I’m still perplexed about the relationship between God and Pharoah.

God seems to enjoy hurting Pharoah and Egypt beyond the stated objective of getting the Israelites out of there. Pharoah gives in a number of times, then God hardens his heart (God states that he is the one who has hardened Pharoah’s heart) Then God gives the whole country another slapping. In these three chapters he sends frogs, gnats, flies, sores, death to the animals and darkness.

Why? God cared enough about Egypt to send Joseph there in the first place.

Is it because Pharoah had broken the spirit of the Israelites? Or was it the fact that the magicians dabble in very dark arts, so much so that they manage to keep up with God’s miracles for a little while.

Dear God, please watch over your people during today’s plagues: the swine flu, malaria, poverty, and global financial fear. Please bring us through safely, and help us to follow your path through all the fear. Please also help us hear the cries of those who have had their spirit broken, and help to set things right. In the name of your son our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.