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Scripture Reading        : Ex 18

Theme                            : Godly Leadership

Balance.

Moses experienced some exciting things after leaving Egypt, but now he returns to the everyday duties of life. God balances our lives and gives us enough burdens to keep us humble and enough blessings to keep us happy. Moses returned to his family, told them all that God had done, and then worshiped the Lord with them.

Counsel.

Sometimes an outsider can see things more clearly than those who are doing the work, and we must always be open to counsel (Prov. 12:15; 13:10). Moses was trying to do all the work himself and he was not making a distinction between major matters and minor problems. He needed assistants and he needed priorities. Note that Jethro expected Moses to seek God’s will in the matter (v. 23). What seems like good counsel from men might be bad counsel in God’s sight, so we must always ask for God’s directions (Acts 27:9–14).

Leadership.

Praying the Scripture

1. After seeing his family, in Exodus 18:8, Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way and how the LORD had delivered them. (Ex 18:8) Do you tell your family members what the Lord did for us? Pray that we will be like Moses who are not ashamed of the Lord but testified for Him and gave glory to His name.
2. Jethro’s response was, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” And Moses’ father-in-law brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. (Ex 18:11-12) Let’s pray that our family members will respond like Jethro who acknowledged God and worshiped Him. Then the rest of us can celebrate together with them.
3. What are the qualities of leadership we should be looking for? Exodus 18:21 gives us the list. Firstly we should look for able men. Secondly we should look for men who fear God. Thirdly, we should look for men who are trustworthy and lastly men that hate bribes (Ex 18:21) Let’s pray that God raises more men with these qualities to serve Him.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 18:1.

经文：出18 章

主题：属灵的领导

平衡

摩西离开埃及后经历了一些极其兴奋的事，但他现在返回到了日常职务。神平衡了我们的生活，给予我们足够担负使我们谦卑，也给予我们足够祝福使我们快乐。摩西回到家人身边，并告诉他们神所行的一切，并与他们一同敬拜耶和华。

忠告

局外者清；有时第三者所看到的东西比自己还要清晰，所以我们必须敞开听取别人的忠告（箴12:15；13:10）。摩西试着要完成所有大小事务，不分主次。他需要助手，也需要主次分明。请注意，叶忒罗认为摩西在这件事上是必须征求神的旨意（23节）。一个从人看似良善的忠告，在神看来可能是不好的，所以我们必须凡事向神寻求指示（徒27:9-14）。

领导

21节描述神所要的带领者，这包括有能力的、敬畏神的、有诚信的、并厌恶贪婪的人。（带领者其它素质，请参考 徒6:3）摩西是一个伟大的人，但他却无法单独完成所有的工作。神可能没有呼召你成为一名带领者，但祂可能要你帮助一名带领者更好的完成事工。

Scripture Reading        : Ex 17

Theme                            : Sanctification

Another test(1–7).

You never solve your problems by blaming other people. Israel’s real problem was unbelief and a desire to go back to the old life. Every difficulty you meet is an opportunity for testing yourself and trusting your Lord, for going forward or going backward. The rock pictures Jesus Christ who was smitten for us (1 Cor. 10:4) that we might have the living water of the Holy Spirit within (John 7:37–39).

Another enemy(8–13).

The Egyptian army had been drowned, but the Amalekites were very much alive and did not want Israel in their territory. It was Esau fighting Jacob again (Gen. 36:12). It takes intercession on the mountain as well as intervention in the valley for God’s people to win the victory. Israel watched God defeat Egypt, but now they had to enter the battle themselves and trust God for victory. Our High Priest intercedes in heaven for us (Heb. 4:14–16). This is the first mention of Joshua in Scripture. Little did he know that one day he would take Moses’ place as leader of God’s people.

Another assurance(14–16).

Praying the Scripture

1. Israel had a long way to go before they would qualify as a godly nation. So far, every new trial they experienced only brought the worst out of them. Sometimes we think we know our hearts, that is until we come face to face with temptation. It is like tea bags without label. The flavor of the tea can only be known by soaking it in boiling water. Every difficulty can make us better or worse, and it’s our own attitude that determines which it will be. Let’s pray that we will learn the lesson and overcome the difficulty with flying colors.
2. The Amalekites were the descendants of Esau (Gen. 36:12, 16) who was “a profane person” (Heb. 12:16). The word translated “profane” (godless) comes from a Greek word which refers to somebody who is “accessible” and “open-minded.” The English word “profane” comes from the Latin and it means “outside the temple.” Esau lived for the world and despised spiritual things (v. 17). Esau opposed his brother Jacob and threatened to kill him (Gen. 27:41), and Esau’s descendants opposed the children of Jacob (Israel) and threatened to annihilate them. Let’s pray that we are not so naive to think we can befriend the world. Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (Jam 4:4)
3. Whenever Moses held up his hand in prayer, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. (Ex 17:11) Are you an overcomer? Do you pray?

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 17:1.

经文：出17 章

主题：成圣

另一个考验（1-7）

责怪别人是永远无法解决你的问题。以色列真正的问题是不信，并渴望回到以前的生活。你所遇到的每一个考验，都试验你是否信神；你是否在灵性成长或倒退呢？那磐石代表了为我们受鞭伤的耶稣基督（林前书10:4），叫我们内心能有圣灵的活水（约7:37-39）。

另一位敌人（8-13）

埃及军队已被淹没，但亚玛力人仍然积极在世，不希望以色列人进入他们的领土。我们再一次看到了以扫与雅各的抗争（创36:12）。神的子民若想得胜，不但需要山顶上的代求，也需山谷中的争战。以色列目睹神是如何击败埃及，但现在他们必须自己加入战局，并相信神会带给他们胜利。我们的大祭司在天上为我们代求（希 4:14-16）。圣经这时第一次提及约书亚。此时的约书亚还不晓得，他将来会代替摩西成为神子民的领袖。

另一份保证

用经文祷告

Scripture Reading        : Ex 16

Theme                           : Heavenly Food

Before long, the redeemed Jews were acting like unsaved Gentiles, for they asked, “What shall we eat? What shall we drink?” (Matt. 6:25–34). God did not rescue them from bondage in order to kill them with hunger! (See Rom. 8:31–32.) Their real problem was that they still had the old appetite and needed to learn to enjoy the new food God had for them.

The manna is a picture of Jesus Christ (John 6:30ff.). The manna came only to Israel and all it could do was sustain physical life. But the Savior came for the whole world and He gives spiritual life. If the Jews did not appropriate the manna, they died. Sinners must believe on Jesus Christ to receive life.

Praying the Scripture

1. Moses said, “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” (Ex 16:8) Grumbling is sin because you do not want to accept what the Lord’s sovereign plan for your life. Israelites’ grumbling is not against Moses but the Lord. Are you grumbling about your own situations in life?
2. The Jews were instructed to gather their manna daily, but only as much as each person in the family could eat (v. 16). The instruction is that they cannot keep it overnight (v. 19). But on the Sabbath day, they can keep double portions and it will not breed worms or become stink. (Ex 16:20) Yet the Israelites disobeyed. Some took more than they should and others purposely went out on the Sabbath day to look for manna. Are we not like them? When we are given instructions, we do the exact opposite? This is rebellious behavior.  Let’s pray that the Lord forgive us and let us pursue obedience immediately and willingly.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 16:1.

经文：出16 章

主题：天粮

没过多久，这些已被赎回的犹太人行事就像未得救的外邦人一样，他们问: “我们吃什么？我们喝什么？”（太 6:25-34）。神没有打算大费周章的救他们脱离奴役，然后以饥荒饿死他们！ （参罗8:31-32）。他们真正的问题是他们仍然存着旧的饮食习惯，他们需要学会享受神为他们准备的新食物。

吗哪代表了耶稣基督（约 6:30 ff）。吗哪本来是只为以色列而赐下，也只是来维持一个人的生命。但救主到世界来是给予每一个人的属灵的生命。如果犹太人不接受吗哪，他们就会因此丧命。罪人也必须接受耶稣基督，才可获得生命。

以吗哪为食也代表我们每日通过神的话语来维持属灵的生命。正如你吃下的食物将成为你身体的一部分，神的话也在当你读它、默想它并顺服它时，加强你内心，成为自己的一部分。正如犹太人不能靠昨日的吗哪维持生命，你也不能依赖昨日的读经来维持属灵生命。与主开始你的每一天，祂将赐给你所要面对的重担和挑战所需的一切。

Scripture Reading        : Ex 15

Theme                            : The Song of Moses

The Lord who triumphs (1–21).

When they walked by sight, Israel complained (14:10–12); but when they believed God and saw His mighty hand at work, they praised Him. Redemption should lead to rejoicing (Luke 15:1–24).

This first recorded song in Scripture is a pattern for true worship, for it emphasizes the Lord, who He is, and what He has done for His people. He saves His people (1–10), guides them to their inheritance (11–13), glorifies His name (14–17), and reigns forever (18). Today, let God be your strength, your song and your salvation (v. 2; see also Ps. 118:14;Isa. 12:2).

The Lord who heals(22–26).

The people went from rejoicing to complaining! It is easy to sing when the circumstances are comfortable, but it takes faith to sing when you are suffering. God tests us in the everyday experiences of life to see whether we will obey Him. He is able to change our circumstances, but He would rather change us (Phil. 4:10–13).

The Lord who refreshes(27).

Praying the Scripture

1. With their enemies drowned and their freedom secured, the people of Israel burst into song and praised the Lord. We must not only praise God with words but we must praise him with songs. Jesus also sang after they celebrated the first Lord’s Supper. Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! (Zep 3:14) Let’s pray that we all learn to praise God with songs in our worship service.
2. The statement “The Lord is a man of war” (v. 3) may upset people who feel that anything relating to warfare is alien to the Gospel and the Christian life. Some denominations have taken the “militant” hymns out of their hymnals, including “Onward Christian Soldiers.” But Moses promised the people, “The Lord shall fight for you” (14:14; Deut. 1:30); and one of God’s names is “Jehovah-Sabaoth,” which means “Lord of hosts, Lord of armies,” a title that’s used 285 times in the Old Testament. Yes, our Lord is “Jehovah-Sabaoth” and we shall not fear.
3. In the ten plagues the Lord had already proved Himself greater than the gods of Egypt. No wonder His people sang, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?” (v. 11; Micah 7:18) The answer, of course, is nobody, for no other being in the universe is “majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders” (Ex. 15:11). Do you know the Lord our God is the greatest? Let’s bow and worship Him.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 15:1.

经文：出15 章

主题：摩西之歌

胜利的主（1-21）

当他们凭眼见行事，以色列就满心抱怨（14:10-12）；但是当他们相信神，并看见祂大能的手在动工时，他们就赞美主。救赎随之而来的就是欣喜（路15:1-24）。

这是圣经中记载的第一首诗歌，它也是敬拜应有的模式，因它死主题是神；祂是谁、祂为祂子民所做了什么。祂拯救祂的子民（1-10）、带领他们进到基业（11-13）、颂扬祂的名字（14-17）并永远掌权（18）。今天，就让神成为你的力量、你的诗歌、你的救恩（2节;也见诗118:14；赛12:2）。

医治的主

欣喜之后，以色列人又开始抱怨了！在顺境时歌颂是容易的，但要在逆境痛苦中歌颂是需要信心的。神通过我们日常生活来考验我们，要我们学习顺服。祂完全可以改变我们的处境，但是祂的目的是改变我们（腓4:10-13）。

清新的主

生命并不是只充满了战斗和苦难。神时不时还是会把我们带到清新的绿洲，我们应该赞美祂。但是，如果我们选择留在以琳，那我们就永远无法继承基业。我们是天路客，而不是地上的居民。

Scripture Reading        : Ex 14

Theme                           : Crossing the Red Sea

God sees before (1–19).

God comes between (19–20).

The pillar that brought light to Israel brought darkness to the enemy. The people of the world are walking in darkness, but God’s people have “the light of life” (John 8:12). The enemy cannot touch you without first encountering God.

God goes ahead (21–25).

He opens the way and does the impossible. The next time you are in a seemingly impossible situation, remember what God did for Israel at the Red Sea. The people of Israel never forgot this victory (Psa. 66:6; 106:9; 136:13–14). Recalling God’s past help can encourage you as you face future challenges in your faith.

God comes behind (26–31).

Praying the Scripture

1. “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (v. 13). By faith the Jews had marched out of Egypt, and now by faith they would stand still and watch God destroy the Egyptian charioteers. Moses not only told them to stand still, but also to “be still” (v. 14). How easy it would have been to weep, complain, and keep criticizing Moses, but none of those things would have helped them out of their predicament. Unbelief complains, but faith obeys and brings glory to the Lord. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). What is there to complain about when we have the wonderful promise, “The Lord shall fight for you”? (Ex. 14:14) Later in their journey, the Lord would help Joshua and the Jewish army fight their battles (17:8); but this time, God would defeat the Egyptians without Israel’s assistance. Let’s pray that we will be still and know that He is God.
2. The next order came from God to Moses, “Go forward!” (14:15). We are not to be idle and wait but be obedient to God. The fact that Israel was facing the sea was not a problem to God and He told Moses exactly what to do. When Moses lifted up his rod, the waters would part, and Israel would be able to walk across on dry land and escape the Egyptian army. At Moses’ signal, the waters would then flow back, drown the Egyptian soldiers and prevent Israel from returning to Egypt. Let’s pray that we actively obey God instead of passively waiting and idling.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 14:1.

经文：出14 章

主题：穿越红海

神早已看见（1-19）

神知道法老的计划，并确保以色列人不因此受到阻拦。这是预备，意味着“早已看见”。他是耶和华以勒（创22:14），“耶和华将看着办”。不管敌人想要谋算加害你什么，神已经将它处理并告诉你该怎么做。

神在之间（19-20）

那带给以色列光明的柱子，却带给了敌人黑暗。属世的人在黑暗中行走，但神的子民有“生命的光”（约8:12）。如果敌人想要碰你，那他必须先过神这关。

神在前头行（21-25）

祂开辟道路，并行了不可能的事。下一次当你处在一个看似不可能的情况时，请记得神为以色列人在红海所做的一切。以色列人永远没有忘记这场胜利（诗66:6；106:9；136:13-14）。回顾神过去的帮助，可以鼓励你在信心里面对未来的挑战。

神作后盾（26-31）

以赛亚说：“以色列的神必作你们的后盾”（赛52:12）。埃及军队完全的失败了。这话确实没错：“使我们胜了世界的，就是我们的信心”（约一5:4）。

Scripture Reading        : Ex 13

Theme                            : The God who Guides

Remembering.

God wanted Israel to remember what His hand had done for them (vv. 3, 9, 14, 16), lest in the future they forget to trust Him and serve Him. The setting apart of the firstborn would remind them that the firstborn sons of Israel had been redeemed by the Lord. The annual Passover would remind them to keep their lives pure. When you consider that Jesus Christ has redeemed us by His blood, surely we should give ourselves to Him and obey His Word.

Instructing.

The younger generation cannot know the works of the Lord unless the older generation tells them. The Word of God must control our lips (v. 9), our eyes, and our hands (v. 16), and we must share it with others. The Jews took this literally and wore portions of the Law on the forehead and hand, but the Lord was surely speaking in a metaphorical way.

Following.

God frees us from bondage, and He also guides us to the inheritance He has prepared for us. His Word is like that pillar of cloud and fire and He will show us the way if we will trust Him.

Praying the Scripture

1. We usually call this event “the Jewish Passover,” but the Bible calls it “the Lord’s Passover” (vv. 11, 27; Lev. 23:5; Num. 28:16). The observance was more than a celebration, because the feast was kept “unto the Lord” (Ex. 12:48; Num. 9:10, 14). “It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover” (Ex. 12:27). The focus of attention is on the Lord because what occurred that special night was because of Him. At least seventeen times in Exodus 12 “the Lord” is mentioned because He was the one in charge. Let’s pray our familiarity does not breed contempt especially to the Lord our Savior.
2. When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” (Ex 13:17) Israel’s exodus from Egypt wasn’t the end of their experience with God; it was the new beginning. Morrison said, “It took one night to take Israel out of Egypt, but forty years to take Egypt out of Israel.” The person who trusts Jesus Christ is born again into the family of God, but that’s just the beginning of an exciting new adventure that should lead to growth and conquest in sanctification. Let’s pray that we continue to grow and learn to trust Him as the Lord of our pilgrimage.

经文：出13 章

主题：指引的神

记住

神要以色列记得祂为他们做的一切（vv.39，14，16），以免将来他们忘了相信和事奉祂。把长子分别出来是为要提醒他们，以色列的长子已由主赎回。每年的逾越节将提醒他们必须保持圣洁的生活。当你认为耶稣基督已经用他的血救赎自己，那你肯定会要献上自己，听从祂的话语吧。

指示

年轻的一代是无法知道主的作为，上一代的人必须告诉他们。神的话语必须管理我们的嘴唇（9节）、我们的眼睛、我们的手（16节），我们必须与他人分享。犹太人从字面上去理解并在额头和手上穿戴一部分的法律，但是主是用一个隐喻的方式来表达祂的意思。

跟随

神使我们摆脱束缚，祂还带领我们到祂为我们所预备的基业。祂的话语就像是云和火柱，如果我们相信祂，祂必定指引我们的道路。

用经文祷告

1. 我们通常称逾越节为“犹太人的逾越节”，但“圣经”称这为“耶和华的逾越节”（11, 27；利23:5；民28:16）。遵守这节日不仅是为了庆祝，因为这节日是“献给耶和华”的（出12:48；民9:10，14）。 “这是献给耶和华逾越节的祭”（出12:27）。这里的主角是主，因为那特殊的夜晚所发生的一切都是因为祂。在出埃及记12，提到“耶和华” 至少有17次，因为这一切都是因为祂。让我们祈祷我们的熟悉不会变成蔑视，尤其是对耶和华我们的救主。
2. 当法老容百姓去的时候，非利士地的道路虽近，神却不领他们从那里走；因为神说：“恐怕百姓遇见打仗，就后悔而回埃及去。”（出13:17）以色列人从埃及出来并不是他们经历神的结束，而是开始。莫里森说，“使以色列从埃及出来只花了一晚，但使埃及从以色列出去却花了40年的时间”。一个相信耶稣基督重生进入神家的人，只刚开始了一个激动人心的新冒险，这旅途应该导致这个人的成长和成圣。让我们祈祷，我们将继续成长并学会信任我们旅居之行的主。

Scripture Reading        : Ex 11-12

Theme                            : First Passover

Life.

“One more plague!” The words sounded ominous, and they were, for the last plague was death to the firstborn. When you trust in the Lord, it means the difference between light and darkness (10:21–23) and life and death. God made this difference (11:7), and His people must maintain it (Rom. 12:1).

Lamb.

Leaven.

Praying the Scripture

1. The plague of first born was the biggest blow to Pharaoh because Pharaoh who was considered the god of gods in Egypt and his firstborn was supposed to succeed his throne in future. This is divine judgment on Pharaoh, the god of all Egyptian gods. The Lord God said that on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. (Ex 12:12) Let’s pray that we truly can sing like Moses “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Ex 15:11)
2. Another reason the Lord punished their male children is because the Egyptians especially Pharaoh gave the order to kill all the male Israelite children earlier. The Bible says, “The LORD will by no means leave the guilty (Nah 1:3) Let’s pray that we confess our sins.
3. Along with the lamb, the Israelites ate bitter herbs and unleavened bread (Ex. 12:14–20, 39; 13:3–7). Bitter herbs would remind them their bitter bondage in Egypt. The unleavened bread was a symbol of purity. Leaven is an image of sin: it’s hidden; it works silently and secretly; it spreads and pollutes; and it causes dough to rise (“puffed up”—1 Cor. 4:18–5:2). Paul admonishes local churches to purge out the sin from their midst and present themselves as an unleavened loaf to the Lord. Let’s pray we do that.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 11:1.

经文：出11-12 章

主题：第一个逾越节

生命

“再使一样的灾殃！”，这话听起来极为不祥，这是指的是最后的灾殃 – 灭长子的灾。当你信主时，这就意味着光明与黑暗的分别（10:21-23）、生命和死亡之间的差异。神创造了这个差异（11:7），而祂的子民必须遵守它（罗12:1）。

羔羊

请注意其中的顺序：“一只羊羔”（12:3）、“那羔羊”（12:4）、“你的羔羊”（12:5）。逾越节代表了耶稣基督为世人的罪而死的画面（约1:29；林前5:6-7）。你是否称祂为“一位救主”、“那位救主”或“我的救主”呢？（路1:47）耶稣是一个无瑕疵、无玷污完美的羔羊，祂以死来拯救我们（彼前1:18-19）。我们得救，不是通过欣赏祂的作为、学习祂的教导，我们得救是因信并以祂的宝血浇灌在我们的心中。这羊羔拯救了犹太人，也为他们的旅途提供食物。 当你默想祂的话，使真理成为你内心的一部分时，你就是在以耶稣基督为“食物”了。

酵

用经文祷告

Scripture Reading        : Ex 9-10

Theme                            : Who Harden whose Heart?

All Moses wanted was Pharaoh’s permission to take the people on a three-day journey to a place where they could worship God. God had differentiated His people and the people of Egypt, just as today He has differentiated the people of God and the people of the world (2 Cor. 6:14–18).

But the world doesn’t want believers to be too radical, so it tries to offer various compromises: “Sacrifice in the land” (8:25); “Don’t go too far away” (8:28); “Don’t take your children” (10:8–11); and “Don’t take your possessions to serve God” (10:24–26). Have you been tempted by any of these compromises lately?

God’s judgments had practically ruined the land, yet Pharaoh would not give in. In so doing, Pharaoh thought he was showing great strength when in fact, God was using him to display His own sovereignty (9:16; see also Rom. 9:17–18). God is greater than any ruler, so we need never fear (Dan. 4:34–37).

Praying the Scripture

1. God gave Pharaoh 24 hours to release the Israelites otherwise all the livestock in the Egyptian fields would be killed by a terrible pestilence. Pharaoh hardened his heart and almost all the Egyptian livestock were killed. Yet the livestock that belonged to the Jews living in the land of Goshen were fine. Do you see the important of separation? Let’s pray that we are willing to be separated for holiness.
2. It is important to notice that this is the first time since the plagues broke out that the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Ex 9:12). During all the previous occasions, Pharaoh hardened his own heart. However the judgment has arrived, Pharaoh has lost the opportunity to repent. Why did the Lord harden Pharaoh’s heart? The Lord Himself said in Exodus 9:15, “For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. (Ex 9:15-16) Let’s repent while there is still an opportunity. The door will close one day. When judgment comes, it will be too late.
3. Has Pharaoh repented since he confessed, “I have sinned this time; the LORD is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones?” (Ex 9:27). If so, why Exodus 9:35 said that he sinned again and he did not let the sons of Israel go (Ex 9:35). Let’s pray we truly repented.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 9:1.

经文：出9-10 章

主题：谁使法老的心刚硬？

摩西对法老的要求只是让以色列人去一个离埃及三天路程的地方来敬拜神。法老不肯。神就将自己的子民和埃及的子民分别开来，就像今天他已经把自己的子民，和属世界的子民分别开来一样（林前6:14-18）。但是这世界并不要信徒太过激进或分别太清楚，所以它试图给予各种的妥协：“在这地祭祀”（8:25）、“不要走得很远”（8:28），“留下你们的孩子”（10:8-11）“留下你们的羊群牛群”（10:24-26）。你是否受到这些妥协的诱惑呢？

当神的审判几乎已经毁了埃及地，法老仍然不肯投降。他还要保持自己的尊严，但事实上，神正使用法老来显示神祂的主权（9:16；罗9:17-18）。神超乎所有的国王/统治者，所以我们从来就无需害怕任何政权（但 4:34-37）。

用经文祷告

Scripture Reading        : Ex 7-8

Theme                            : The beginning of the Ten Plagues

If men will not obey His words of warning, God must speak by His works of judgment. When God speaks, there are only two responses: people either obey and submit or disobey and harden their hearts (Heb. 3:7–13). From the human point of view, Pharaoh resisted God’s will and thus hardened his own heart. From the divine point of view, God sent the judgments and therefore caused his heart to harden. The same sun that melts the ice also hardens the clay.

The court magicians were able to imitate Aaron’s miracle. Satan is a counterfeiter, and that is one way he opposes God’s work today (2 Tim. 3:8–9). Some miracles are lying wonders (2 Thess. 2:9–10). Be sure you can tell the difference (1 John 2:18–27; 4:1–6).

The plagues were God’s declaration of war against the false gods of Egypt (12:12). He proclaimed, “I am the Lord” (7:5). They were also a declaration that God had put a difference between the Jews and the Egyptians (8:23).

Praying the Scripture

1. How many times did Pharaoh hardened his own hearts and how many times did the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart? It will be interesting to do a count and notice the sequence. If we know God’s command and refuse to obey, we harden our own hearts. Do you harden your own heart? If we harden our hearts enough times it will become seared (1Ti 4:2) and unable to respond. Let’s pray that we do not harden our hearts and respond to God with obedience.
2. The river of Nile was considered sacred because it provides livelihood for all animals as well as human. The attack on Nile river is the attack on Egyptian god “Hapi.” Similarly frog also represents “Heqt,” the god of fertility. It is interesting Moses asked Pharaoh when he wanted the frog to leave. Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow.” So it is done according to the stipulated time. It is beyond doubt that this is the work of the Lord. In the midst of all these, Pharaoh hardened his heart.
3. Again, the plague of dust/gnats was against the Egyptian god “Hathor or set” – the god of desert. The plague of flies was against the healing god “Isis.” Even the magicians conceded to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” (Ex 8:19) Yet Pharaoh still refused to obey the Lord. How many times do we want to harden our hearts before we start to obey? Let’s pray that we obey God at once.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 7:1.

经文：出7-8章

主题：十灾的开始

如果人不听从祂的警告，神就必须开始实施审判。当神说话时，人们只有两种反应：一是顺服，不然就是反抗并使自己的心刚硬（希3:7-13）。从人的角度来看，法老抵挡神的旨意，因此他是在使自己的心刚硬。从神的角度来看，神正在实施审判，因此使法老的心刚硬起来。同一个太阳使冰融化，也使粘土变硬。

法老的术士也能够模仿亚伦的神迹。撒旦是一个伪造者，这也是他今天抵挡神工作的一种方式（2 提3:8-9）。有些异能和神迹只不过是虚假的奇事（帖后 2:9-10）。你要确保自己能够分辨它们（约一2:18-27；4:1-6）。

这十灾是神向埃及的假神宣战（12:12）。他宣称：“我是耶和华”（7:5）。这十灾也是神向全地声明，祂已经把犹太人从埃及人分别出来（8:23）。

用经文祷告

Scripture Reading        : Ex 5-6

Theme                            : Knowing God

When Moses and Aaron began their work in Egypt, their first problem was with Pharaoh (5:1–9). Not only did Pharaoh refuse to let the people leave Egypt but he made their work more difficult. That gave Moses a second problem—his own people, who blamed him for their plight (5:20–21). He had a foretaste of the criticism and rebellion he would experience for the next forty years. Often, the people you help the most will appreciate you the least. Moses’ third problem was with the Lord Himself (5:22–23)! God had promised success but Moses had failed. Even the Jews didn’t believe him!

Praying the Scripture

1. The Egyptians were the most polytheistic people known from the ancient world. Even today, the historians and archeologists are not completely sure the total number of gods they worship. However, most lists include somewhere in the neighborhood of 80 gods including lion, ox, ram, wolf, dog, cat, cobra, frog, locust and other insects. They will have no problem adding one more god to their collection. So when Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice (Ex 5:2), he is despising the Lord “God of the slave.”  So when the Lord sent the ten plagues to judge and destroy the idols/gods of Egyptians (Ex 12:12) He is showing them who the God of this universe is. Ultimately the Egyptians will know the LORD and worship Him (Isa 19:21). Do you have idols in your hearts? The Lord will destroy them one by one.
2. Not only the Pharaoh not know God, Moses and the Israelite also did not truly know him (3:11; 6:3, 7). Do you know the Lord is the mighty great “I AM”? Furthermore, He is the merciful, compassionate and faithful God? Can you list out all the verses that indicate the attribute of God in these beginning chapters of Exodus? Let’s pray that we know God and know him well.

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 5:1.

经文：出5-6章

主题：认识神

当摩西和亚伦在埃及开始了他们的工作时，他们遇到的第一个问题就是法老（5:1-9）。法老不但拒绝让犹太人离开埃及，他甚至加重了他们的工作。这带给摩西第二个问题，就是自己的族人，他们责怪摩西使他们的处境更糟糕（5:20-21）。他事先尝到了他在未来40年所要经历的，亦是族人的指责和反抗。这也难怪，因为往往你所给予帮助最多的人，是最不会感激你的。摩西的第三个问题就是主本身！（5:22-23）神应许他会成功，但摩西却失败了。就连犹太人也不相信他！

但神向摩西保证（6:1-8）并要他回到岗位上坚持下去。神并不会立即解决你的每一个问题，祂也不会按照你的时间表来行事。当你认为你已听从神的旨意了，但是还是失败了，这时请思考以赛亚书55:8-9 和耶利米书 29:11。