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Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page In the last article we took a look at the latest "judgment plague" that the Most High God had struck Egypt with. This particular plague was officially the fifth one that had been enacted upon the Egyptian kingdom. But overall, when one considers the entire "judgment process" that was now taking place against Pharaoh and the Egyptians - one will be able to see that this was God's "sixth judgment blow" altogether.
I find it somewhat intriguing that for some reason, people seem to ignore the event that involved... the "battle of the serpents" that took place between Moses and Aaron and the Egyptian magicians at the very beginning of the judgment process: "But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods." - Exodus 7:11,12 Be that as it may, in the last article I'd also pointed out that this particular plague that the Lord was enacting dealt with a "severe pestilence" that the Lord had unleashed specifically upon the Egyptian livestock: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, "Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: 'Let My people go, that they may serve Me. For if you refuse to let them go, and still hold them, behold, the hand of the Lord will be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep a very severe pestilence.'" - Exodus 9:1-3 Also know that when it comes to this particular record, the "pestilence" that's mentioned at this point, is often taught to be the highly infectious cow disease that is known as "murrain." However, God would continue to put a strong emphasis, when it came to separating the Israelites from the current "judgment process" that was now taking place against Pharaoh and the Egyptian kingdom. The Lord would do this by pointing out that the livestock that the Israelites had owned would not be affected by the "severe pestilence" that was about to sweep the land: "And the Lord will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel." - Exodus 9:4 I'd pointed out that this separation dealt with God showing both the Egyptians and the Israelites just how personal this matter had become to Him. The Lord would also continue to show that He was in full control when it came to everything that was happening: "Then the Lord appointed a set time, saying, 'Tomorrow the Lord will do this thing in the land.'" - Exodus 9:5 During the last "judgment plague" Pharaoh thought he had somewhat out-smarted God and Moses by trying to gainsome relief from that previous judgment plague that dealtwith the "swarm of flies" by making it seem like he had agreed to Moses' demands. And to make matters worse, the Egyptianruler would completely ignore Moses' stern warning, when it came to him reneging on his word: "Then Moses said, 'Indeed I am going out from you, and I will entreat the Lord, that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. But let Pharaoh not deal deceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord." - Exodus 8:29 But instead of Pharaoh getting the relief that he'd sought, he would now find himself facing a more intense plague, a plague that threatens to cripple (if not, wipe out) the Egyptians entire cattle industry. And like always, what the Lord had told Moses to say to Pharaoh, would indeed, come to pass just like the Lord had foretold: "So the Lord did this thing on the next day, and all the livestock of Egypt died; but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died." - Exodus 9:6 And after Pharaoh had heard about the devastating report, he sent royal officials out for some sort of confirmation: "Then Pharaoh sent, and indeed, not even one of the livestock of the Israelites was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh became hard, and he did not let the people go." - Exodus 9:7 Now notice how the Scripture points out that Pharaoh heart had became hard, and how he did not let the people go. I mean after all, here we have another one of Pharaoh's deities being bested by the Most High God. It didn't matter if it was Bata (or Hathor) or perhaps it was one of their famous bull deities that they had chosen to serve within their bull cults (Apis - Buchis or Mnevis). None of these false deities could stop the God of Israel from destroying the livestock that they had been deified from. Nonetheless, this was a tremendous unfortunate embarrassment for the Egyptian ruler. Notice how the Pharaoh didn't even summon Moses and Aaron - in order for them to be brought before him. Normally Pharaoh would have asked Moses to pray for him, but this time around he didn't put forth a request of such. No not this time, for it doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to see that the Almighty God had raised the stakes. And if Pharaoh doesn't yet realize it, rest assured, he soon will. Know that the Egyptian ruler will learn a very hard lesson. He will also learn that God plays for keeps and you decide to stand against Him and His followers be prepared to pay a heavy price both naturally and eternally. So what does the Lord have planned next for Pharaoh? Will God unleash His seventh judgment blow against the Egyptian kingdom? Will Pharaoh ask Moses to pray for him again, or will he once again harden his heart?
Moses & the Swarm of Flies Plague **YOUR CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES WOULD BE HERE**
173) How Far Are You Willing to Go 175) Although Exempted - They Still Endured 176) Moses You Can Go & Serve Your God - Only If... 177) God vs The Egyptian Bull Cults 178) <-CURRENT BIBLE STUDY ONLINE PAGE-> 179) The Plague of Boils 181) God tells Pharaoh - You Owe Me Everything! 183) God vs Nut the Sky goddess 184) Moses Tell Your God - I've Sinned 185) The Lord Giveth and Taketh 186) God Tells Moses - Keep A Record 
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