THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAGUES
TEXT: EXODUS 7:5
Dr. David L. Sampson
The Ten Strikes Symbolizes Two Important Characteristics of God:
1. The STRIKES are a symbol of God’s _SALVATION_of Israel
2. The STRIKES are a sign of God’s
God’s objective in striking Egypt is a direct answer to Pharaoh’s question
Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
But even beyond God’s Retribution—we must note God’s
- Exodus 3:20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.
- Exodus 7:5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
- Exodus 7:17 Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
- Exodus 9:14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.
- Paul says in Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
The Ten Strikes/Plagues of God:
1. God is
Over All Things.
The Sovereignty of God simply affirms that God is the Supreme Ruler over all creation and the affairs of mankind.
• 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
• Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
• Psalm 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
2. God is
and
.
Crime Reported in Georgia 2020
• Rate Per 100,000
• Murder 618
• Rape 2,609
• Robbery 4,108
• Aggravated Assault 20,581
• Larceny - Theft 102,469
• Motor Vehicle Theft 15,855
• Arson 640
• Human Trafficking (Commercial Sex Acts) 187
• Human Trafficking (Involuntary Servitude) 33
In the US:**
• 26,000 gun-related deaths
• 36,000 vehicle accident deaths
• Over 100,000 drug overdose deaths
• Per Capita, Atlanta’s murder rate is higher than Chicago’s.
God is fully aware of what is happening in the world and will judge the sinful wickedness of men:
• Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
• Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
3. God is
and
.
Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, His righteousness is credited to us, and we are forgiven.
• Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
• Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.