READ: Ex. 10:21–11:10: …Then Pharaoh said to him, ‘Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more!’ … Thus says the Lord: ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt … Then there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was not like it before, nor shall be like it again…
After the eighth plague, the LORD gives no further command. He has made Himself clear enough, and Pharaoh’s refusal to obey has been reason for all the judgments. Now comes the final climax. First, thick darkness falls over all of Egypt—except in the regions where the Israelites live. For three days, God removes the light from the Egyptians.
Light was the first act of creation after the creation of heaven and earth. When God executes judgment over sin, He also takes away the light. Think of the three hours of darkness during the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pharaoh experiences that in this darkness, life is no longer possible. He summons Moses with a proposal: the people may leave—but without their livestock. That way, he still holds something back to prevent Israel’s complete departure.
But Moses rejects this proposal. The livestock is needed to serve the LORD. In the service of the LORD, there is no room for negotiation or compromise. Nothing may be taken away from God’s command. Pharaoh responds with powerless fury.
Moses shows in his conduct that he is a servant of the Most High. He does not need to fear this devilish king. Moreover, the LORD ensures that the Egyptian people look favorably on the Israelites. They will even give them valuable items when they leave Egypt. That moment is now near.
Then Moses announces the final punishment: all the firstborn of both humans and animals in Egypt will die. There will be terrible wailing. But in the region of the Israelites, not even a dog will bark. Then Pharaoh’s servants will bow before Moses and beg him to leave with his people. And then Moses will go. But once again, the LORD hardens Pharaoh’s heart.
Does the LORD still harden hearts today?
Sing: Ps. 135:4