Moses, just booted out from Pharaoh's sight, listened carefully as the Lord addressed him again. "I will bring one more plague on Egypt and its Pharaoh. After that, he will let you go from here, driving you out completely. Tell the people each one is to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold. They will be pleased to do as you ask as they have become favorable toward you, for I have so inclined their spirits."
When Moses heard all God had to say, he informed the people, saying, "The Lord said, 'About midnight I will go throughout Egypt and every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the slave girl, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt--worse than there has ever been or will be again.. But among the Israelites, not even a dog will bark! Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel."
These things Moses also said to Pharaoh, and in addition, Moses told him, "All your officials 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, as once again, Pharaoh's heart had been hardened.
Then the Lord instructed Moses in detail in "how to have your house passed over" and the people were informed. "On the tenth day of the month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. Slaughter the lamb on the 14th day at twilight, and take some of its blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the house where you eat this meal. That same night, eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs and bread made without yeast. Eat this with your cloak tucked into your belt, sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. Eat in haste; it is the Lord's Passover. If there is meat left in the morning, burn it."
"n that night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn--both men and women-- and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. Celebrate this day forever."
At midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the Egyptian in prison, and the firstborn of all the livestock. There was much wailing and many tears among the people for there was not a house without someone dead.
During the night, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, "Up! Get up and leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have asked. Take your flocks and herds, as you asked, and go....... But also bless me."
Permission to leave had come, and now to the task of leaving. Moses, Aaron and the rest of the Israelites would leave behind a man who had been determined to have his way, being both against the Lord's desires and yet wanting the Lord's blessings.
I can't speak for you, but I found myself thinking of how like Pharaoh I have been sometimes throughout my life doing that very same thing, doing something differently than what God wants and yet wanting his blessing. I sincerely hope that I have grown beyond this now.
God, grow me up to want your way and not my own!
Jo INMN
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