The Battle Is the Lord'sMuestra

God delivers his people from slavery

When the people of Israel were still an extended family instead of a nation, they moved to Egypt. Over the years, their number grew and the Egyptians became hostile to them. This resulted in oppression and slavery. Against this background, we read how God promises to deliver his people. He summons Pharaoh to let his people go, but Pharaoh refuses to do so. Then God, on behalf of his people Israel, goes on the attack. Every time Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go, God sends a plague. It takes ten of these plagues, ranging from frogs, gnats, and flies, to hail and three days of darkness. The last plague is worst: all Egyptian firstborns die. Then Pharaoh gives in and allows the Israelites to leave. But it does not take long before he regrets his decision and pursues the people. Then God intervenes once more. He drives the sea back so that the people can cross it. When Pharaoh goes in after them into the midst of the sea, the waters return to their normal course, and all the host of Pharaoh is drowned.

The Israelites never forgot about God’s mighty act of salvation. Humanly their situation was hopeless, but the Lord delivered them.

What does this story teach you about God’s character?