Good evening.  Tonight we are going to continue to work our way through the book of Exodus.  This evening we are going to take a look at chapters 7-10.  During these chapters, we will take a look at all except one of the plagues that God sends upon Egypt.  So, if you want to go ahead and turn to Exodus chapter 7, I will open us up with a word of prayer while you do that.  Let’s Pray!

As we start this evening, what did you do the last time you saw a snake?

Well, as we take a look at this first section of scripture for tonight, we see Moses’ staff turning into a snake.  Whoever has the first key, go ahead and read it at this time please.  (READ 6:28-7:24)

Pharaoh was not at all receptive to Moses and Aaron’s first visit.  He not only refused to let the Israelites go worship the Lord, he increased their suffering.  As Pharaoh’s heart became hardened, he became more stubborn and resistant to listening to God’s message.  In spite of the horrible plagues that God sent upon the Egyptians, he still didn’t change.

How was Moses to overcome his speaking handicap?

Why would Pharaoh want a miracle preformed?

What do you think was the reason God initiated the plagues?

What surprises you about the sorcerer’s powers?

How do you think Moses and Aaron felt when Pharaoh’s magicians duplicated their miracles?

What is the meaning of Aaron’s snake swallowing the others?

How important was the Nile River to Egypt?

When have you, like Moses, felt that God was asking you to do something you couldn’t do?

Before we move on, does anyone have anything they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, the commentary combined chapters 7 and 8 together, so I will wait until the end of chapter 8 to read what it has to say.  But at this time, let’s go ahead and move on to the next chapter.  As we move on, answer this one question for me.  Describe for me a time when you found an unwanted creature in your food?

Well, as we take a look at these next plagues, we see that God causes some unwanted creatures to show up in huge numbers.  Whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please.  (READ 8:1-19, 8:20-32)

Why do you think the magicians have been able to match each miracle so far?

Given a most timely answer to his prayer, how does the Pharaoh react?  (9-15)

Have you ever taken answered prayers for granted?  If so, how or why?

Do you pray more when things are going your way, or when you are in trouble?

In the plague of gnats, why does God now begin doing things that the magicians could not do?

When we get to the plagues of the flies, why do you think God now distinguishes between the land of Goshen and the rest of Egypt?

At this time, allow me to go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about chapters 7 and 8.  It says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything to add?

Well, it that is all, let’s move on and take a look at chapter 9.  And as we do that, whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read them.  (READ 9:1-12, 9:13-35)

Why do you think Pharaoh is so stubborn?

What will Egypt lose as their livestock die?  (lifestyle and livelihood…)

If God wants all men to know Him, then why harden Pharaoh’s heart?  (Romans 9:17-18)

Now, the plagues are hitting Egypt’s food source, yet not without an escape clause.  It didn’t destroy everything (v. 32).  Why do you think God did this?

What does that say about God’s ultimate goal in all of this?

Do you think God could have achieved His goals without the use of these plagues?

Do you think God still sends “plagues” on people today?  What or how?

Before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if there is nothing else, the commentary combines chapters 9 and 10 together, so I will read what it has to say at the end of the next chapter.  So at this time, let’s go ahead and jump into chapter 10.  And whoever has the last 2 keys, go ahead and read them for us please.  (READ 10:1-15, 10:16-29)

Now, we have seen a pattern of God removing the plagues each time that Pharaoh promises to let the Israelites go, even though he always changes his mind.  Why do you think God does that?

What point does that prove about God and His plans?

As we look at the plague of darkness, what effect would 3 days of darkness have?

At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary has to say about chapters 9 and 10.  It says, (READ COMMENTARY)

Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?

Well, if that is all, next week we will look at the last plague and then take a look at a few more events from the book of Exodus.  My goal for next week will be to read and discuss Exodus chapters 11-13.  So that is what you can look over to be ready for next time.

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