EXODUS –LESSON 17
LEARN: I Samuel 15:22-23
22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
READ: Exodus 10:21-29
1. How were the third, sixth, and this the ninth plague similar? See Exodus 8:16; 9:8; 10:21. It may be helpful to review Exodus 10:1-4.
2. Describe the ninth plague. vv 21-23, NOTE: This plague is regarded as an aggravation of a natural phenomenon- the Khamsin, or “Wind of the desert,’ which commonly visits Egypt about the time of the vernal equinox, and is accompanied by an awful, weird darkness. This is caused by the dense clouds of fine sand which the wind brings with it, which intercept the sun’s light, and produce a darkness beyond that of our worst fogs. The wind is depressing and annoying to an extreme degree. “While it lasts no man rises from his place, but shut themselves up in their houses, etc.” The visitation here recorded was peculiar, 1. In its extent, covering all the land of Egypt. 2. In its intensity-“they saw not one another and it was a darkness which may be felt.” 3. In its circumscription- it included all Egypt, but not Goshen. For these reasons Pharaoh was well aware that it was sent by the God of heaven. PULPIT COMMENTARY Genesis Exodus p 237
3. It is interesting to note that one of the chief gods of the Egyptians was Ra, the sun god. What would the Egyptians then do when such a plague came upon them? What would they learn concerning their efforts for relief as this terrible darkness which continued on for three days with no let up?
4. How was the LORD showing his great mercy and love to the Egyptians with each plague the he brought against a specific deity of Egypt? See Exodus 9:14.
5. Find several verses that remind us that the LORD brings hardships and troubles not only to punish the wicked, but also to draw men unto himself.
NOTE: That no one rose from his place means that no one left the house. It is interesting to note that even though there were Egyptians living among the children of Israel, no Egyptian had light. But only the Israelites had light in their houses, not of the sun , but by miracle. PULPIT COMMENTARY Genesis Exodus p 238
6. How far was Pharaoh willing to go in obedience to God, when the LORD ended this plague? v 24
7. Does the LORD accept partial obedience? vv 25, 26 Use I Samuel 15:1-23 to explain your answer.
8. What was the result of Pharaoh’s continual refusal to listen to the LORD and let the people go? v 27
9. What does the reply of Pharaoh in verse 28 indicate? NOTE: From Pharaoh’s worldly perspective, he no doubt thought that the intention of Moses was to deprive him completely of the services of a hundred thousand slaves which was outrageous. Pharaoh gave vent to his rage with the want of self-control common among oriental monarchs. Threatening Moses never to return to his presence, considering the degree of civilization, refinement ,and politeness to which the Egyptians had attained under the eighteenth and nineteenth dynasties, such an outbreak must be regarded as abnormal, and implying violent excitement. PULPIT COMMENTARY Genesis Exodus p 238
10. What was Moses’ reply to Pharaoh’s angry outburst? v 29, NOTE: It is generally agreed however that Moses did not quit the presence with these words: but continued to address Pharaoh for some little time, making his parting speech in the terms which are recorded inverses 4-8 of the following chapter. PULPIT COMMENTARY Genesis Exodus p238, Read: Exodus 11:1-10
11. In the parenthetic statement of verse 1-3, before Moses had been summoned to appear in the presence of Pharaoh, what had been revealed to him by God? v 1a
12. What would be the difference after God brought this final plague? v 1b
NOTE: Moses would no doubt have had the people in reainess for departure, counting on the LORD to do as he had promised.
13. What extraordinary thing were the children of Israel to do at this time? v 2
14. What two reasons does the Scripture give for the willingness of the Egyptians to give their wealth to the Israelites? v 3
NOTE: It is worthy to notice that gold and silver ornaments—ear rings, collars, armlets, bracelets, and anklets, were worn almost as much by Egyptian men of the Rameside period as by women. Borrow, the Hebrew word means simply “ask.” Literally, “articles.” The word is one of a very wide meaning, and might include drinking-cups
and other vessels. But we see from the statemnet in chapter 3:22 “to put them on their sons and daughters.’ it is clear that personal ornaments are especially meant.PUPIT COMMENTARY Genesis Exodus p 246
15. What promise had the LORD made to Moses about what he would do way back at the burning bush when the LORD had first called Moses? Exodus 3:18-22
16. What does comparing the promise of God of Exodus 3 with what happened in Exodus 11:3 tell you about our God and his character? How does this build faith in your heart?
17. Why did the LORD record the history of the nation of Israel for us? I Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 11:1, 2; Hebrews 12:1, 2, Therefore, if we do not study the Old Testament, what will be the result in our lives?
18. What was the final plague that the LORD would bring upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians? vv 4-6
19. How would this plague affect the Hebrews? 7a
20. Why the difference for the two nations? v 7b
21. How would the nation of Egypt respond to this plague? v 8
22. Moses left the presence of Pharaoh in a great anger, after all the patience he had shown in the past. What would be the cause a godly, compassionate man to show great anger in such a case?