God Hardens Pharaoh’s Heart The Second Time

Exodus 7:1–13
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The Lord told Moses that He was going to let his brother Aaron speak to the king for him (v. 1). He instructed Moses to relate to Aaron everything He wanted told to the king concerning letting His people go (v. 2). However He said He will make the king so stubborn he won’t listen no matter how many terrible things he does to him and his nation (vv. 3-4). Finally He will bring such great judgment on Egypt and the king he will let Israel’s families go. When this happens the Egyptians will know that He is Lord (v. 5). Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them (v. 6). At the time all of this took place Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three (v. 7).

The Lord told Moses that when the king asks them to perform a miracle he needs to instruct Aaron to cast his walking stick down in front of the king and it will turn into a snake (vv. 8-9). Moses and Aaron went before the king and his servants and did exactly as the Lord had commanded (v. 10). When Aaron did as the Lord instructed his cane turned into a snake just as the Lord said it would. Then the king called in his wise men and the magicians who used their secret powers to do the same thing (vv. 11-12). This only illustrates the fact that we must not underestimate the mighty powers which the devil has at his disposal. But Aaron’s snake swallowed up the sorcerers snakes which made it apparent that the power of Moses was superior. The king behaved just as the Lord said and stubbornly refused to listen (v. 13).

Application

I must never underestimate the power of Satan and think that I can handle him in my own strength. However I can always be sure that God is more powerful than Satan and can handle him.