Daily Lesson for Sunday 20th of July 2025

The upcoming battles were going to be between the living God and the Egyptian “gods.” What made things worse was that Pharaoh considered himself to be one of those gods.

Image © S. M. Davis at Goodsalt.com

The Lord did not fight against the Egyptians, or even Egypt per se, but against their deities (the Egyptians venerated more than 1,500 gods and goddesses). The biblical text is explicit: “On all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord” (Exodus 12:12, ESV). Later, it is once again emphasized, this time when Israel’s journey from Egypt was recounted: “The Lord had brought judgment on their gods” (Numbers 33:4, NIV).

An example of this judgment on their gods was well demonstrated by the miracle of the rod turning into a serpent (Exodus 7:9-12). In Egypt, the Uraeus goddess Wadjet was personified by a cobra and represented sovereign power over lower Egypt. The symbol of a cobra appeared in Pharaoh’s crown, a sign of his power, deity, royalty, and divine authority, because this goddess would spit venom at Pharaoh’s enemies. The Egyptians also believed that the sacred serpent would guide the Pharaoh to his afterlife.

When Aaron’s staff became a snake and ate all the other serpents before the king, the supremacy of the living God over Egyptian magic and sorcery was manifested. Not only was the emblem of Pharaoh’s might conquered, but Aaron and Moses clutched it in their hands (Exodus 7:12,15). The initial confrontation demonstrated God’s power and lordship over Egypt. Moses, as God’s representative, had greater authority and power than did the “god” Pharaoh himself.

It is also significant that the ancient Egyptians considered a snake god, Nehebkau (“he who harnesses the spirits”), to be sacred, adored, and worshiped. According to their mythology, this serpent god had great power because he swallowed seven cobras. Thus, God communicated to the Egyptians that He, not the serpent god, has sovereign power and authority. After such a powerful confrontation, they were able to understand this message immediately and distinctly.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-04-god-vs-gods/

Exodus points us to a wonderful conclusion with the Israelites being bound for the Promised Land, hence our theme hymn for the quarter being 
We Are Bound For The Promised Land – Hymn 620. 

Such a sadness in the book of Exodus to see that the heart of Pharaoh continues to grow harder and harder towards God and His people. It is a pity that Pharaoh did not
Hark! The Voice of Jesus (and God) 
Calling – Hymn 359, just as God called Moses, and then Aaron, to step forward. 

We are reminded on Sunday that “the upcoming battles were going to be between the living God and the Egyptian ‘gods’ “, with Moses needing to see 
Hymn 264 – O For That Flame Of Living Fire (verse 4). 

“Pharoah had his free will—he could choose for or against God”. We have that choice today as well, and I say 
Lord, I Have Made Thy Word My Choice – Hymn 273. 

The idolatry of the Egyptian people had wiped out God as The Creator and instead worshipped all those things God had created. May we choose to believe and trust and God 
For Beauty Of Meadows.- Hymn 640. 

Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others. 

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/4-the-plagues-singing-with-inspiration/