War in The Un-Seen part 2

Introducing the gods

Opening Statement :

What if I told you that the plagues were not only a judgment against Egypt, but also a confrontation between God and the gods in the Un-Seen Realm.

Recap:

We have studied how God used evil for good in and through the life of Joseph to preserve life and advance His covenant with Abraham. Next we see God exposing and openly defeating these Devine characters as we go through the 10 plagues of Egypt.

One truth I would like to point out as we look at these examples of deliverance, and judgement. At first the plagues fell broadly, but as they progressed God made a distinction—showing both His judgment on Egypt and His protection over His people. He did not just keep them from it, He kept them through it.

Exodus 2:23–25 “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.”

Text: Exodus 12:12 “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.”

So who were the gods of Egypt ?

Answer : The Scriptures do not give a precise list of each deity the Egyptians worshipped or served, however we see a direct correlation to several of the major ones God addresses and exposes through the 10 plagues.

Most of the information on the different deities come from archaeological findings such as inscriptions on and in pyramids, coffins, and non- Biblical text.

With that being said here is a list of the ones God exposes, judges and defeats through the 10 plagues.

God is not randomly sending plagues—He is systematically dismantling what Egypt trusted in. God confronts their river, their land, their health, their sky, their economy, and even their king.

Hapi - god of the Nile source of life First plague water turned to blood

Heqet - god of fertility Second plague frogs

Geb - god of earth / soil Third plague lice

Khepri - rebirth and order Fourth flies

Hathor and Apis - strength and provision Fifth cattle die

Sekhmet - healing Sixth Boils

Nut and Shu - heavens /sky Seventh hail and fire

Osiris - provider Eighth Locust

Ra -sun Nineth darkness

Pharaoh himself - Devine mediator Tenth death of first born

One of the key principals I would like to point out is how every facet of the Egyptian life appears to be influenced by a lesser deities / gods saturating their culture !

With that being said, the Israelites were in bondage living as slaves within the same culture. No doubt after having been immersed in such a society the same influences rubbed off on them as well.

Therefore God remembering His covenant with Abraham, and desiring to live among His people He sent Moses as a deliverer to free the people from their bondage and slavery as he lead them from Egypt to the promised land.

Just like in the New Testament God sent Jesus The Christ to deliver us from the bonds of sin, and death giving us life eternal found only in Him!

Now lets look at how our modern day 21rst century culture and western civilization mirror the culture of the Egyptians. “What Egypt trusted in outwardly, we trust in inwardly.”

Just as Hapi was the source of life and provision people often trust in the economy, government, and our sources of income/jobs as our ultimate security.

Hathor and Apis - Prosperity and strength , Today we focus on comfort, pleasure, materialism, consumerism, and personal possessions.

Osiris- Fertility and sustaining life, today we focus on health, longevity, and how we can obtain it through modern medicine moving our trust from God to human control.

Heres one we did not mention in the plagues but was addressed when Moses and Aaron first approached Pharaoh about letting God’s people go was Isis - Protection and hidden knowledge. Remember the Rod Moses and Aaron cast down and it became a serpent, then Pharaoh’s magicians and enchanters cast theirs down and they became serpents too? Moses and Aarons rod ate up the Pharaoh’s serpents. Today people are fascinated with manifestations of ( secrete spiritual / Devine hidden knowledge) looking for power, or wisdom apart from God.

5. What about Pharaoh himself? Just as people saw Pharaoh as Devine people often look to celebrities or political leaders as ultimate authority placing ( man ) in God’s rightful seat.

These are just a few ways and examples how we are similar and why we need a Deliverer !

The questions are:

1. can we see and identify how our current life styles and culture appears to be influenced behind the scenes?

2. Are we truly trusting in Jesus as our Life giving Source, Provider, Sustainer, Deliverer, Guide, and Friend?

3. Are we trusting in self, our abilities, and resources?

4. Are we seeking direction / guidance from another source apart from God or His Word ?