Some Like it Hot
Exodus 9:8-12

Moses, still apparently in shorthand mode, tells us that God sends he and Aaron back with specific instructions for the next plague. No description of the pleads to go and worship, but I think it's implied, especially from the outcome of the plague.

They are to take handfuls of soot- and Moses is to throw them in the air. This soot will become dust and cause men and animals to break out in boils. The magicians don't even get the chance to try to match boil to boil because their boils are so bad that they can't stand before the dynamic duo. No mention of the Israelites being spared here- but maybe it should be implied as well- it references the boils that were "on them [the magicians] and all the Egyptians."

Two things are interesting to me here. First, why has Moses become the first author of Cliff's Notes. Don't get me wrong, I'm appreciative. These plague accounts are quite repetitive which tends to soften the drama. But it's interesting to me that Moses goes into shorthand here- when there are so many other sections of the Bible that might liven up with the work of a good editor (genealogies for example).

Obviously, God's constructing a plan for our salvation- and not trying to script a nail-biting, edge of your seat thrill ride- although parts of His story certainly live up to that hype. I just wonder why Moses shorthands the plagues.

Secondly, I'm struck by the diversity of plague delivery. Sometimes it's flashy- grab the soot and give 'er a good throw. And sometimes the plagues just happen. You get the feel they were spoken into being. I'm sure there's a rationale- if nothing more than God's whim- but like Moses- maybe there are times when God feels like making a big production- and others where He's just interested in forwarding the plot- putting the pieces in motion.

Maybe it all comes down to the mood of God. I think we tend to think of God's plan as cogs all clicking together toward the end result. And while I certainly believe that God has a final result in mind for both me and the world in general that will come to pass- maybe much of what He does depends on His mood.

No real definitive proof- except He does seem to change His mind now and again.

So does Pharoah. This time it doesn't sound like he ever considered letting them go. God hardens his heart, and he won't listen to a word they say.