Chapter 11: Gnats and Flies

Exodus 8:16-32

Q1 - Before the fourth plague of the flies, God sent Moses early in the morning to speak to Pharaoh as he went down to the river. He had also done this with the earlier plague of turning the water into blood (see Exodus 7:15). Going down to the river was likely part of the king’s morning routine. This may have been an easier time for Moses to approach him directly. What impact do you think it made on Pharaoh to have Moses appear before him, first thing in the morning, before he even had a chance to wash himself off? How does it make you feel to have to confront something early in your day?

A1 - It’s not always easy to approach rulers directly, but Moses was able to on several occasions. This, in itself, shows the hand of God at work. There was probably some amount of dread on Pharaoh’s part every time he saw Moses, particularly as he kept on appearing and the plagues got worse and worse. What happens first thing in the morning often helps set the tone for the rest of the day.

Q2 - What do you think Pharaoh desired when he asked Moses to pray for him? Was he showing signs of humility, or was he only selfishly asking for relief from the plagues?

A2 - Pharaoh’s heart was hardened against the Israelites. Every time he and the Egyptians received relief from the plagues, he went back on his word and refused to allow the Israelites to leave. It’s difficult to believe that Pharaoh asked Moses to pray for him because his heart was turning to God. It’s more likely he was simply seeking relief.

Q3 - Scripture has much to say concerning Pharaoh’s hard heart. As the study of the plagues continue, watch for passages that indicate his state of mind and heart. Did God preordain him to act this way, or did God, as his Creator, already know how he would react?

A3 - Numerous scriptures tell us that God knows the hearts of humans. David told Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV): “‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.’” Another beautiful scripture concerning God knowing our thoughts is Psalm 139.

There is a difference between God knowing our hearts and compelling us to act in a certain manner. From the time of Adam and Eve, humans have made their own choices concerning their behavior. When God did not look with favor on Cain’s offering, He told him in Genesis 4:7 (NIV): “‘If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’” God knew Cain’s heart, but the decision Cain made when he murdered his brother was his own.