In this episode we continue studying the Book of Exodus. In this episode, God told Pharaoh that all of Egypt's livestock would die but none of Israel’s livestock would die.

When the calamity struck Egypt, Pharaoh sent servants to see if any of Israel's animals died; proving he really did not “know the Lord.”

He did know God could make livestock die in one part of the land and spare the livestock in another part of the land.

Yet, with each plague he is slowly getting to know his creator. The plague of hail, would draw Pharaoh so close to God, that he would not only learn more about God but more about himself.

When the plague of hail and fire hit Egypt it affected Pharaoh’s heart. He said, "I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous and I and my people are wicked."

For the first time Pharaoh is beginning to see something about himself. He’s beginning to see his own wickedness and the wickedness of his people.

So although God is hardening his heart, it’s for a reason. He is dealing with Pharaoh’s heart, the source of his harsh, cruel behavior.

If Pharaoh let the people go just to stop the plagues, his heart, the source of his wicked cruel behavior would remain unchanged. He would find another group of people and inflict the same harsh, cruel bondage upon them.

God wanted them all to be set free. He wanted the Israelites to be set free but he also wanted to set Pharaoh and the Egyptians free from their bondage to false gods and the wickedness that comes with serving them; and it was working for some.

Some of Pharaoh’s servants feared the Lord and believed Moses when he spoke. They took their animals inside to protect them from the bad weather but some did not.

When he couldn’t take the hail, fire and thunder any more Pharaoh said to Moses, "Intreat the Lord for me, and I will let you go, you shall not stay any longer."

Moses agreed and said, "As soon as I am gone out of the city I will spread my hands abroad to the Lord, the thunder, and hail will be no more, but, I know you and your servants will not “yet” fear the Lord God."

Moses knew they wouldn’t fear (fear means obey) the Lord but he still intreated the Lord for them.

We note that sometimes our leaders are like Pharaoh and don’t fear the Lord and that prevents us from praying for them. But we should be like Moses and intreat the Lord for them and God will perform miracles on our behalf.

Paul tells us to pray for our leaders so we can live quiet, peaceable lives. Here’s the text”

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

1Timothy 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

God also sent boils upon all the Egyptians, including the magicians.

The text said, the magicians could not stand before Moses. Stand means, to cause to approach, bring near, to draw near, to take one’s stand, to hold one’s ground, rise up against.

They couldn’t hold their ground against Moses. Because his power came from on high, their power was earthly, sensual and devilish.

Websters says, sensual in theology, refers to what is carnal; pertaining to the flesh or body, in opposition to the spirit; it is not spiritual or holy but evil.

Evil will never prevail against good, and lies will not prevail over truth because God has set it up that way.

The gates of hell will never prevail against his church (Matthew 16:18).

Mounce says, the gates of hell refers to, the nether world and its powers, the powers of destruction and dissolution,

Dissolution refers to, the breaking up of an assembly, or the putting an end to its existence.

The magician’s the servants of the dark powers of hell and the false gods of Egypt could not stand before or against the power Moses the servant of God had.

Paul said in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 5, that the gospel isn’t just about words but power. He says, “For our gospel came not unto in word only but also in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance.”

Acts chapter 10 verse 38 says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, that he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with Him.”

Moses and Aaron were performing signs and wonders in Egypt. They were delivering those who were oppressed by the devil.

They would all come to know God, not only the Israelites and Egyptians but the whole world. God said, by the time he finished doing his work in Egypt, his name would be declared in all the earth. His fame would spread abroad, everyone would know about the God of the Hebrews. How he loved them and set them free from the hands of their oppressors.

They too could follow him, but whether they choose to regard his name and follow him was up to them. They would all have to make a choice. As noted in the following text:

Exodus 9:20 He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

Exodus 9:21 And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

Jesus said, "If we serve him, we will follow him and where He is we will also be."

Here’s the text:

John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Yet, if we follow Satan, where he is we will also be. We must all choose who we will follow.