1. 'So that my name might be proclaimed' (13-21)

Again Moses is sent to confront Pharaoh; this time with a more severe warning. God could have wiped them out in one go and delivered his people. The escalation of severity of the plagues on Egypt was intentional: through these plagues God's power and name will be proclaimed in all the earth. Recognizing this, some began to fear the word of the LORD and obeyed it, but those who ignored God's word did not obey.

2. 'This time I have sinned' (22-35)

The hail was accompanied by lightning and thunder; a terrifying display of God's power over the earth that brought great destruction in all Egypt – except Goshen, where the Israelites were. Pharaoh could not but admit: 'I have sinned...I and my people are in the wrong.' Though he asked for prayer, he still did not fear the LORD. It seems the possibility of wheat and spelt crops gave him confidence. He sinned again and would not let the people go. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom (Pr 1:7). Either way, God's glory is revealed.


Application: Father, all the earth is yours. Help me to fear you by obeying your words today.
One Word: Fear the LORD