(Exodus 10:3-20 .) Locusts were showing their idol god Serapes to be powerless, as this god was supposed to keep the land free from locusts. The very vitals of their pagan religion were exposed by the Lord to be false and totally useless to aid them.

(Exodus 11:1-9 .) Death of the firstborn was the Lord's great and final blow to their system (Exodus Chapter 12 ).

Pharaoh persisted in stubbornness and evil. He had grown hardened and morally incorrigible. Being a man accustomed to the abuse of power, he steeled himself against all sense of justice and mercy. As in (Romans 1:24, 26 ), God is said to have given up immoral men to the path they were determined to follow. In the same way God allowed Pharaoh to follow the course he adamantly purposed to follow. God did not force him to act in an evil way, nor did He, by divine decree make it impossible for Pharaoh to repent if he so chose.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you believe that the reason Pharaoh hardened his own heart was so that he could continue to exercise power over the Israelites?
   • What are the reasons God told Moses as to why He hardened Pharaoh's heart?
   • Is it necessary for each generation of the Lord's people to know the Lord in His dealings and might, for themselves?
   • What has the Lord done that makes Him known to you?

2. Do you believe that in the renewed confrontation with Pharaoh, that Moses and Aaron received fresh strength and support from the Lord?
   • How important was it to each of them to have the company of the other?
   • In what circumstances would you expect the Lord's way of sending (Mark 6:7 ) to be essential?

3. In the events preceding the plague of locusts have you noticed a number of things that happen for the first time in the confrontation with Pharaoh?

4. What compromising restriction did Pharaoh try to insist on?
   • How did Moses answer?
   • Do you want everyone and all that is yours, out from under Satan's power?

5. Would you say the plague of darkness sent without warning teaches that God is not bound in any way to warn of impending judgment?
   • Will rebellious, sinning mankind be surprised by God's ultimate judgment?

6. How terrible was the darkness that could be felt by Pharaoh and his people?
   • What makes you reject the suggestion that it was an eclipse of the sun?
   • Who had light in their dwelling places?
   • How did the plague greatly discredit Pharaoh's idolatrous claim?
   • Who lights up your life as a believer according to John 9:12?
   • What is it that Jesus expects you to do according to Matthew 5:14, 16?
   • Where are you to shine according to Philippians 2:15?

7. What was the last compromise Pharaoh tried to make with Moses?
   • Do you believe that living the Christian life demands making everything we possess available to God?
   • Is it when you come to the Lord in worship that He makes known to you what you must serve Him with?
   • Does the Lord hold priority over all you are and possess?

8. How safe was Moses when threatened by a Pharaoh hardened and furious?
   • As a believer what safety are you assured of according to 1 John 5:18?

9. By what means did God fulfill His word to Moses, given at the time of his call, Exodus 3:21-22?
   • What did God promise you at your calling that you know He will fulfill?
   • In what way has the Lord given you favour with the people of the world?
   • Would you agree that a true servant of God has a reputation only because of the greatness and power of God?

10. What was Moses' reaction when Pharaoh threatened to kill him if they met again?
    • Would there be any hindrance to the departure of Israel?
    • Do you see in all this how futile it is to oppose God's plan and purpose?