1. Read through Exodus chapter 9 five times this week.
2. In 9:4-5, YHWH declares that the plague pestilence will distinguish between Israel and Egypt, Those who belong to God and those who rebel against God, between the oppressed and the oppressor (see also 8:22-23; 9:24-26; 10:23; 11:7; this distinction culminates in the Passover and in the Red Sea stories). This was Gods way of demonstrating His rulership even on someone elses turf. Do you still see God establishing His lordship even over places, peoples, countries, etcthat are indifferent or even hostile towards His sovereignty? If yes, how so? How does this alter the way you view life, work, suffering, tragedy, etc?
3. Just taking note- remember 5:2, Who is this YHWH? (Pharaohs question). Again, YHWHs answer in 9:14, 29.
4. In 9:7, the text literally reads, And the heart of Pharaoh was heavy or laden-down (with sin) and he did not let the people go. The Hebrew is that word kabod which, in connection with the heart, is connected with being declared guilty (according to Egyptian mythology when your heart is weighed against the feather of righteousness). Then in 9:12, the Hebrew literally reads, And YHWH solidified Pharaohs heart and he did not listen to them. The Hebrew word here is chazaq which sometimes refers to the cement hardening. So, first Pharaohs heart is guilty and then is cemented. The same sequence happens in 9:34-35. Do you think there is anything to this sequence? Meditate on this one!
5. Read vv. 9:31-32. What is the point of this side-note? What is being said to Pharaoh? To us?