Reference

Exodus 10:21-11:10

Different responses to God's plagues: - Hate. Whatever is said to the ambassador (Moses) is being said to the one they represent (God). Therefore, Pharaoh is telling Moses/God that he wishes death upon God. - Negotiation. Pharaoh is a negotiator (doesn't try to convince the Israelites to turn against God, instead he tries to get them to compromise and not submit completely to God's word.) Pharaoh is an anti-Christ figure; he is content with people being religious, as long as they don't take it too seriously. - There was a group of Egyptians who sympathized with Moses and the Israelites. They're friendly to God's people, but don't want to follow God. - Pharaoh's official's/servants - willing to humble themselves before Moses/God and have the Israelites leave. They're insightful, but they want to be left in peace (don't want trouble, just enjoy life without conviction from God). If God is not there to give them what they want, then they don't want Him around. - Moses was obedient to God's word, he stood against Pharaoh and even pleaded for his enemy. Moses' actions are a testimony of how a life can change under God's direction (he had argued against God and angered him before). Pharaoh ends negotiations and gives a threat against Moses, however God counsels Moses about what's to come. Pharaoh was wrong about everything. Pharaoh had tried to kill all of Israel's baby boys, and the 10th plague was to be against the firstborn of Egypt. There was to be wailing from the Egyptians, and it had been the same when the Israelites cried out to God. Pharaoh threatened death if Moses were to see his face, and God was the one to go and take the firstborn. Moses was angry with Pharaoh's response because so many would die because of his decision.