Exodus 11:1-10
Announcing the Final Plague
On August 2nd, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait with about 100,000 troops. On August 8th, they announced the annexation of Kuwait. Three months later, on November 29, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 678 setting a deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait before January 15, 1991, or face military action.
Talks began in Geneva between U.S. Secretary of State James Baker and Iraq Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz, but by 9 January of 1991, they ended with no progress. On 12 January, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing the use of military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
By this time, and with this final action, there was only an “when” not an “if” as to whether there would be a war or not. Some things are simply going to happen and there is nothing that will stop them. Time marches on, heads are often self-willed and obstinate, and hearts get harder, not softer, when faced with confrontation.
Some scholars have claimed that if Pharaoh had simply agreed to let Israel go after having this final plague was announced, the Lord would have relented and not brought the plague on Egypt. But this is not correct. The structure of chapter 11 takes care to understand the timeline of events that occur.
The words of Moses which announce this plague are actually a continuous thought from the meeting started in Chapter 10. Pharaoh hardened his heart, refused to let Israel go, and ordered Moses’ dismissal. Moses agreed, but after that, during the same meeting, the last plague is announced.
There is no option as to whether Pharaoh can relent or not. Instead, there is only the absolute assurance that the plague will come and that it will be the Lord who executes the action. There is a point where bargaining is ended and only inevitable punishment will result.
Saddam Hussein found this out. He lost his sons, he lost his army, he lost his nation, and he lost his life, all because of a stubborn, hard heart. The same was true with Pharaoh. History is replete with losers like this.
Text Verse: “Therefore you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Drink, be drunk, and vomit! Fall and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.”’ 28 And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “You shall certainly drink!””’ Jeremiah 25:27, 28
Judgment came upon the nations which surrounded Israel because of their treatment of Israel and because of their obstinate hearts before the Lord. Sin heaps up in a land until there is simply no more remedy and the only alternative left is judgment.
The world is increasingly obstinate and hard-hearted against the Lord once again. The glories of the church age are quickly fading and this time of grace is coming to an end. Anyone who thinks that God will somehow work differently now than He has in the past is deluded.
We are given these stories to hopefully learn from. Unfortunately, you can’t learn from what remains unopened and untaught. Most of the world is at this very point with the treasure of God’s superior word. But it is still available to instruct us if we will but look into its hidden riches. And so let’s turn to that precious word once again and… May God speak to us through His word today and may His glorious name ever be praised.
I. One More Plague (verses 1-3)
Now the Lord had said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt.
At the end of the previous chapter, these were the final words we looked at –
“Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!’
29 So Moses said, ‘You have spoken well. I will never see your face again.'”
But coming up in verse 8 of this chapter we will read –
“And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people who follow you!’ After that I will go out.” Then he went out from Pharaoh in great anger.”
From this it is evident that verses 1-3 are parenthetical, having been spoken before the meeting with Pharaoh, which is still ongoing. Due to deficiency in tenses in the Hebrew language, the context drives the translation. In the case of many translations, like the KJV, they incorrectly state here “And the Lord said…” rather than “Now the Lord had said…”
Thus, such translations make it appear that there is a contradiction because it said they would never meet again, but then they do meet once again. Rather, this is one continuous meeting, but a parenthetical thought is now being introduced.
At some point in the past, the Lord had said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt.” This has been the reason for Moses’ boldness of speech before Pharaoh. He has the sure word of the Lord that what is coming will be final. Thus his words have been direct and filled with boldness.
The word for “plague” here has not been used before. It is nega which comes from naga, meaning “to touch.” This plague is personal and will personally touch those affected. The other plagues affected the people, but the personal nature of this one is highlighted by the use of this word.
It is the same word used in Isaiah 53:8 when speaking of Christ. He, the Son of God, would become our Passover Lamb –
“He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.” Isaiah 53:8
Already, in the first words of this chapter, we are seeing a picture forming of the work of Christ. Remembering that Pharaoh pictures the ruler of this world and Egypt pictures the fallen world, we are being shown what the Lord would do for us in these types and pictures from 1500 years before His arrival.
1 (con’t) After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely.
The Hebrew here for “drive you out completely” is kalah garesh y’garesh etkhem mizzeh – “completely driving out he shall surely drive out you from here.” The word “completely” then is speaking of all of the people and everything they own.
As Canon Cook notes, “the meaning is – when at last he lets you depart, with children, flocks, herds, and all your possessions, he will compel you to depart in haste.” There will be complete release, just as has been demanded. But more so, it will be not just with Pharaoh’s approval, but as if he absolutely insists that they go.
2 Tell the people that men and women alike are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.”
All the way back at the beginning of this journey when Moses stood before the burning bush, the Lord told him this in Exodus 3 –
“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” Exodus 3:21-22
As you can see, at that time the Lord only mentioned the women asking for these items. Now that mandate is extended to men as well as women. All are to ask for such articles. The word for “articles” can mean a whole host of things from weapons to utensils and from cups to plates.
As before, articles of silver and gold are specifically requested, not to enrich the Israelites, but for what the Israelites will do with them in the wilderness. They are being prepared for an organized mode of worship which will continue on until the coming of Christ.
These articles will be used in the construction of the tabernacle and all of the utensils and furniture within that tabernacle. And every part of what they construct will picture Him… every detail of it. God is plundering the Egyptians in order to form worship for His people. This then is ultimately a picture of Christ.
In Christ, God took from humanity in order to build His greater and eternal Temple. He did it in that Christ came from the stream of humanity to be the point of worship and meeting with God. As the tabernacle of the Old Testament, so Christ in the New!
As I noted during the Exodus 3 sermon, the KJV uses the term “borrow” rather than “ask for” these items both there and again here. It is quite possibly the worst possible translation of a word in the history of the world, as most scholars agree.
To borrow implies to return and it is perfectly understood from the situation that returning was not a consideration. The plundering of the Egyptians has brought a lot of criticism on the Bible over the years. People have used terms like “fraud,” “theft,” “deception,” and the like to describe what occurred here.
But what can one expect when a word and a context which surely means “to ask” is mistranslated as “borrow?” These men and women are instructed to ask of their neighbors for the articles they would need and to which they actually had a 215-year right.
3 (The Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people.
Exactly as was said in Exodus 3, it is noted here. The Lord had said he would make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people and now it is a completed truth here. And these words also show us that the word “borrow” is wholly incorrect.
If the intent was “borrow,” there would have been no need for the Lord to have given the Hebrews favor in their sight. People will lend to others even if they don’t really like them as long as they know the thing will be returned. Instead, the words are given to show that the Egyptians were favorably disposed to giving them these things.
And finally, the picture of Christ, which these words reflect, would make no sense with the word “borrow.” Christ wasn’t borrowed from humanity. He came through it and He belongs to it for all eternity as the incarnate word of God.
3 (con’t) and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)
These words are a result of the events of the nine previous plagues. When Moses first came, it was with Aaron as his spokesman and with a slowness of tongue which he felt would be a hindrance, not a help. But during the plagues, he amazed and baffled the magicians of Pharaoh.
Then he showed favor to the servants of Pharaoh and the people by announcing the plague of hail in advance and giving them warning to bring their animals in, lest they die. By the time of the plague of locusts, the people were nearly begging Pharaoh to act and release the men for the worship of Yehovah.
Throughout all of the plagues, Moses had shown himself the representative of the God who was greater than their greatest gods. Being the representative of the Lord, he then was greater than the representative of their gods, Pharaoh. This is all implied in these words now.
Just one more plague lies ahead
It will be a final blow, one beyond compare
With it every firstborn son of Egypt will soon be dead
There will be great sorrow; mournful cries will arise from there
When it comes, Pharaoh in haste will drive you out
But before you go, be sure to ask for articles of silver and gold
And as you finally start off, give a resounding shout
For the marvelous deeds you have seen unfold
You will leave this land for another place
One which I have set aside especially for you
There in that land I will bestow upon you My grace
For you My people these things I will do
II. There Will be Loud Wailing (verses 4-7)
4 So Moses said, “This is what the Lord says:
With the parenthetical thought of verses 1-3 now stated, the words of Moses to Pharaoh in their meeting which started in the previous chapter now resume.
4 (con’t) ‘About midnight
ka’khatsoth ha’laylah – meaning “about the middle of the night,” the final terrible plague will come upon the land. The time of the plague is announced and it is given in order to have the strongest effect possible upon the hearer. Midnight is when men are tired or even asleep, but the coming of this plague would be something which would deprive them of it.
Further, though the time of day is given, the exact day is not. Would it be tonight? Would it be next week? The suspense of not knowing is intended to wear out the mind of the obstinate man who had challenged the Lord.
From the entire passage of this plague, even we can’t be certain whether it was on this same night, and whether the planning for the Passover came before this meeting, or whether the first 28 verses of chapter 12 happened after the meeting with Pharaoh.
What is most likely is that this plague will come upon Egypt on the very same night after this meeting. But for sure, all we know is that the plague is pronounced and it will be at midnight.
4 (con’t) I will go throughout Egypt.
The “I” in this verse is emphatic. The Lord has spoken and the Lord will perform. The terminology is similar to what Isaiah writes about concerning a future plague which is coming upon the earth –
“Come, my people, enter your chambers,
And shut your doors behind you;
Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment,
Until the indignation is past.
21 For behold, the Lord comes out of His place
To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity;
The earth will also disclose her blood,
And will no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21
When judgment is due, the Lord will come out of His place in order to execute that judgment. Pharaoh is warned; we are warned.
5 Every firstborn son in Egypt will die,
The term “firstborn” is applied to males. The firstborn is considered the strength of the man and the continuation of his name. Thus we saw this in the blessing of Jacob upon his sons in Genesis 49 –
“Reuben, you are my firstborn,
My might and the beginning of my strength,
The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.” Genesis 49:3
5 (con’t) from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne,
Pharaoh is the highest official in the land. This is only the second time that the “throne” has been mentioned in the Bible. It properly means “seat of honor.” The first time it was seen was in Genesis 41 when referring to the throne of Pharaoh in relation to Joseph. Now it is referring to the throne of Pharaoh in relation to his son.
This son bore the Egyptian title erpa suten sa, meaning “hereditary crown prince.” Unless he died before his father, or unless he was removed from this royal position, he would be the one to assume the position and title of Pharaoh after his father.
Thus, this is a direct challenge to the supposed deity of the Pharaonic dynasty. Along with him, several other gods of Egypt are hereby challenged – Min, the god of reproduction; Heqet, the goddess who attended women at childbirth; and Isis, the goddess who protected children.
Each of these, including Pharaoh himself, will be shown as false gods, completely under the power and control of Yehovah, the God of the Hebrews, the God of Israel, and the One true God.
5 (con’t) to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill,
In contrast to the firstborn son of Pharaoh, the firstborn son of the female slave would be considered the lowest level in the entire societal scale of Egypt. And in contrast to his throne, is the hand- mill of this maid. While he sat in the place of honor she would squat at the millstones pulverizing the grain.
The term here for her labors is akhar ha’rekhayim – It properly means “behind the millstones.” This will take consideration to understand. There are two millstones, thus the plural word is used. One was on the ground and didn’t move. The other was on top of it and would have a hole in the middle and a handle on it as well.
In Matthew 24:41, Jesus explains that two women would sometimes work together on such millstones. One woman would hold grain and drop it into the hole. The other would grab the handle and pulverize the grain by spinning the millstone. She is the one “behind the millstone.” The harder work would be done by the lower slave. Like a world champion limbo star, this is as low as one can go.
Thus, this verse is an all-inclusive statement. Both Pharaoh in his seat of comfort to this lowest of the lowly slaves, and all in between – together they would be equally affected by what was coming. All will be afflicted by the torment of the horrifying plague. But despite what is coming, there is a note of grace.
In Exodus 1:22, Pharaoh had demanded that all of the males of the Hebrews be cast into the river. Here in response to that edict, which was all but forgotten by them, the Lord sets out to destroy only the firstborn. The words of Habakkuk can be retroactively applied to this account – “In wrath remember mercy.” (3:2)
Despite this touch of grace, every family is included and no family is exempted. Heartache, sorrow, and death will touch all alike. But there is yet more…
5 (con’t) and all the firstborn of the cattle as well.
The word is behemah and it means properly “beasts,” not just cattle. It would include any household pets, from the revered cat, to the friendly dog, and to the exotic monkey. Whatever animals were kept in home, barn, or temple, they would all be affected by this plague.
Thus, it is a complete attack on both domestic and religious life. The beloved pets and their sacred animals would all be shown to be under the authority of the Lord. No god represented by any animal would be able to stop the onslaught which has been ordained by Him and its effects will never be forgotten…
6 There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.
The word here for “wailing” is tseaqah. It means an outcry as if in anguish. Thus “a loud wailing” is a good choice of words. Even today, women in the Middle East continue with the loud wails for which they are especially known. Unlike the west where we often withhold emotional outbursts, there it is common and it is extremely loud.
But unlike a funeral for one person mourned by an isolated group of people, this outcry would be from all people throughout all of the land. Imagine the sound of millions of shrill wailing cries permeating the darkened skies of Egypt. Surely nothing had ever occurred like it before and never since has such a sound been heard.
7 But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal.’
This is often thought of as a proverbial expression meaning that there will be only quietness and peace in Israel which is contrasted to the wailing of Egypt. A similar form of expression is found in Joshua 10:21. After a great battle where Israel’s enemies were defeated, we read this –
“And all the people returned to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah, in peace.
No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.” Joshua 10:21
But there is more to this than a sense of peace and quiet. There is also another noted judgment upon Egypt’s gods. The god Anpu, later known as Anubis, is the dog-headed god associated with mummification and also the after-life.
The implication then is that while the dogs were wailing along with the humans, which they are often known to do, no such wailing was to be found among the Israelites. The god Anubis was ineffective in keeping the Egyptians from needed mummification and Yehovah was fully capable of protecting each and every life associated with Israel. And there is a reason for this distinction to have been made…
7 (con’t) Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.
Israel is to be redeemed from the plague, Egypt will suffer through it. The death of the firstborn is all that will withhold the entire wrath of God in Egypt. Otherwise, they would be utterly consumed. However, in Israel, a substitute will be accepted. A lamb will take the place of the people.
When the plague comes, in that day, the Lord promises to “make a distinction” in the land. The term in Hebrew is yaphleh. It is the third of seven uses of the word palah in the Bible. It means to “set apart,” but the word also means “wonderfully” or “wondrously.”
And surely this is fitting for what will occur in this plague. There is a distinction and it is found between the redeemed of the Lord and those who refuse to yield themselves to Him. The Lord will work wondrously.
8 All these officials of yours will come to me, bowing down before me
There is more in the Hebrew here than we get in the English. There is a strong play on words which we miss. The words “will come” is the Hebrew v’yaredu, literally “and will descend.” It is an idiom which indicates going from a nobler place to one of less grandeur.
And yet, when they get there, they will come “bowing down before me.” In other words, these officials would come to acknowledge the true royalty of the land. Though Moses isn’t in a palace, they will descend to his place in order to exalt him. It is a fitting parallel to what is said about Christ in Isaiah 52 –
“Kings shall shut their mouths at Him;
For what had not been told them they shall see,
And what they had not heard they shall consider.” Isaiah 52:15
8 (con’t) and saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’
Again, there is a Hebrew idiom not seen in the translation. The words say “the people who are at your feet.” It is an expression which means those who are willing to obey and follow a leader. Where his feet step, they were willing to follow in kind. They will finally acknowledge him as the leader of his people.
Moses is the human redeemer of Israel. Thus he pictures Christ who is the leader of Israel and those who willingly follow Him. Two comparable passages of note are found in the New Testament which are directed to the Jewish believers –
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” 1 Peter 2:21
&
These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” Revelation 14:4
8 (con’t) After that I will leave.”
Moses adds in these words to let Pharaoh know that only after the authorities of Egypt come and bow before him will he leave. Thus it is a hard jab directly at the person and position of Pharaoh.
8 (con’t) Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh.
In an extremely unusual burst of emotion, Moses finally turns and leaves once and forever from the face of Pharaoh. The words for “hot with anger” are ba’khori af – “in heat of anger.” But, af literally means “nostril.” And so we get the mental picture of his nostrils flaring and his face turning red in rage. Ellicott nicely describes the reason for his emotions –
“For once his acquired ‘meekness’ failed, and the hot natural temper of his youth blazed up. His life had been threatened—he had been ignominiously dismissed—he had been deprived of his right of audience for the future … Under such circumstances, he ‘did well to be angry.'” Ellicott
For those I have redeemed, there will be peace
I will make a separation between them and the world
Between us there will be harmony, all strife will cease
This for My people as their redemption is unfurled
My people will be safe while the land around them dies
To them there will be calm in the midst of woe
Everywhere there will be mournful wailing and cries
Except among My redeemed will it be so
And all of this is a part of an even greater plan
Their joys only picture countless souls in the future’s world
From every nation on earth there I will redeem man
Yes, they shall be My people, as the plan of redemption is unfurled
III. The Foolishness of the Hardened Heart (verses 9 & 10)
9 The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.”
This verse in Hebrew actually begins with the word “and.” It is used in order of thought, not specifically in time. And so, unlike some translations, the next words are correct. It should say, “The Lord had said…” rather than, “The Lord said.”
This is calling to mind the words which have been spoken several times and in several ways since his encounter with the Lord at the burning bush. It is a final recalling of the events which have led to the place where we now stand, just prior to the actual events of the Passover.
Further, the words “Pharaoh will refuse to listen…” are correct. It’s obvious from the entire account of the nine preceding plagues that Pharaoh has willingly and stubbornly refused to listen to the Lord. Yes, the Lord worked on Pharaoh in such a manner that the outcome was assured, but it was only because of the obdurate nature of the man.
When someone taunts or prods another, the outcome will be based on the nature of the one taunted or prodded. Pharaoh was wired as one who would only increase his stubbornness in the face of the Lord’s calculated prodding, but it is still he who is to blame for the outcome.
And once again in this verse, the reason for these things coming out this way is given – “so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” Had one or two plagues been enough to secure the release of Israel, the memory of what happened would have been quickly buried in the sands of passing time.
But as it came about, even many hundreds of years after the exodus, the surrounding nations still remembered what occurred and trembled at the name of the Lord. Despite the additional time of suffering in Egypt before their departure, Israel received other benefits from the time of these plagues as well.
1) They could personally see the events unfold before their eyes, thus recognizing the greatness of the Lord and His superiority over all other gods. 2) They were given confidence in Moses as their leader, a confidence that was challenged, but never overthrown by the majority. Instead a sound system of human government lay under the theocratic rule of the Lord. 3) It gave them time to prepare for their inevitable departure, rather than being hastily removed from their longtime dwelling in a haphazard manner. 4) They were free from any type of attack by the Egyptians for well over three hundred years. Thus their southern flank remained secure and they could use that safety to establish themselves in their new homeland, not worrying about attack from that direction. And finally, 5) They were also able to plunder the Egyptians on their way out. Had they not remained during the full time of the plagues, this would not have occurred.
For these and certainly other reasons, the additional stay in Egypt by Israel was an acceptable cost to pay. The Lord wisely determined all things for their ultimate benefit.
*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.
Again, this verse begins with the word “and” in the Hebrew. It shows with certainty that the previous verse is to be rendered in the past, not the future tense. After the next plague, Pharaoh will in fact not just let them go, but he will drive them out.
Reading and thinking these things through shows us why it is so detrimental to an understanding of the Bible to be captivated by a single, fallible translation.
God’s word is not in error, but man’s translation of it often is. Those who teach that one translation and no other should be used only set themselves up for faulty theology and a single-mindedness which is harmful, rather than helpful.
This is the last time that the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is noted prior to the exodus. The next time the hardening of his heart is mentioned is after they leave Egypt, but before they come to the shores of the Red Sea. The Lord is not through with Pharaoh yet, but He is done with him for the time being.
And so, the wonders which have been conducted are mentioned and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart to this point is cumulatively chalked up to the work of the Lord. He has worked out His plan exactly as He said it would happen in advance of it happening.
Therefore, the credit for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is given to the Lord even though it was Pharaoh who actively hardened it each time he was faced with a decision to comply or refuse. The past nine plagues, and the wording associated with them, are a classic study in the nature of man and how he responds to external stimuli.
Unfortunately for Pharaoh and Egypt, they have been used as examples for us at their own loss. From this account, which really happened in history, we can learn how to act as humans and how to respond to the Lord as He unfolds life’s lessons before us. Saddam Hussein never bothered with the Bible and he repeated the same type of mistake as Pharaoh.
Someday, the antichrist will follow along this same sad path. And unfortunately, others are lost in their destructive wake. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis perished because of Saddam; billions of humans will perish because of the antichrist.
In Isaiah 13, the Lord says he will make man rarer than fine gold. This is really coming upon the world, but it can be avoided. God has offered us terms of peace which circumvent the leaders of this world. It is found by calling on Christ. By doing so, we are transferred to His leadership.
Just as he led Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, he can and will do the same for those who call on Him. If you want a part of that heavenly visitation, let me tell you what you need to know…
Closing Verse: “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 57:1
Next Week: Exodus 12:1-11 (It is the Lord’s Passover) (32nd Exodus Sermon)
The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. He has a good plan and purpose for you. Even if a deep ocean lies ahead of You, He can part the waters and lead you through it on dry ground. So follow Him and trust Him and He will do marvelous things for you and through you.
The Plague on the Firstborn
Now the Lord had said to Moses
“I will bring one more plague on Egypt and on Pharaoh
After that, he will let you go from here
And when he does, he will drive you out completely as you go
Tell the people that men and women alike
Are to ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold
The Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed
Toward the people, just as the Lord had told
And Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt the land
By Pharaoh’s officials and by the people, he was considered grand
So Moses said, “This is what says the Lord:
‘About midnight throughout Egypt I will go
Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, according to my word
And then that I am the Lord, Egypt will surely know
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
All the firstborn will die as I have shown
And all the firstborn of the cattle as well
There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt
Worse than there has ever been or ever again will be
But among the Israelites not a dog will bark
At any person or animal, with your own eyes this you will see
Then you will know that the Lord as to you I tell
Makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel
All these officials of yours will come to me, it is true
Bowing down before me and saying
“Go, you and all the people who follow you!
After that I will leave, and for this you will be praying
Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh
Out of his presence he did go
The Lord had said to Moses
“Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you
So that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt
His heart will be hardened through and through
Moses and Aaron performed as the Bible does impart
All these wonders before Pharaoh
But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart
And he would not let out of his country the Israelites go
From this, important lessons we should learn
An entire nation was judged because of one hardened heart
For truth and justice should our souls yearn
And the Lord’s great name to others we should impart
Someday what happened to Egypt will happen again
But this time it will come upon the entire world
Great tribulation and plague will come upon all men
As God’s righteous judgments are unfurled
And so now is the time to call out for redemption
To receive Jesus and be saved from this great tragedy
Through His shed blood we will receive exemption
At the rapture He will come, our saving remedy
The time may not be far off now
The world is quickly falling apart as wickedness does increase
So let us get the word out to everyone somehow
Before God’s mercy upon the world does cease
We thank You Lord that there is saving grace
We thank You Lord for the Gift of Jesus
Someday soon we will see You face to face
Such wondrous things You have done for us!
Praises to You our great and awesome God
Thank You for those heavenly streets we will someday trod!
Hallelujah and Amen…