One verse summarizes the positive/”negative” aspect of God – Romans 11:22. In what ways have we seen God’s “severity” illustrated in the book of Genesis? Remember, those stories handed down would have been what motivated the Israelites to fear God.
GOD IS THE DESTROYER
If we survey from the first plague (7:14ff) until the crossing of the Red Sea (14-15), all the verbs that describe destructive activity have God as the subject.
Notice what is said of God’s activity/work (pay particular attention to the verbs) in these passages: 5:3; 7:25 (8:2); 12:12, 29; 8:21 (9:14); 8:19; 9:3; 9:18, 23; 10:4-5; 13:15; 12:13, 23; 14:14, 25. Notice also from the song of victory in chapter 15: 1, 4, 6, 7, 10.
Also observe the totality of the destruction – not only Pharaoh and his servants but the rest of the Egyptians who really had nothing to do with Pharaoh – the Nile (7:21); the land (8:13-14, 24); the livestock (9:6); the people, animals, and vegetation (10:17); the firstborn (12:29). Of course, the army drowned in the Red Sea. This was Egypt’s defensive force!
GOD IS JUDGE
One key word in this context is the word “judgment” – notice its use: 6:6; 7:4; and 12:12. Although Moses never emphasizes that the plagues were to punish Pharaoh and his people for their sins. In fact, the Hebrew words for sin are largely missing in these extensive chapters (5-15). Pharaoh uses one word one time – 9:27 and Moses echoes him in 9:34 and the same thing is said in 10:16-17. But the text (its author, Moses) never explicitly says the plagues were punishment for sin.
The explicit explanation is found in 9:14-16: “For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth. For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Notice the three reasons, according to God, for the plagues:
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“So that” you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.
“For this purpose” I have raised you up “to show” you my power.
“So that” my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
What was Pharaoh’s major sin? Oppression of God’s people – 2:23-25. So God is showing His power/sovereignty. The first command to Pharaoh is “Let My people go” (5:1) and it is reiterated before several plagues: 7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3. Once again, consider the words of 7:3-5.
At the beginning, Pharaoh asked, “Who is the LORD?” (5:2). Near the end, God asks this question, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me” (10:3). Nothing less than humbling Pharaoh is sufficient.
In light of these considerations, what is the significance of hell and God’s punishment of the wicked and non-Christians on the day of judgment? Take a look at Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11.
Israel learned the lesson – 15:31. Will we?
Paul Holland
