(Exodus 9:3 ). Highly infectious and fatal. Cows were worshipped as sustaining of life because they suckled their young.

(Exodus 9:22-35 .) Hail and darkness opposed Isis and Osiris, names for the sun and moon worship.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Have you noticed how the Lord gives guidance to Moses, and always takes the initiative?
   • Do you, as a true servant, wait for God and become His instrument?

2. Do you see any change in God's demands on Pharaoh?
   • Do you witness any modification in what God requires?
   • Can there be wavering or variableness in the Lord?
   • Do you live in the stability of that knowledge?

3. Do you notice that Moses was sent to Pharaoh?
   • Was there any waiting for Pharaoh to come to him?
   • Is there a lesson here on how you are to be God's messenger?

4. Can you grasp the terrible consequences of the animal pestilence?
   • Did Pharaoh believe the word of the Lord that His peoples' cattle would not die?
   • What happened to the animals depended on to whom they belonged. Do you see that your safety, and that of those who are yours, is dependent on to whom you and they belong?

5. Was it because of Pharaoh's rebellion of heart and will and stronger resistance that no warning was given of the plague of boils?

6. What do you accept to be the meaning of the taking of ashes from a furnace and scattering them towards the heavens in the presence of Pharaoh?
   • Does it help your understanding to know that the word "furnace" is used in Genesis 19:28 to describe terrible judgment?
   • Is this demonstration of affliction on Pharaoh and his people a warning of more fearful judgment to come?
   • Are there afflictions experienced by this sinful generation which indicate that greater judgment of God is coming?

7. Have you noticed the progressive failure of the magicians?
   • Would you agree that their failure to stand before Moses in regard to the plague of boils, shows their complete defeat?
   • Do you also agree that those who are involved in counterfeit signs today cannot stand before the power of "the Lord working" with us (Mark 16:20 ). Will the false, corrupt teachers today who resist the truth, be exposed in their folly?
   • Have you noted what Paul said about them in 2 Timothy 3:8-9?

8. Do you think it incredible that though suffering with boils, Pharaoh did not repent?
   • Do you realise that God knows the evil of a man's heart?
   • You may be deceived, but do you believe every person's heart is open to God?

9. In whose name did Moses speak to Pharaoh?
   • What is the meaning "YAHWEH" and its significance to Israel?
   • Do you think the name "God of the Hebrews" was used to accommodate Pharaoh's understanding?
   • Do you believe the name of the Lord cannot be emphasised too much in confrontation with demonised opposers?

10. Can you name instances of the exercise of mercy by the Lord in connection with the plague of hail?
    • What exception did God make for the protection of Israel?
    • Do you believe there was any genuineness in Pharaoh's admission of sin?
    • Was his reference to the Lord being righteous, hypocritical?
    • What did Moses know about Pharaoh?
    • In your work for the Lord, do you need to know the hearts of those you minister to?