Exodus 8:19

French (La Bible expliquée)

Je préserverai mon peuple du malheur qui frappera le tien. Ce miracle se réalisera demain.” » Moïse doit rencontrer le Pharaon au lever du jour, au bord du Nil et lui transmettre l'ordre du Seigneur. Si le Pharaon refuse encore de libérer le peuple, des mouches piquantes – des taons – harcèleront tous les habitants de l'Égypte, sauf ceux de la région où habitent les Hébreux. Le fait d'empêcher ces insectes de franchir la frontière de Gochen est aussi prodigieux que le fléau lui-même. Le fléau surviendra le lendemain. Il sera provoqué directement par Dieu. Le signe sera triple: le fléau sera intense, il ne touchera pas le territoire des Hébreux et il disparaîtra en réponse à la prière de Moïse. Pour la première fois, le Pharaon accepte qu'Israël aille offrir des sacrifices au Seigneur… mais sans quitter le pays. Moïse refuse, car les Égyptiens seraient furieux, eux qui avaient déifié les animaux offerts par les Hébreux (vache, taureau, bélier, bouc). Le Pharaon cède encore et demande même de prier pour lui. Le fléau cessera le lendemain, et pourtant le Pharaon refusera encore d'obéir à l'ordre du Seigneur.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the magicians admit that the plague of gnats or lice is an act of God, but Pharaoh remains stubborn and refuses to listen to them, just as the LORD had predicted. The magicians acknowledge a divine force at work, but Pharaoh's heart remains hard.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game with your friend, and they do something so amazing that you know they must have some special help. The magicians saw something so amazing they knew it had to be from God, but Pharaoh was like a friend who didn't want to believe in magic, even when he saw it.

Historical Background

This passage is from the book of Exodus, written by Moses around 1446 BC. It is part of the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery. The context is set in ancient Egypt, where Pharaoh and his magicians are facing the plagues sent by God.

Living It Out Today

Just as Pharaoh remained stubborn despite clear signs of divine intervention, we might sometimes ignore clear signs of what is right or wrong. Imagine you see a friend cheating and you know it's wrong, but you stay silent because you fear being ostracized. This verse reminds us to acknowledge divine guidance and not let stubbornness cloud our judgment.

Topics

• hardness of heart
• divine intervention
• obedience
• signs and wonders
• Egyptian plagues
• Pharaoh

Related Verses

• Exodus 4:21
• Exodus 9:12
• Exodus 14:4
• Romans 9:18
• 2 Corinthians 3:3

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Pharaoh's heart was hardened?

It means Pharaoh became stubborn and refused to change his mind or listen to reason, despite clear signs of divine intervention.

Why did the magicians acknowledge God's hand?

The magicians recognized that the plagues were beyond their control and capabilities, indicating a divine force at work.

How does this verse fit into the larger story of the Exodus?

This verse is part of the narrative where God demonstrates his power over Egypt and Pharaoh, ultimately leading to the Israelites' liberation.

What can we learn about stubbornness from Pharaoh?

We can learn that stubbornness can prevent us from acknowledging and following divine guidance, leading to negative consequences.