The Final Two Plagues Sent by God Against Egypt

This meditation is based on a passage for March 27, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Exodus 10:21-11:8

Reflection and Question: We are approaching the awesome final plague that will lead to the Exodus of the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the wilderness. Dense darkness envelops the Egyptians for three days but spares the Hebrews. Then God controls the Pharaoh, hardening his heart so that he not only refuses to let the Hebrews go, but also threatens Moses with death if he sees him again. Even when told that all firstborn Egyptians will die, Pharaoh will not listen, so that God’s wonders can be multiplied for both the Egyptians and the Hebrews to see. What is the equivalent of Pharaoh’s hardened heart in our time?

Prayer: God of all, You hardened Pharaoh’s heart over and over so that the freeing of the Hebrews from slavery was hard on all involved. Have mercy on us when we have the power of Pharaoh. Soften our hearts to Your will for the good of all. Amen.