When God Confronts Pride [Exodus 9:8-11:10]

In the final five plagues, God humbles a man who considers himself a god and a people who thought themselves untouchable. God is opposed to the proud and will use any means necessary to humble us.

KEY IDEA

Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). in fact, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). So, seek humility as the key that unlocks God’s grace for your life.

THE SECOND FIVE PLAGUES

God’s constant demand is “Let my people go, that they may worship Me.” (9:13, 10:3) However, Pharoah chooses to act arrogantly against God and continues to set up a contest of wills and authority. (9:17)

Confrontation #6: People and animals covered with boils...The Healer is greater than our health. (9:8-12)

Confrontation #7: Intense hail destroys the land...The Almighty is greater than the land. (9:13-35) 

Confrontation #8: Locust eat all that remains...The Provider is greater than our provision. (10:1-20)

Confrontation #9: Darkness is felt across the land...The Light extinguishes the darkness. (10:21-29)

Confrontation #10: The firstborn are killed...The Life is greater than the legacy. (11:1-10)

INSIGHTS FOR US TODAY

God chooses to use these plagues to teach lessons: to know there is no one like Him (9:14, 10:2), to show His power and to make known His Name on the whole earth (9:16). It demonstrates as well that the earth belongs to the LORD. (9:29)

Even in judgment, God offers compassion and mercy. (9:19-21)

God’s decisions are made with generations in mind, not simply the present moment. (10:2)

God’s favor rests on His people in inexplicable ways; the blessings He gives are plentiful and unmerited. But we must remember this: we are blessed to be a blessing as we look to the future. (10:2-3) 

God provides a way for us to escape death.