INTRODUCTION:  When we are in need, we prefer to think of a deliverance that works like the cavalry coming at the last minute while giving complete and immediate relief.  God does not always work this way.  Even deliverance may involve struggles and battles.

1. MOSES AND AARON APPROACH PHARAOH (Exodus 5:1-9 [1] And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. [2] And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. [3] And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. [4] And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. [5] And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. [6] And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, [7] Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. [8] And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. [9] Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
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1. Their Initial Demand (Exodus 5:1And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.
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1. Thus saith the Lord
2. Let my people go
3. That they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness
2. Pharaoh’s Refusal (Exodus 5:2And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
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1. I know not the Lord.
2. I will not let Israel go.
3. Their Detailed Demand (Exodus 5:3And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.
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1. Let us go.
2. Three days’ journey
3. To sacrifice to the Lord
4. Lest He fall upon us with pestilence or the sword
4. Pharaoh’s Concern (Exodus 5:4-5 [4] And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. [5] And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.
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1. The distraction of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:4And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.
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2. The people are resting from their burdens (Exodus 5:5And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.
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5. Pharaoh’s Order (Exodus 5:6-9 [6] And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, [7] Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. [8] And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. [9] Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
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1. Cut their resources (Exodus 5:6-7 [6] And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, [7] Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
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1. Give them no straw (Exodus 5:7Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
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2. Make them gather their own straw (Exodus 5:7Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
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2. Increase their labour (Exodus 5:8-9 [8] And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. [9] Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
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1. Keep the amounts of brick required at the same level even with them gathering their own straw (Exodus 5:8And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
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2. The people are idle or else they wouldn’t have time to cry out to God (Exodus 5:8And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
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3. Give the people more labour so they do not have time to regard vain words (probably a reference to the hope offered by Moses and Aaron) (Exodus 5:9Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
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2. PHARAOH’S TASKMASTERS INCREASE THE BURDENS (Exodus 5:10-19 [10] And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. [11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. [12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. [13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. [14] And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? [15] Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? [16] There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. [17] But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. [18] Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. [19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.
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1. The People Scattered to Find Stubble (Exodus 5:10-12 [10] And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. [11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. [12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
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1. The taskmasters and officers inform the people of Pharaoh’s new demands (Exodus 5:10-11 [10] And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. [11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
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2. The people scattered throughout Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw (Exodus 5:12So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
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2. The Officers Pushed to Produce (Exodus 5:13-14 [13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. [14] And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
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1. Note:  The officers of Israel were Israelis appointed by Pharaoh.
2. The officers were pushed to keep their daily tasks (Exodus 5:13And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.
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3. The officers were beaten for failing (Exodus 5:14And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
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3. The Officers Complain of Their Circumstances (Exodus 5:15-16 [15] Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? [16] There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.
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1. The officers plead their case before Pharaoh (Exodus 5:15Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants?
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2. The officers blame the Egyptians for their inability to meet the quota of brick (Exodus 5:16There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.
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4. Pharaoh Responds to the Complaint (Exodus 5:17-19 [17] But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. [18] Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. [19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.
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1. He accuses them of being idle (Exodus 5:17But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.
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2. He reiterates his demand for production (Exodus 5:18-19 [18] Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. [19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task.
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3. THE OFFICERS COMPLAIN TO MOSES AND AARON (Exodus 5:20-23 [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. [22] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.
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1. They Accuse Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:20-21 [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
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1. The officers meet Moses and Aaron as they leave Pharaoh (Exodus 5:20And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
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2. The officers rebuke Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:21And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
   See All...).  Note:  This is also a common practice in the wilderness wanderings.
2. Moses Cries unto the Lord (Exodus 5:22-23 [22] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.
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1. The questions of Moses (Exodus 5:22And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
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1. Wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people?
2. Why is it that thou hast sent me?
2. The concern of Moses (Exodus 5:23For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.
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1. Since I came Pharaoh has done evil to this people.
2. You have not delivered your people at all.
4. THE LORD ASSURES MOSES OF VICTORY (Exodus 6:1-8 [1] Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. [2] And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: [3] And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. [4] And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. [5] And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. [6] Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: [7] And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. [8] And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
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1. He Promises Deliverance (Exodus 6:1Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
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1. Now Moses will see what God will do to Pharaoh.
2. With a strong hand Pharaoh will let them go and drive them out.
2. He Declares His Name (Exodus 6:2-3 [2] And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: [3] And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
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1. The Lord declares Himself as Jehovah (LORD) (Exodus 6:2And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:
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2. The Lord appeared unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty (Exodus 6:3And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
   See All...; Genesis 17:1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
   See All...; Genesis 35:11And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
   See All...; Genesis 48:3And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
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3. Although they used the name Jehovah, they did not know God intimately as Jehovah—the Self-Sufficient One (Exodus 3:13-15 [13] And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? [14] And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [15] And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.
   See All...; John 5:26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
   See All...). As Jehovah, He does not depend on time (Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
   See All...), place (1 Kings 20:23And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.
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3. He Keeps His Covenant (Exodus 6:4-5 [4] And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. [5] And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
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1. He made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 6:4And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.
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2. He heard the cry of Israel and remembered His covenant (Exodus 6:5And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.
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4. He Will Make Them a People (Exodus 6:6-7 [6] Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: [7] And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
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1. His deliverance (Exodus 6:6Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
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1. He will bring them out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
2. He will rid them out of the bondage of Egypt.
3. He will redeem them with a stretched out arm and great judgment.
2. His sanctification (Exodus 6:7And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
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1. He will take them to Himself for a people.
2. He will be to them a God.
5. He Will Give Them the Land (Exodus 6:8And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.
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5. THE LORD SENDS MOSES BACK TO PHARAOH (Exodus 7:1-7 [1] And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. [2] Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. [3] And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. [4] But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. [5] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. [6] And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. [7] And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
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1. God Reveals His Plan to Moses (Exodus 7:1-5 [1] And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. [2] Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. [3] And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. [4] But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. [5] And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
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1. Moses as a god to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1-2 [1] And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. [2] Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
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1. This does not insinuate that Moses is a god, but that he will seem as one to Pharaoh (Exodus 7:1And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.
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2. Moses and Aaron are to speak the words of God to Pharaoh so that he will let the people of God go (Exodus 7:2Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.
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2. Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened (Exodus 7:3-4 [3] And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. [4] But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
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1. The Lord will harden Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 7:3And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
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2. The Lord will multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt (Exodus 7:3And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
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3. Pharaoh will not hearken unto Moses and Aaron (Exodus 7:4But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
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3. God’s power to be known (Exodus 7:5And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
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2. Moses and Aaron Obey the Lord (Exodus 7:6-7 [6] And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. [7] And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
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6. MOSES SHOWS PHARAOH THE SIGN OF THE ROD (Exodus 7:8-13 [8] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, [9] When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. [10] And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. [11] Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. [13] And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
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1. Aaron’s Rod Becomes a Serpent (Exodus 7:8-10 [8] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, [9] When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. [10] And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
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2. The Magicians Turn Their Rods to Serpents (Exodus 7:11-12 [11] Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
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1. Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers of Egypt (Exodus 7:11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
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2. The magicians were able to do the same thing as Aaron (Exodus 7:11-12 [11] Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
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3. Aaron’s Rod Swallows Their Rods (Exodus 7:12For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
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4. Pharaoh’s Heart Is Hardened (Exodus 7:13And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
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1. The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart.
2. Pharaoh hearkened not unto them.
7. THE RIVER OF EGYPT IS TURNED TO BLOOD (Exodus 7:14-25 [14] And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. [15] Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. [16] And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. [17] Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. [18] And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. [19] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. [20] And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. [21] And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. [22] And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. [23] And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. [24] And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. [25] And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
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1. Moses Commanded to Meet Pharaoh at the River (Exodus 7:14-18 [14] And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. [15] Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. [16] And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. [17] Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. [18] And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
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1. Moses is to meet Pharaoh at the river in the morning (Exodus 7:14-15 [14] And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. [15] Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.
   See All...).
2. Moses is to smite the waters of the river with the rod and they will be turned to blood (Exodus 7:15-17 [15] Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. [16] And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. [17] Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
   See All...).
3. The fish will die, the river will stink and the Egyptians will loathe to drink of the water (Exodus 7:18And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
   See All...).
2. The Waters of Egypt Turned to Blood (Exodus 7:19-21 [19] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. [20] And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. [21] And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
   See All...)
3. The Egyptians Respond to the Plague (Exodus 7:22-25 [22] And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. [23] And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also. [24] And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. [25] And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
   See All...).
1. The magicians duplicate the miracle (Exodus 7:22And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
   See All...a).
2. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened (Exodus 7:22And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
   See All...b-23).
3. The Egyptians dig for water (Exodus 7:24-25 [24] And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. [25] And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.
   See All...).

CONCLUSION:  Though Moses and Aaron are wholly following the Lord, the task is not easy. The Lord continues to harden the heart of Pharaoh so that ultimately He will be able to manifest His power and glory in the sight of all.

                         Sunday School Helps

MAIN PEOPLE

• The Lord
• Moses
• Aaron
• Pharaoh

SETTING

• In Exodus 7:7And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.
  See All... we are given an indicator as to the time with which we are dealing.

1. Moses was fourscore (80) years old.
2. Aaron was fourscore and three (83) years old.

• This matches the details found in Acts 7:23-25 [23] And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. [24] And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: [25] For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
  See All... and Acts 7:30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
  See All....

• It would appear that this lesson takes place in the land of Goshen and at least some of it is specifically located at the Nile River.

STORY

• Moses and Aaron come before Pharaoh to ask for the freedom of Israel, but their request is denied and the burden of the people is increased. Moses questions the Lord concerning the harshness of the circumstances, but receives confirmation of God’s deliverance. So Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh again, this time showing him a sign. When Aaron’s rod turns into a serpent, Pharaoh calls the magicians of Egypt who copy the miracle of Aaron. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he does not hearken to Moses and Aaron, so the Lord gives another sign when Moses turns the water of the Nile into blood. Once again, Pharaoh calls the magicians of Egypt and they are able to do likewise with their enchantments. In the end, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened so that he will not let the people go.

THEME

• Following the will of God for our lives does not mean that everything will go smoothly. In this lesson we are sure that Moses and Aaron are doing right, yet they are running into troubles on every side. The important thing is to know that you are doing the will of God and that you do it until the job is complete.

RESOURCES

• Discuss the burdens that were placed on the people of God and the great difficulty that came about when the burdens were increased.
• Bring a visual that will help the students remember the first two miracles performed by Moses and Aaron.

• Exodus 7:12For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
  See All... – For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
• Exodus 6:3And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
  See All... – And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
• Exodus 6:7And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
  See All... – And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

APPLICATION

• Moses was trying to follow the Lord’s will to the best of his ability, yet he continually ran into troubles. What should this teach us to expect when we attempt to follow the will of the Lord?
• The officers of Israel complained to Moses and Aaron about the additional burdens that were placed upon the people. Was it really the fault of Moses and Aaron? Why were Moses and Aaron in Egypt? What does this teach us about our frustrations and complaints in life?

• Exodus 5:1-23 [1] And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness. [2] And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. [3] And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. [4] And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. [5] And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. [6] And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, [7] Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. [8] And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. [9] Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. [10] And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. [11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished. [12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. [13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. [14] And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? [15] Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? [16] There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. [17] But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. [18] Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks. [19] And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. [22] And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? [23] For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.
  See All... is an excellent picture of Satan’s strategy against those who would leave the world.
• He removes the comforts to which they are accustomed (Exodus 5:7Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.
  See All...; Jonah 4:6-8 [6] And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. [7] But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. [8] And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
  See All...).
• He continues the demands on your time and effort (Exodus 5:8And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God.
  See All...; Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 [1] The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. [2] Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. [3] What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
  See All..., 8).
• He adds burdens to your already heavy load (Exodus 5:9Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  See All...; Matthew 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  See All...).
• He removes or neutralizes those who could help you most (Exodus 5:12So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.
  See All...; Job 19:13-19 [13] He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. [14] My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. [15] They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. [16] I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. [17] My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body. [18] Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. [19] All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.
  See All...; Psalm 73:25Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
  See All...).
• He brings direct attacks on you from some source (Exodus 5:14And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore?
  See All...; 1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
  See All...).
• He finds someone to falsely accuse you (Exodus 5:17But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD.
  See All...; Psalm 35:13-16 [13] But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. [14] I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. [15] But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: [16] With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth.
  See All...).
• He gets you caught in blame games (Exodus 5:20-21 [20] And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: [21] And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.
  See All...; Genesis 3:12-13 [12] And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. [13] And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
  See All...).

REVIEW

• Pharaoh told the taskmasters that they were no longer to give the people ____________ to make brick.
• The Lord appeared unto Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by the name of ___________, but by His name ___________ was He not known to them.
• Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and it became a _____________.
• Moses lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, and the waters were turned to ____________.