Mercy and judgment (Exodus 11)

The last plague may raise for us a number of questions. First, we may feel a little cynical as we read God’s overwhelming response to Israel and think that it is all very well for God to have protected His people then, but what about now? We do not see a wholesale exemption of God’s people from difficulty or tragedy. What can such a story teach us? Secondly, the death of all the Egyptian firstborns seems so staggeringly harsh, especially when we consider that the majority of the people seemed favourably disposed towards the Israelites.

As we consider the first question, it is helpful to keep the larger context in mind. Israel as a nation is at its infancy here and God is demonstrating His utter love and commitment for them, His firstborn. A maternity nurse once told me that babies whose cry is responded to and their needs met promptly when they are little, are more likely to develop a secure sense of self and healthy independence later. It is from the utter confidence of being loved and cared for that we can move into a responsible attitude in adulthood. Thus, we see God’s care for the people in that when they leave, they will be sent out in style with treasures heaped on them. This is not an ignominious departure of humiliated slaves but the exodus of a people going in dignity. The reaction of the Egyptians is astonishing (Exod 11:2-3). They have suffered through plague after plague, yet, they are favourably disposed towards the Israelites and Moses. Only God could bring this about. Likewise, Israel’s protection from death is promised and Scripture, using hyperbole, is emphatic that nothing can harm them, not even the barking of dogs (Exod 11:7).

Once again, the story of the exodus is preserved for Israel’s and our benefit, so that we might not forget God’s character. As God’s people grow into maturity, He will not cushion them from every blow, but they can reach back to those early memories and trust the God who loves them with an everlasting love. As Christians we, too, reach back to our beginnings in the death and resurrection of the beloved Son, foreshadowed in the story of the exodus. Although we did not live through those days as the disciples did, Jesus calls us blessed when we nevertheless believe (John 20:29).

The harshness of judgment on Egypt is the flipside of the coin, just as Jesus’ saying that God so loved the world continues with a statement of judgment on those who have not believed (John 3:18). The last strike against Pharaoh is the result of his attitude that so far has only hardened by God’s grace. We may wonder why all in the land had to suffer for his unyielding stance, but as the king of Egypt, he is not simply a private individual opposing God, but represents his country. Thus, striking at the cream of his society (the firstborns were particularly prized not only in Israel but everywhere in the ancient Near East) from all walks of life in the social hierarchy (Exod 11:5) sent an unmistakable signal. The fact that Moses walks out of his last audience with Pharaoh in red-hot anger (Exod 11:8) also suggests that he holds Pharaoh responsible for the suffering that his decision will bring on his people. I suspect that our sense of discomfort over the collective suffering of the Egyptians is exacerbated by our ingrained individualism in the West. Yet, the current Covid-19 pandemic reminds us that no one is an island. Our irresponsible actions can lead to the infection, even death, of others and we may suffer the consequences of our country’s unwise leadership no matter what our individual views are on managing the crisis.

That only such harsh measures could bring Pharaoh to his knees is clear from the fact that he did not respond to lesser calamities earlier and we can trust that God did not exceed the pressure necessary to bring about the release of His people. As we look toward our ultimate redemption, we may go through testing times, but God calls us to remember His overwhelming love for us. Though we do not see Him, may we love and believe in Him who is for us.