Words #5

Friday, November 5, 2021

“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 KJV).

Yes, even a saint can be silly enough to charge the LORD God with evil!

It is ever so critical we listen to what Almighty God actually says in His Word, the Holy Bible, not others’ opinions of what He “says.” Of course, when Moses was sent to Pharaoh the first time and Pharaoh declined to obey the LORD, God was powerful enough to override Pharaoh’s refusal. The Creator is always stronger than the creature. It was not that Moses failed, or God was being mean toward Israel. Rather, the LORD permitted Israel’s deliverance to be delayed as He had a mighty work to perform amongst the Egyptians first.

Chapter 9: “[13] And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. [14] For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. [15] For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. [16] And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. [17] As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?”

After the LORD meted out 10 horrific plagues on Egypt (chapters 7–12), proving Himself superior to Pharaoh and all his pagan idols, the King of Egypt had no choice but ultimately let Israel go. Instead of railing against God, we can adopt a mature outlook: He deliberately postpones one event, that another run its course to achieve one goal, before allowing the first event to resume and reach a second goal!

Saved Man, Senseless Words #4

Thursday, November 4, 2021

“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 KJV).

Yes, even a saint can be silly enough to charge the LORD God with evil!

Moses assumed Israel would be immediately liberated from Egypt. Again, this was in contrast to what the LORD Himself had already told him: “I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand” (3:19). “But I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go” (4:21). It is not clear from the Bible whether or not Moses informed Israel of this delay—but, as indicated in today’s Scripture, Moses was influenced to forget these LORD’S words to him.

Re-read today’s Scripture in context: “[19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. [22] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.”

After hearing human viewpoint in verse 21 (“Moses, you ‘deliverer,’ you did nothing for us!”), Moses whined to God in today’s Scripture. To paraphrase, “Why have You ‘evil entreated’ [injured, harmed] Your people? You have sent me to help them, but this has been unsuccessful—destructive not beneficial.” We can expect nothing less from those who listen to man instead of the LORD….

Saved Man, Senseless Words #3

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 KJV).

Yes, even a saint can be silly enough to charge the LORD God with evil!

Today’s Scripture in context: “[19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. [22] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.”

Back in chapters 3 and 4, the LORD had told Moses some words that Moses had forgotten by the time of chapter 5. Read them now. “And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go” (3:19,20). “And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go” (4:21).

When Moses spoke those reckless words in today’s Scripture, it was because he had been listening to unbelievers. The LORD had already told him Pharaoh would refuse to free Israel….

Saved Man, Senseless Words #2

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 KJV).

Yes, even a saint can be silly enough to charge the LORD God with evil!

Let us continue reading the chapter: “[10] And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. [11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. [12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. [13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

“[14] And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? [15] Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? [16] There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. [17] But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. [18] Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. [19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.”

Once more, we fail not to realize Israel’s mistreatment has been exacerbated with Moses’ arrival. Their “deliverer” has intervened, but has only contributed to sadder and more miserable circumstances. Let us finish the chapter and finally reach today’s Scripture….

NOTE: You can see our archived study, “Should Christians observe All Souls’ Day?”

Saved Man, Senseless Words #1

Monday, November 1, 2021

“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all” (Exodus 5:22,23 KJV).

Yes, even a saint can be silly enough to charge the LORD God with evil!

Let us start at the beginning of the chapter: “[1] And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. [2] And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. [3] And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.

“[4] And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. [5] And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. [6] And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, [7] Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. [8] And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. [9] Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.”

Instead of freeing Israel, Pharaoh afflicts them with a more arduous workload. Moses is surprised. The Jews are in a worse condition now that God has sent him to “deliver” them! Let us keep reading the context of today’s Scripture….

NOTE: You can see our archived study, “Should Christians observe All Saints’ Day?”

The Worship of the Calf #6

Sunday, October 3, 2021

“And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4 KJV).

Why is calf-worship so prevalent in Holy Scripture?

As they worshipped diverse gods and goddesses, the ancient Egyptians were simply conducting themselves according to Romans 1:20-23: “[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

The above passage depicts the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), the origin of world religions except Judaism. Along with all the other Gentiles or nations, the Egyptians worshipped fellow humans and various animals. Since the people of the world were not appreciative of the one true God, and willfully gathered at Babel to start their own (one-world) religious system, God confounded their languages and scattered them. Whatever evil thoughts they had in unity, these were translated or converted in their minds, thus expanding why world religions (no matter how far removed physically) are quite close doctrinally.

Israel knew the depraved spiritual conditions of the world around her. She was also aware of how the one true God, after letting the nations “walk in their own ways” (Acts 14:15,16; Acts 17:29,30), had set apart her father Abraham from that darkness and confusion (Genesis chapter 12). Her separation from the Gentiles was fortified via the Law of Moses, which had been given to her alone (Deuteronomy 4:1-10; Psalm 147:19,20; Romans 3:1,2). Consequently, Israel’s association with the world’s religions was wholly unacceptable. Whereas the Gentiles were ignorant of their satanic bondage in religion, Israel knew better and still adopted such systems!

Now we address the significance of calf-worship….

The Worship of the Calf #5

Saturday, October 2, 2021

“And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:4 KJV).

Why is calf-worship so prevalent in Holy Scripture?

Remember, Israel spent over four centuries in Egypt (Genesis 15:13; Exodus 12:40,41). During that time, the Jewish people were exposed to countless deities (pagan gods and goddesses), distracting them from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Consequently, Exodus 3:13-15: “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

The 10 plagues the LORD God meted out on Egypt demonstrated His superiority to 10 Egyptian deities. “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD” (Exodus 12:12). “For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments” (Numbers 33:4). One of these gods was the highly venerated Apis/Hapis, a bull/calf god!

Having crossed the Red Sea, although no longer in Egypt physically, Israel was still there mentally and spiritually. As indicated in today’s Scripture, her people never made a clean break from their old lifestyle. They retained the idea of calf-worship, copying what they had seen the ancient Egyptians do for hundreds of years….