“The Plagues” (Exodus 8, 9)
Published 9 September 2025
Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”
Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching
⚠️ The 5 Greatest Mistakes
- 1️⃣ Misreading mercy as threat (Ex. 8:1–4, 22–23).
- 2️⃣ Thinking imitation equals authority (Ex. 8:7; 9:11).
- 3️⃣ Bargaining with God then backsliding (Ex. 8:8,15,28–32).
- 4️⃣ Treating idols as untouchable “life sources” (Nile, livestock, sky—Ex. 8–9).
- 5️⃣ Refusing to learn from momentum—each sign louder than the last (Ex. 8–9 pattern).
💥 The 5 Greatest Failures
- 1️⃣ Court failure to discern “the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).
- 2️⃣ Pharaoh’s failure to keep his word (Ex. 8:15,32).
- 3️⃣ Magicians’ failure—stumped at gnats and boils (Ex. 8:18–19; 9:11).
- 4️⃣ People’s failure to repent under mercy (Ex. 9:27–28 implied contrast).
- 5️⃣ National failure to honor distinction (Goshen spared—Ex. 8:22–23; 9:4).
🚫 The 5 Greatest Sins
- 1️⃣ Mental—pride that hardens when relieved (Ex. 8:15).
- 2️⃣ Mental—idolatry of prosperity and control (Nile/livestock/sky; Ex. 8–9).
- 3️⃣ Verbal—promises made to manipulate relief (Ex. 8:8,28).
- 4️⃣ Overt—counterfeiting God’s works to confuse (Ex. 8:7).
- 5️⃣ Overt—oppressing God’s people despite clear signs (Ex. 8–9 arc).
🏆 The 5 Greatest Successes
- 1️⃣ The God of the Hebrews proves separation—Goshen spared (Ex. 8:22–23; 9:4).
- 2️⃣ Counterfeits exposed—magicians concede God (Ex. 8:19; 9:11).
- 3️⃣ Idols unmasked—Heqet, Khepri, Hathor, Isis, Nut humbled (Ex. 8–9).
- 4️⃣ Purpose announced—“My name proclaimed” (Ex. 9:16).
- 5️⃣ A people schooled—Israel learns trust in every domain (Ex. 8–9 arc).
🌱 Great Spiritual Growth Applied
- 1️⃣ When relief comes, keep your vow (Ex. 8:15,32 warn).
- 2️⃣ Name your idols; expect God to touch them (Ex. 8–9).
- 3️⃣ Watch for God’s “distinctions” and testify (Ex. 8:22–23).
- 4️⃣ Learn to say, “This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).
- 5️⃣ Praise on schedule—recognize and respond (Ex. 9:16–17 application).
🧭 Great Leadership Principles Gleaned
- 1️⃣ Call out mimicry—clarify truth vs. spectacle (Ex. 8:7,19).
- 2️⃣ Negotiate with integrity—do not promise what you won’t do (Ex. 8:8,28,32).
- 3️⃣ Protect your “Goshen”—build buffers for the vulnerable (Ex. 8:22–23; 9:4).
- 4️⃣ Communicate purpose, not just pain—“My name proclaimed” (Ex. 9:16).
- 5️⃣ Pace your team—obedience, assessment, return (Ex. 8–9 cadence).