Many Leaders of nations like emperors, kings, czars, presidents, prime ministers are disconnected from their followers and not concerned about the plight of the people. It is attributed to French queen, Marie Antoinette, who was not empathetic with the starving peasants. She said: “If they do not have bread to eat, let them eat cakes.” When God commanded through Moses to Let His People Go; he was not inclined to listen to His voice. His response to the first plague of turning of water of the Nile to blood: “Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart.” (Exodus 7:23)
Lifeline of Egypt: The river Nile flows 6600 km and even today 95 percent of Egyptians live within a few kilometers from Nile. The river provided water for drinking, agriculture, and transport. The annual flooding brought silt that made that region fertile.
First plague: Lord struck the river, Nile, all water bodies, including water in the vessels of wood and stone, that it turned into blood. The sight of the river in the reddish color would have been terrifying. Like any river, the Nile was rich with aquatic beings. All fish die in the river. The stink of rotten fish and the smell of death spread across the nation. Unable to drink: People were unable to drink and could not use it for agriculture. (Exodus 7:17-21)
God’s Power: Pharaoh refused to recognize the power of God, as he considered himself divine. God’s mighty power that polluted the lifeline of Egypt did not make Pharoah to think.
Unconcerned: He was not concerned about the people. The loss of fish that was food for people, stoppage of transport, lack of drinking water, and stinking of the river did not evoke any sympathy or sense of loss.
Defiant: Pharaoh was not humble, but defiant, he refused to listen to the God of Heaven and the Earth.
Judgment: Pharoah invited judgment on himself and on his empire. The Ten Plagues destroyed Egypt and ceased to be a superpower anymore.
Am I sensitive to God’s voice and concerned about others?