Today’s Reading (January 21st): Exodus 10–12
Exodus 10:
• The Eighth Plague – Locusts:
• Yah sends locusts that consume all remaining crops in Egypt.
• Pharaoh pretends to repent but hardens his heart again after relief comes.
• The Ninth Plague – Darkness:
• Thick darkness covers Egypt for three days, but the Israelites have light in their dwellings.
• Pharaoh offers to release Israel but refuses to let them take their livestock.
• Moses warns Pharaoh that Yah will bring one final plague.
Exodus 11:
• The Final Warning:
• Yah tells Moses that the death of the firstborn will come upon Egypt.
• Israel is instructed to ask for gold and silver from the Egyptians as they prepare to leave.
• Pharaoh still refuses to let Israel go.
Exodus 12:
• The First Passover:
• Yah gives instructions for the Passover meal—each household must sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so that Yah will “pass over” their homes.
• The plague strikes at midnight, and all the Egyptian firstborn, from Pharaoh’s son to animals, die.
• Pharaoh finally releases Israel, and they leave in haste, carrying unleavened bread.
• The Exodus begins, and Yah institutes the Passover as a lasting ordinance for Israel.
Reflections:
1. Yah’s Power Over the Nations (Exodus 10-11):
• The increasing severity of the plagues demonstrates Yah’s sovereignty over Egypt and Pharaoh.
• Reflection: How do you see Yah’s hand at work in today’s world, showing His authority over the nations?
2. Obedience Brings Protection (Exodus 12):
• The Israelites were saved by following Yah’s instructions and applying the blood of the lamb.
• Reflection: How does this foreshadow Yeshua as our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)?
3. Leaving Egypt in Faith:
• The Israelites left quickly and by faith, trusting Yah’s provision and leading.
• Reflection: What areas of your life require you to step out in faith, trusting Yah’s deliverance?
Translation Differences & Hebrew Study:
Exodus 10:21
• “Darkness that may be felt.”
• Hebrew: “Choshech vayamesh” (חֹשֶׁךְ וַיָּמֵשׁ)
• This darkness wasn’t just an absence of light but a tangible, overwhelming spiritual oppression.
Exodus 12:13
• “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
• Hebrew: “ufasachti aleichem” (וּפָסַחְתִּי עֲלֵכֶם)
• The root pasach (פָּסַח) means to spare or shield, showing Yah’s act of mercy and protection.
Hebrew Word Study:
• Exodus 12:15 – “Leaven” (חָמֵץ, chametz)
• Chametz refers to leavened bread, symbolizing sin and pride that must be removed during Passover.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does the Passover point to Yeshua’s sacrifice for us?
2. What can we learn from the Israelites’ obedience in applying the lamb’s blood?
3. How does Yah’s ability to protect His people during judgment encourage you today?
