God Is In The Detail

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Return to Pharaoh and make your demands again. I have made him and his officials stubborn so I can display my miraculous signs among them. I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the LORD.” [Exodus 10.1-2]

As the stubbornness of Pharaoh and his officials was, at very least, influenced by God, I cannot help but wonder what role Moses actually played.

It seems Pharaoh knew full well that Moses was not being fully transparent with him concerning his "Let my people go..." plea. From all indications, Moses presented his request as if was to be a temporary departure for a specific event (and then return). But Pharaoh didn't buy it - he knew they were leaving for good.

I wonder if Moses' lack of transparency only further exacerbated Pharaoh's anger? Could this have been the driving force behind "the LORD hardening Pharaoh's heart?"

I say this because "God hardening Pharaoh's heart," in its fullest meaning, does not sound 100% consistent with God's predominantly redemptive character found elsewhere in the Bible.

There is just so much we do not know from the actual narrative of Exodus. Obviously, there is no way to fully know every detail of what went on between Pharaoh and Moses. That, coupled with the pure antiquity of Exodus (and all the Pentateuch, for that matter) makes it extremely difficult to understand all the details (let alone nuances) of the happenings of that time. For that matter, how accurate are our translations of the narrative? Do our translations take precedence over our understanding of God's character, or the other way around?

The best I can recommend for myself and every reader of this story of Moses is that we carefully absorb as many details as we can, and save our absolute conclusions until we have amassed all the details (this may take us years as individuals). In the meantime, we should understand each detail in the progressive revelation that we have - as part of our spiritual growth. Certainly there is every reason to listen to one another and discuss what we think may be the explanation for the things we read. However, that can only be done in a spirit of trust and camaraderie and gentleness and patience.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I am opposed to heavy reliance upon "extra-Biblical" sources for information. My reason for this is simple - doing so puts a premium on knowledge more so than devotion (and, knowledge "puffs up" - fosters pride and arrogance). What's more, undue reliance upon "extra-Biblical" sources makes education essential to devotion - and that is simply not right in any way. Devotion will always educate its adherents, but education will not always devote its adherents!

So, the key to understanding the Bible is to look to the Bible and God Who inspired it. Extra-Biblical materials may, in fact, enhance some understanding, but great caution should be exercised not to think the Bible cannot be understood without them. Putting a premium on extra-Biblical knowledge is the beginning of elitism and was the same thinking that ushered in the Dark Ages.

We must remember that Jesus chose uneducated fishermen to change the world. This does not place a premium on ignorance, but definitely says there is something of more value than education - and, that is devotion.

The story of Moses and all that went on with Pharaoh may take us individually the rest of our lives to comprehend (if we ever do at all). The point is not to understand the details of the story as much as it is to be inspired to devotion to God through it! And, we always have the story of Job to remind us (even comfort us) that just because we have the "story" we may not be aware of the "full story." We have no right to shake our fist at God, but every reason to believe that we need to approach these touchy subjects with a humble and contrite spirit.

That said, I have witnessed in my own life, increased understanding all along the way as I have focused more on devotion to God than on understanding every detail. I know He will give the details as I am capable of dealing with them. God is good like that.

Father, I feel so insignificant in my thoughts here. And yet, I feel so accepted by You as I attempt to know You more! What You are doing in my life is obvious to me - You are changing my heart more every day. Thank You!