There is a sanctifying work that has to be done in the lives of the people of Israel. The next 3 accounts concern food and water. The people of Israel get hungry and thirsty and they complain. Over and over again we will read about the complaining and grumbling of God's people. Note

Today's passage is full of praise. It is the song of Moses and the people of Israel. God has triumphed gloriously and now his people rejoice. Praise is a natural response to great works or great victories. Think of the supporters of a winning sports team - singing goes with victory.

The people of Israel are trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. There seems to be no way out. In verse 10 we are told that they fear greatly. We can sympathize with that. Who wouldn't be afraid? And then they complain, verse 11-12. They complain to Moses. In fact they blame Moses.

Now that Israel has been set free all they have to do is head north, for about a week's journey, and there will be the Promised Land. It is a short route to the place of promise. But God has chosen a different path. A path that will lead them through the wilderness for 40 years! A

After the 10th and final plague God tells Moses in chapter 13:1-2, to "Consecrate to me all the firstborn…Whatever is the first to open the womb…is mine." God had demanded the death of the firstborn but through the sacrificial lamb the firstborn of Israel was set free. They belonged to God - not just freedom from punishment but set

"At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon." These are terrifying words. God's judgment on Egypt shows just how serious sin is. Sin deserves death. And there is no distinction

The final plague is approaching, but before it is sent the instructions of the Passover are given. In fact the instructions are given twice in this section. The LORD instructing Moses and then Moses gives the instructions to the people. A lamb was to be taken for each household. It was to be

Each plague struck at the heart of Egyptian worship. The plagues hit at the heart of every area of life that was supposed to be protected by Egypt's gods. God was clearly showing that he and he alone is God. He is the LORD in the midst of the earth. Yet each time Pharaoh refused to obey

As the plagues continue there appears to be an increased intensity. But also there appears to be a greater hardening of Pharaoh's heart. The god worshipped most by Egyptians was Pharaoh himself. He was believed to have the heart of a god, and his son was the son of god. Also as Pharaoh he was seen as the

There were about 80 different false gods and goddesses in ancient Egypt, and each one had a specific role and function, but generally they can be placed into 3 groups. These gods and goddess controlled various aspects of - the Nile, the land, and the sky. In the next set of 3 plagues we see God sending flies, death