“Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’’ But Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.’” (Exodus 5:1-2)
The family of Jacob (also called Israel) had moved into Egypt temporarily.
As they had more and more children and became a real people rather than a family, Pharaoh began to consider them a threat. The Israelites were discriminated against and used as slaves. Finally, Pharaoh even ordered the killing of their babies.
From this precarious situation, the Israelites cried out to God. He chose a leader from among them, Moses. He was to lead the entire people out of Egypt to the land of Canaan, where they had originally lived and where God had promised them a safe place once again. But they couldn’t just pack their things and go on their journey. After all, they were enslaved; the Egyptians would not let them leave without a fight!
Loud and clear, Moses conveyed God’s words, “Let My people go!” But Pharaoh had no intention at all of listening. In response, God sent severe punishments, including a hailstorm, a plague of frogs and a deadly disease among the cattle. Only after ten such punishments did Pharaoh finally give in. His refusal to listen to God had completely ruined his country and cost countless lives.
Those who do not listen to God will suffer the consequences. Does that still apply today, do you think? In what ways?