- Ex. 5:1-8:32
GOD sent Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh with the message to let the Hebrews go three days’ journey in the wilderness to sacrifice to Him. GOD knew that Pharaoh would refuse, and He began unleashing His plagues upon the Egyptians one after another until Pharaoh changed his mind.
Generations earlier, when Noah and his family left the ark following the flood, all eight people on the earth served GOD. But as their families grew larger and larger over time, most nations forgot about GOD and began worshiping idols. The Egyptians also became pagans, worshiping numerous false gods.
Moses understood the Egyptian culture among which the Hebrews also lived, that the Egyptians had numerous gods that they called by name. That’s why when GOD appeared to him at Mt. Sinai Moses asked:
“Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Ex. 3:13) And this is why Pharaoh said to Moses, “Who is the LORD [Jehovah], that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, nor will I let Israel go.”
(Ex. 5:2 NKJV)
Pharaoh’s attitude was, “I am the king. I am in control! I know and serve all of the gods, and I don’t know any God named Jehovah. I’m not going to listen to you or to your God.” This is an example of pride. Pharaoh was very proud. Prov. 16:18 says: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This is precisely what happened with Pharaoh.
Instead of being prideful, we should have an attitude of humility, which means that we consider others more important than ourselves. A humble person:
- Looks for opportunities to serve others rather than to be served.
- Is content not being the center of attention.
- Seeks opportunities to compliment others rather than recognition for their own contributions.
- Accepts praise quietly with thankfulness, giving GOD the glory for their successes.
- Chooses the seat at the foot of the table rather than the head.
- Shows proper respect towards others, particularly those older than them.
GOD values humility greatly.
For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."