Exodus 8-9

“But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet again and hardened his heart” (9:34).  Supernatural power was well-known in Egypt; Pharaoh’s magicians used “secret arts” (8:7) to imitate Moses’ miracles.  However, it was quickly obvious that Moses’ God was much greater – the magicians couldn’t control the weather or cause disease.  But this greater display of power didn’t convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, because his heart was “hardened”; he refused to submit to God.

“This is the finger of God” (8:19).  Miracles get our attention and teach us about God, but real change happens when we soften our hearts to welcome His authority.