Day 14: Exodus 11 & 12

Exodus 11

While we often remember the story of what would be known as Passover, what is interesting to me is the moments just before the event takes place.  Moses (and Aaron) have been doing everything God has commanded to get Pharaoh to let the Israelites go free.  This is where the gloves come off.  God is about to really make a statement here.  This becomes evident when in verse 6 God says, "There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt - worse than there has ever been or ever will be again."

There are a handful of words and phrases in the Bible that are seldom used and/or repeated.  Usually this is because it is really important (less is more, right?) and God wants to drive a point home.  Verse 6 is, I think, one of those rare places.  If God says something will be worse that there ever was and ever will be, then one should take note and pay really good attention.

Of course, Pharaoh doesn't do this.  After all, why heed any of God's warning?  It's just more crazy talk from his Jewish workforce, right?

Moses was good friends with Pharaoh once.  He was friends with others in the Egyptian court before joining the Israelites.   Do you think Moses was ever conflicted about following God's will, even if it means he knows what will happen to someone who was his friend?  Have you ever felt that way?  Has God asked you to do something or go somewhere and you weren't sure if you would enjoy it?

Exodus 12

There is a lot happening in this chapter.  Rather than regurgitate what happened, here's one random part of the passage that really struck me while reading:

I have a little trouble grasping part of God's instructions or eating the Passover meal in v. 11: "This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord's Passover."  While I understand the symbolism behind the instructions meaning to "be ready".  Because the Lord was specific here, I'm sure that many (all) the Israelites made sure they followed God's instructions to the letter.  However, this makes me wonder this:  How do you eat a whole roast lamb with only one hand, quickly?  Food for thought. :)


Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 13 & 14