Circumcision represents a man leaving the covering of his flesh and finding refuge in God, being covered by Him. For the one covering has authority over the one who is covered; the one above is greater than the one below. So man leaves the covering of the flesh and is recognized as God’s possession; for his flesh is uncovered, he is circumcised. Circumcision is the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham; so the sign of a believer is one who does not submit to the passions of the flesh, but humbles himself under the rule of Christ. This procedure is done by Christ Jesus, “and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.” (Colossians 2:11)
Although circumcision is outward and physical, it is hidden and private. As the Spirit indicates “a Jew is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” (Romans 2:29) For obedience is worked from the heart, not the letter. The flesh prospers nothing; but “we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh;” (Philippians 3:3) Even the uncircumcised are reckoned as circumcised if they keep the law; for they submit to God’s law, being covered by Him; and their flesh is truly uncovered, although physically covered, for they serve God in the Spirit and obey from the heart; their flesh is no longer their ruler, but God; they are no longer covered by the flesh, but the Spirit.
The concept of coverings as authority is seen in clothing, especially head coverings. A woman’s head is covered to symbolize authority on her head. Whereas a man has authority over his household, so he does not have a covering; for he himself is the covering — he is head of the household. But a woman wears a covering on her head, for she is covered by man and came from man. In the law, when a woman is suspected of breaking the marriage covenant, it says “let the hair of the woman's head go loose.” (Numbers 5:18) For, if guilty, she has left her authority and broken the covenant of marriage; and as a result, her “thigh waste away” and her “abdomen swell.” (Numbers 5:21) For under the thigh the covenant was made, and in the abdomen a child grows.
Furthermore, the prophet speaks, "I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine," declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 16:8) When he says, “So I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness,” this is an idiom referring to marriage. This is the same when Boaz covered Ruth, as she said, “Spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative." (Ruth 3:9) So Boaz was to provide children for her deceased husband according to the law of Moses; and Ruth sought refuge in Boaz. And as a euphemism in the law, it says “uncover nakedness”: as it says, “If there is a man who lies with his uncle's wife he has uncovered his uncle's nakedness; they will bear their sin.” (Leviticus 20:20) So we see that the husband is the covering for the wife. And when someone usurps this authority, they uncover nakedness.
As it was seen with Jonathan, when his father said, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do I not know that you are choosing the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother's nakedness?” (1 Samuel 20:30) For Jonathan was covered by his father, and in rebellion, he was uncovered; and with nakedness comes shame. But Jonathan did not rebel against his father, this was only Saul’s point of view. Jonathan was covered by His eternal Father, trusting in God’s choice of David. In this way, he found a true refuge in God and separated himself from the lawless deeds of his father. And his mother was reckoned “naked” too, for just as the head covers the body, so a husband is a cover for the wife — the king is a cover for the kingdom.
For when the kings of Israel sinned, it is said, “they made Israel to sin.” (1 Kings 14:16, 15:20, 16:2, 16:3, 21:22) For when the head is given over to wickedness, the members of the body do likewise. However Jonathan, although a member of the body, he did not submit to his head, but he revolted against him and sided with David. And in his father’s words, “to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness.” But he was not left uncovered, but found an eternal refuge in God and received promises from David whose dynasty would be forever. But Saul left the covering of God and was rejected as king of Israel forever.
Of this Refuge the prophets spoke in the name of the Lord: as Ezekiel said, "On the high mountain of Israel I will plant it, that it may bring forth boughs and bear fruit and become a stately cedar. And birds of every kind will nest under it; they will nest in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will know that I am the LORD; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it." (Ezekiel 17:23-24) For just as a tree is a shadow from the sun, so God is a refuge from the striking of tribulation. And in such ways did the Christ compare the kingdom of heaven, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES." (Matthew 13:31-32)
And also, as the Christ laments, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” (Matthew 23:37) For “Christ is the head of every man.” (1 Corinthians 11:3) And, “Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:23) We are all subject to someone, but the church is subject to Christ, being His body. For just as Eve was taken from Adam’s body, so the church was taken from Christ’s body, which was broken for her; and just as the two become one flesh in marriage, “the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17) And He is our Lord, our Teacher; our Leader and Shepherd; and we are bond-slaves, disciples, followers — His sheep. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
Christ Jesus is our sacrificial covering to hide our nakedness and shame; from Him come our righteous deeds, which is fine white linen. And through observance of Him in love, do we have fellowship in righteousness with Him and the Father. For if the kings of Israel made the people to sin, how much more do you suppose our Head will make us to do right under His lordship? For Ahaz “made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD,” (2 Chronicles 28:19) and Aaron “made them [Israel] naked unto their shame among their enemies,” (Exodus 32:25) but Christ clothes us with boldness of righteous deeds through grace. For if the wicked make their subjects wicked, how much more do you suppose the Righteous, King of kings, will make righteous His subservients?
Let us therefore, submit to Christ and His authority, giving heed to the instruction which He has ordained within the church: for “Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)
As his apostles, who speak in His name, wrote in the holy epistles. To children, it says: “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20) “HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise).” (Ephesians 6:2) And to wives, it says: “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22) And to husbands, it says: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.” (Colossians 3:19) And fathers: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” (Colossians 3:21)
To women, it says: “A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:11-12) And to men, it says: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
To slaves, it says: “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8) And to masters: “And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” (Ephesians 6:9)
And to disciples, it says: “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.” (Galatians 6:6) And to young men, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Peter 5:5) And to teachers, it says: “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3)
And to civilians, it says: “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.” (1 Peter 2:13-14) And, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) And, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:7-8)
Therefore, know where you reside — and obey, “not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.” (Romans 13:5) For those with authority have power to execute judgement. They do “not bear the sword for nothing.” (Romans 13:4) But just as a father is grieved when discipling his child, so Jesus is not made glad when discipling. For the authority given to the apostles is “for building you up and not for destroying you,” (2 Corinthians 10:8) for they are “a minister of God to you for good.” (Romans 13:4) So accept their word, as it truly is: the Word of God. For He wills to lead you to a place flowing with milk and honey for your own good always.
And look to the men of old, which are written for our warning, who usurped God’s authority. Did they fair well? Absalom “went in to his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.” (2 Samuel 16:22) And he died in his revolt against his father; he was suspended by his long hair in the forest. And Israel played the harlot “under every green tree and under every leafy oak—the places where they offered soothing aroma to all their idols.” (Ezekiel 6:13) And they were exiled into Babylon; while in famine they ate their own sons and daughters; they became servants of a nation they did not know. And Ham “saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside.” (Genesis 9:22) And he was cursed with a curse; and he was made a servant to his own brothers. And the children who mocked the prophet, saying, ”Go up, you baldhead; go up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23) For they mocked the prophet’s head; and they were cursed — and bears mauled them. And Reuben “went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine.” (Genesis 35:22) And although he was firstborn, he became last.
Or how did they fair who exalted themselves as king over Israel? As Adonijah, son of David, who exalted himself; nevertheless the kingdom was given to Solomon. And when he asked for David’s concubine, Solomon replied, “Why are you asking Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him also the kingdom—for he is my older brother—even for him, for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah!" (1 Kings 2:22) And he was put to death that day by King Solomon. For "Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12) For Solomon humbled himself and waited for the exaltation from his father David. So “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Now, reprove, rebuke, and correct in a manner of love; for one who does such things exposes shame and nakedness that Jesus may cover them. As it is written in the law, ’You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may surely reprove your neighbor, but shall not incur sin because of him.” (Leviticus 19:17) For if you know your sin, then you can repent of it, then find a true cloak for your sin. It is a loving thing to reprove! But to the wicked: “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you.” (Proverbs 9:8) Rather, “Reprove a wise man and he will love you.” (Proverbs 9:8) Therefore, "Son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations.” (Ezekiel 22:2) Otherwise, prophets would not have “exposed your iniquity So as to restore you from captivity.” (Lamentations 2:14)
But as for false prophets, which rise up among you, “they have seen for you false and misleading oracles.” (Lamentation 2:14) And, “His watchmen are blind, All of them know nothing. All of them are mute dogs unable to bark, Dreamers lying down, who love to slumber.” (Isaiah 56:10) Therefore, “Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it.” (Psalms 141:5) Otherwise, “the cup will come around to you as well, You will become drunk and make yourself naked.” (Lamentations 4:21) And the LORD says, “Your nakedness will be uncovered, Your shame also will be exposed; I will take vengeance and will not spare a man.” (Isaiah 47:3)
When you are reproved, acknowledge your sin and seek forgiveness in Christ. As it is promised, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) And when you reprove, you are exposing hidden shameful things, and bringing them to the light; as it says, “all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (Ephesians 5:13) So know that you are aspiring to do a good work. “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
Without transgression, there is no need for forgiveness; without nakedness, there is no need for a covering. So show your fellow countrymen their nakedness and shame. As Paul exposed the nakedness of the Corinthian church, and said, “I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 6:5) And again, “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:34) Seek their justification, not their condemnation. Show them their sin, but show them God’s grace. For “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.” (Proverbs 10:12)
Be not a fault-finder, but patiently endure faults in a spirit of meekness. For “A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11) For love “does not take into account a wrong suffered.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) Instead overlook faults, hiding them from your eyes. As Noah’s sons “took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father's nakedness.” (Genesis 9:23) Or like Abimelech who acted wisely and said, ”Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is a covering of the eyes before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared." (Genesis 20:16) Or like Jacob who meekly endured Laban’s treachery for twenty years.
The God of our father is slow to anger and quick to forgive; so how ought His sons conduct themselves? The time is near: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15) As it is written, “I am filled with power—With the Spirit of the LORD—And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin.” (Micah 3:8)
Without doubt, a man loses strength when he is overcome. “For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19) And without question, a man who is overcome by a woman is weaker than a woman — however that may look. For her beauty is stronger than his strength. And as a result, she is in the position of a man in the household. For she has overcome him. How does she overcome him except by her beauty? As it says, “Turn your eyes away from me, For they have overcome me;” (Song of Solomon 6:5) And, “You have made my heart beat faster with a single glance of your eyes, With a single strand of your necklace.” (Song of Solomon 4:9) So we see the power a woman has over a man. As wisdom says, “Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.” (Proverbs 31:3) God gave us marriage between man and woman. But beware of sexual immorality.
Recognize what a great warrior Samson was! He was strong with the strength of God. Yet he was overcome by foreign woman and harlots. And without question, if anyone wishes to overcome lust, they need strength. But look how strong Samson’s strength, yet he fell to women. Now the wisest man once said, "Wisdom is better than strength.” (Ecclesiastes 9:16) And Solomon was the wisest man on earth at the time. But was he not also overcome by women? For he had “seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines.” (1 Kings 11:3) And his many wives led his heart astray to worship idols. Furthermore, if anyone is perfect and blameless, it would be his father, David. Yet he saw the beauty of a woman and sinned. He took Bathsheba for his wife although she was married. And weren’t even the angels overcome by women? They are not flesh and blood as we, but mighty spirits. Yet they were overcome by the beauty of women. Consider how great a fall these had because of women.
Without question, no-one on earth is stronger than the king. Even yet, the king Herod swore to give up to half of his kingdom for the sake of a woman. And did not the king Ahasuerus, in the days of Ester, promise to give her up to half of the kingdom? And without doubt, no matter how powerful a man is, no man comes into the world except through a woman. And does not a man leave father and mother to be joined to his wife? So we see, there is no greater strength over a man than a woman.
God made women beautiful. But consider God, who is more beautiful, having created the beauty of all things. Should you really lust after her beauty? Rather seek the visible image of the invisible God in Jesus Christ and set your affections on Him, and pray that you may not sin. For lust is the beginning of sin; for “when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin.” (James 1:10) Men who are overcome by women lose their masculinity. They depart from their role as head in the household of marriage. And as a result, like a four-footed animal, the head and the body are on level plain. Is not the fear great? Consider how great the sin of sexual immorality is. For “Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) And, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,” (1 Corinthians 6:19) and “you are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) “If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” (1 Corinthians 3:17) “Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) For God is the Avenger of all such sins (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
I am writing concerning the man, Joseph, son of Israel; how he pertains to Christ Jesus: firstly, Joseph was beloved of his father “because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic.” (Genesis 37:3) So Joseph was beloved by the father, and his brethren hated him, as Cain hated his brother Abel. “And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous.” (1 John 3:12) And was Joseph beloved of his earthly father only? No, but of His heavenly Father too. For God prophesied many things concerning him, which made his brothers hate him even more. For on two occasions God gave Joseph dreams concerning them.
Similarly concerning Jesus, “a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."” (Mark 1:11) For Jesus is the Beloved of the Father. And God proves to us in Him is salvation through the writings; through many prophecies and testimonies, He predicts the things to come concerning Him, so that there would be no surprise when the things came, so that we may know it was brought about by the foreknowledge and predetermined plan of God. Yet Jesus was hated by his brethren, the Jews; and they sought to kill Him “because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5:18) So they hated Him because He was the Son of God. So Joseph is like Jesus in this way: he was hated because he was the beloved son of the father.
If there be hate, then let it be for a good cause. But “without cause they hid their net for me; Without cause they dug a pit for my soul.” (Psalms 35:7) “They repay me evil for good, To the bereavement of my soul.” (Psalms 35:12) And “Do not let those who are wrongfully my enemies rejoice over me; Nor let those who hate me without cause wink maliciously.” (Psalms 35:19)“And those who repay evil for good, They oppose me, because I follow what is good.” (Psalms 38:20) “They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without cause.” (Psalms 109:3) “Thus they have repaid me evil for good And hatred for my love.” (Psalms 109:5) For Jesus was perfect and He was hated for being good “to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'” (John 15:25) "The world hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.” (John 7:7) "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:20)
They hated Joseph and said, "Come and let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; and we will say, 'A wild beast devoured him.' Then let us see what will become of his dreams!"” (Genesis 37:20) And they said of Christ, "Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" (Mark 15:29-30) Or in other words, “Let us see what will become of Your prophecies.” But just as Joseph remembered the dreams when they were fulfilled, when he seen his brothers bowing down to him; so the disciples were constantly remembering the Scriptures concerning Christ when they were fulfilled (Luke 24:8, John 2:17, John 2:22, John 12:16). And Jesus often was fulfilling Scripture and henceforth declaring it (Matthew 13:14, Matthew 26:54, Luke 4:21, Luke 22,37, John 13:18, John 17:12). And after He was raised, He said, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." (Luke 24:44) For “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail.” (Luke 16:17)
Secondly, Joseph’s brothers did not want to kill Joseph, but they decided, "Let us not take his life.” (Genesis 37:21) And they said, "What profit is it for us to kill our brother and cover up his blood?” (Genesis 37:26) And in the same way, Christ’s betrayer said, "Why this waste?” (Matthew 26:8) When the ointment was poured out upon Him. And seeking profit, he asked His enemies, "What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" (Matthew 26:15) As it is written in Zechariah, “So they weighed out thirty shekels of silver as my wages.” (Zechariah 11:12) “Then the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them." So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.” (Zechariah 11:13)
So then, Joseph’s beautiful robe was taken from him; they put him into the pit; his father’s splendor was dipped in blood; and he was sold into the land of Egypt. And likewise, concerning Jesus, “You have spurned the covenant of Your servant; You have profaned his crown in the dust.” (Psalms 89:39) “You have made his splendor to cease And cast his throne to the ground.” (Psalms 89:44) “And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.” (Matthew 27:35) However “The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.” (Genesis 39:2) But when Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into the dungeon; however “The LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.” (Genesis 39:21) And when he was proven wise before Pharaoh, he was exalted as second in command over all Egypt, and only Pharaoh was higher than he. Likewise, concerning Christ, “GOD HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:27-28) For Christ received a name higher than David’s name, “so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11) So Joseph was exalted from the pit, and Jesus was raised from the dead because there was no fault found in Him.
Now concerning the remainder of this writing, I will take a more subjective approach: in times past God has revealed Himself in numerous ways to the people of Israel. To Moses He appeared in a burning bush, to Israel He appeared on the mountain top of Sinai in a burning flame and pillar of smoke, and to Israel in the wilderness, He appeared to them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. As it is written, “The LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24) And “God is a righteous judge,” (Psalm 7:11) and ”Holy is He” (Psalm 99:5). Without question a man fears fire because of its power; how much more should we revere a holy and righteous God and live? For the LORD God is a consuming fire. If we fear to be out in the sun too long, even when it is millions of miles away; how much more should we revere a holy and living God as we draw near unto Him?
For this reason, Joseph “disguised himself to them and spoke to them harshly.” (Genesis 42:7) For his brothers came to him as he was ruler in Egypt, and he disguised himself and spoke to them as a fierce king; but behind closed doors “He turned away from them and wept.” (Genesis 42:24) For outwardly he appeared one way, and disguised his true identity to his brothers for a time. For Joseph perceived it was from God that his brothers would bow down to him; and without question people only prostrate themselves to those they revere, who they reckoned powerful, who they reckoned as mighty. It was necessary that these things occurred before Joseph revealed himself to his brothers.
So you see, Joseph's brothers were blind to the goodness they received; for many good things happened to them from Joseph's hand. For Joseph returned the money into their sacks, but it says, "Their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us?"” (Genesis 42:28) For they considered this good thing to be a judgement from God because of their sin. And another time they were brought into Joseph’s house and feasted; but it says, “The men were afraid,” (Genesis 43:18) despite the good things that were occurring to them, even in a time of famine.
Now, these things were necessary just as it was necessary for God to first give the covenant at Horeb in the fearful manner that it was; but then later to reveal Himself in His Son as He truly is. For when the same God appeared to Elijah at the same mountain, mount Horeb, there was “a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.” (1 Kings 19:11-12) For we now know God and His likeness; as it says, "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the LORD, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." (Jeremiah 31:34) For “God is love,” (1 John 4:8) And “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) “God is spirit,” (John 4:24) “God is true,” (John 3:33) and “God is a compassionate God,” (Deuteronomy 4:31) “God is gracious and compassionate.” (2 Chronicles 30:9)
Yet for a time, He appeared unto Israel in a dark cloud; as it says, “The mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom.” (Deuteronomy 4:11) And then it says, “He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.” (Psalms 18:11) For although God is light, He encompasses Himself in a dark cloud so that He may be revealed in Christ at the proper time; for it is God’s pleasure to reveal Himself in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Righteous, at the set time. And that time is now, that day is today.
Just as the skilled writer writes about such things; as he was saying:
“You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, "IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED." And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling." But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:18-24)
And if the gospel be veiled, “it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) And this god of the world is the devil, who “disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) For Joseph’s brethren did not know Joseph until the veil was removed; and while they did not see their brother, they were still in their sins; as they were saying, “God has found out the iniquity of your servants,” (Genesis 44:16) And, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us." (Genesis 42:21) And they also said, "Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy'; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood."” (Genesis 42:22) So they had guilt as long as they thought Joseph was dead.
But when Joseph was revealed as “alive from the dead”, they had no blood-guiltiness on his account, for he was alive. And these comforting words from Joseph were given to them, “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) And, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 45:7-8)
So you see, we may lament and cry and be angry with ourselves because of our sins and the penalty Christ bore on our behalf, saying, “Oh, Jesus died for me! How miserable am I! Even for my sins that He died!” And this good thing may appear unto us as an evil thing, a judgement from God; but it was according to God’s good plan that it occurred, to save life rather than destroy it. For “The LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief;” (Isaiah 53:10) And you see! Your Savior, Your Redeemer, Your Master, Your Lord, He is not dead, He is living; for He died for three days, but He is alive forevermore! So do not be unbelieving, but believing. As Joseph said, “Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth which is speaking to you.” (Genesis 45:12) Likewise Christ said, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." (John 20:27)
The first report given to Jacob from his sons was an ill report, but the second a good report. Likewise, the first covenant was given to shut everyone up so that they may be accountable to God, but the latter covenant is the good news. For “God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.” (Romans 11:32) For without the first covenant there would be no transgression to forgive. “But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” (Galatians 3:22)
So therefore, unveil your eyes and see that your brother is very much alive, Second in command, Mediator between you and God; and “He always lives to make intercession for” you (Hebrews 7:25). So draw near to God in reverence and awe, knowing His great love for you. And do not neglect fear, for the men who were irreverent previously, they did not live to tell the story of it; but they testify from the dead the truth of the words: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.” (Leviticus 10:3) I remind you when God spoke to Israel from the mountain and they trembled with fear, Moses said, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." (Exodus 20:20)
So let us draw near unto God in reverence, without neglecting fear, but not with fear which renders a men ineffective of any sort of movement, but coming to God through Jesus Christ knowing that He loves you and cares for your soul, that He was given over for your trespasses and was raised for your justification, to the result that you would return to Him and be healed. “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke 9:56) And “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)
Joseph was not slain, but a young goat was slaughtered instead; Isaac was not sacrificed, but a ram was given; Judah was to give his life for his brother Benjamin, but Joseph was revealed unto them; and Christ is the young goat, Jesus, the ram, Jesus Christ is like the man Joseph.
Surely we know how to read God’s Word. Doesn’t He teach us? Surely He does: through His Word. How to read His Word: a brief exhortation.
Surely we know how not to read His Word. As it was with Jehoiakim, king of Judah, when the scroll of Jeremiah the prophet was read before him, “The king cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.” (Jeremiah 36:23) For it says, “The king and all his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, nor did they rend their garments.” (Jeremiah 36:24) For they did not fear the Word of the LORD and the desolation He promised to pour out on Jerusalem. But as the LORD declares, ”To this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2) And worse yet is to read God’s Word and pervert it; as it says, “The untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16) For they do not humble themselves before the LORD, nor did they fear His Word; instead they twist His Words to suit their own lusts.
Do you not know that Satan quotes the Bible too? So “Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22) For the Lord Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matthew 7:26) When does a man only listen and do not heed to what is said? Is God’s Word as a sensual song to you? As it says, “Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them.” (Ezekiel 33:32) So be a doer of the Word and not merely a hearer only. For if you do not do, why read at all? Does that not make your reading in vain? For, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) But if you are a hearer only and do not do, what profit is there? “Are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” (James 2:20)
But if you continue in the Word of God, “not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer” (James 1:25), you will be blessed. As “Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."” (John 8:31-32) For “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9) And God who is faithful has promised us righteousness through this very faith. So abide!
For this is the very Word which divides; as the Word did in the beginning, dividing light from darkness, sea from land, water from water; and is able to pierce “as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) And the same Word which divides, created all things; for “We understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3) And the same Word which causes us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead; “for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)
“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21) And “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) For, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." (Luke 16:31) So then, listen to this Word which is spoken from heaven; for these are heavenly Words sent to save your soul from the coming destruction.
For in times past, God sent His sweet manna from heaven; “and its taste was like wafers with honey.” (Exodus 16:31) And they were to collect manna every morning for one day, but on the sabbath they were to collect enough for two days. “But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them.” (Exodus 16:20) For to the people who obeyed the Word of God, the manna was sweet; but to those who disobeyed, the manna bred worms and became foul. As the LORD God says, “Do not My words do good To the one walking uprightly?” (Micah 2:7) For God’s Word is sweet to those who obey, but foul and like death to those who disobey. “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) “To the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.” (2 Corinthians 2:16) But if we repent and hear the same Word, will it not be sweet unto us? So there is nothing wrong with God’s Word, but with us; as it says, “With the pure You show Yourself pure, And with the crooked You show Yourself astute.” (Psalms 18:26)
Do you want to be blessed? Do you want to be happy? Then obey God’s Word. For the blessing lies not in the hearing of God’s Word, but in the doing. As the Lord Jesus says, "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17) And then the apostle says, “One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25) If we do what God asks, then what we ask, God will do. For, “Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.” (1 John 3:22) And we will store up for ourselves great assurance on the day of visitation; as it says, “By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17) And then it says, “Those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:13)
As the Lord Jesus says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25) So imitate the men of old who read God’s Word with humility and weeping and sackcloth and ashes. As the Psalmist says, “You save an afflicted people, But haughty eyes You abase.” (Psalms 18:27) And, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." (James 4:6) So we ought to humble ourselves before the LORD and submit to Him; for they who were greatly distressed in times past upon reading His Word, found favor in His eyes:
As it was with Josiah, He obtained favor with the Lord; as the LORD declares, "Regarding the words which you have heard, because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you," declares the LORD. "Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see all the evil which I will bring on this place.” (2Ki 22:18-20) And as it was with Daniel, who read the words spoken by Jeremiah the prophet; and as soon as he prayed and blessed the Lord his God, angels were sent to visit him. Because upon reading the Word of God, he sought the Lord God “by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.” (Daniel 9:3) And he received insight about future events and was encouraged by the words, “You are highly esteemed.” (Daniel 9:23) And when the scribe Ezra read the book of the law of Moses to the people, “all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law.” (Nehemiah 8:9) For they humbled themselves before the LORD God and were terrified by the Words which were written, which came to pass, which their ancestors did not give heed. But they were encouraged by the governor, Nehemiah, when he said, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) And when the people continued in the Word, they found out that they were to live in booths that month; so they obeyed the Word of the Lord and settled in booths; for they trembled at His Word.
Likewise, to us whom these last days have arrived, we have been given Scripture which is being fulfilled before our very eyes. As the apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ says, “Realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) And again, “The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
One may say, “Ah this evil! It is surely from the devil!” But if it is from the devil, then seek him for deliverance! Since you fear him so much why don’t you serve him? But if it be from the Lord, "Behold, this evil is from the LORD; why should I wait for the LORD any longer?" (2 Kings 6:33) So that the LORD may be feared. In accordance with what is written, "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) For the fear is due to Him who is highly respected; and without question, men subject themselves to one in authority; does anyone subject themselves to anyone who is taken lightly? This is certainly why idolatry is so abominable! Does a man fall down to the work of his own hands? Does a man exalt excrement? Or love their filth to their own destruction? Surely not! But man ought to fear God for from Him come both good and ill.
And this is according to the teaching: as the LORD God says, “That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.” (Isaiah 45:6-7) Furthermore He says, “See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give life. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39) And as it says of Him, “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth?” (Lamentations 3:37-38) And then it says, "The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap To make them sit with nobles, And inherit a seat of honor; For the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, And He set the world on them.” (1 Samuel 2:6-8) And again, “The LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11) So, “If a calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it?” (Amos 3:6)
"Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God?” (Job 13:7-8) For we know very well the LORD will contend for Himself; He appeared to Job in a whirlwind. He visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the third and forth generations. So who are we you quarrel with our Maker? Or even question Him? Does He not question us? And aren’t we the ones who must answer? As He says, “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know.” (Job 38:2-5) And then He says, “Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me. Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?” (Job 40:7-9)
So if anyone is contentious about their sufferings, saying, “Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9) We ought to say, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10) However it may be, the LORD does not execute evil, for “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, And You can not look on wickedness with favor.” (Habakkuk 1:13) But He sends ministers of darkness to execute ill; as it was in Egypt, for the LORD sent “the destroyer” (Exodus 12:23) to strike the firstborn of the Egyptians; and He sent a destroying angel when David sinned by taking a census (2 Samuel 24:16). The LORD also sent an evil spirit to judge Abimelech for slaying his brothers on one stone (Judges 9:23). And He sent a deceiving angel to seduce Ahab (1 Kings 22:21-22); and He sent an evil spirit to torment Saul, son of Kish (1 Samuel 16:15); And when God, Most High, brings about the end of the world, He will release destroying angels from the abyss; as it says of them, “The four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind.” (Revelation 9:15)
So much so that in one account of Scripture it states: “Now again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and it incited David against them to say, "Go, number Israel and Judah."” (2 Samuel 24:1) But in another account of the same event, it says, “Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.” (1 Chronicles 21:1) For the LORD God protects from evil, and if He so wills, He hands over to evil. He uses satan for His own good purposes, and sends him unto nations to execute judgement. “Now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?” (Job 12:7-10) For even the animals know, so we also ought to know these things.
Although these are so, evil spirits cannot be released without His permission, and they cannot do more than what He wills; as it says of them, “They were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.” (Revelation 9:5) And, “The LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” (Job 1:12) Then, “The LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life."” (Job 2:6) Although these spirits are subject to the will of God, in times past God sent nations to execute His judgements; as He did with the Babylonians, as He did with the Assyrians; but they exceeded His wrath, and went beyond His will (Zechariah 1:15); and David seeing this said, "I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man." (2 Samuel 24:14) So we see that these spirits do not execute evil by their own will, but they are subject to the will of God. So it is not they who we should fear, but God Almighty who executes righteous judgment through them.
“Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins?” (Lamentations 3:39) For, “You our God have requited us less than our iniquities deserve;” (Ezra 9:13) “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” (Psalms 103:10) For even today, God has left a remnant chosen by grace; for “Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors, We would be like Sodom, We would be like Gomorrah.” (Isaiah 1:9) For “Your hands fashioned and made me altogether, And would You destroy me?” (Job 10:8) So death was never the will of God, but death came about because of the disobedience of sin, and reigned throughout all creation. “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.” (Psalms 130:4)
Furthermore these angels used to execute judgment will not escape the judgement of God; for God oftentimes uses ministers of evil to execute His purpose, but then destroys them. As it is pronounced against Babylon, who God used as instruments of destruction, “Thus says the LORD: "Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon And against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai The spirit of a destroyer.” (Jeremiah 51:1) And as it says of the angels in the abyss, “God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;” (2 Peter 2:4) But in regard to Israel it says, “'Therefore thus says the LORD, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the LORD of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem."' Again, proclaim, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’” (Zechariah 1:16-17)
For now, God has been gracious to us. Yes, He has inflicted us, but will He not heal? He has bruised, will He not also bandage? He breaks, will He not repair? “For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.” (Romans 11:32) “The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21) For He has broken so that He may heal; He has bruised so that He may bandage; and He has broken, to repair. He has taken into account sin, so that He may forgive us all. He has sent evil spirits, and He sends forth His Holy Spirit. He makes blind, but gives sight to the blind. He makes deaf, but He gives hearing to their ears. The LORD God does all these things; and He came down: Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God. He worked miracles, healing those who were born blind that the glory of God might be displayed in them (John 9:3). Men who died from illness were raised from their tombs because of the life of the Son of God; as He said to the dead man, "Lazarus, come forth." (John 11:43) And “The man who had died came forth.” (John 11:44) For God puts to death, as it says, “It is appointed for men to die once,” (Hebrews 9:27) but through Christ, all will be made alive; “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
For in times past God worked miracles of death to the people of Egypt, who did not believe in Him. Yes, He worked miracles of death in their midst and made His fame renown through them. But how much more now, as He works miracles of life to everyone who believes? For the Israelites were spared from the plagues and only witnessed them with their eyes. They were preserved, but Egypt was left in ruins. How much more today? For those who do not believe, they are cursed with plagues, but to those who do believe, they are blessed with life and peace with God. For when Moses put his hand in his cloak, “Behold, his hand was leprous like snow.” (Exodus 4:6) But when Christ came into the world, “A leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3) For the signs God gave to Moses were signs of death, but when Christ came into the world, His signs were life and restoration.
For when Moses took water from the Nile and poured it upon the ground, “The water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.” (Exodus 4:9) But when Christ came into the world, He turned the water into wine (John 2:1-10). And without question, if water is blood, men should fear; but here, Jesus turned the water into wine for a joyous festival. For the good news of God has come, the righteousness which is from faith to faith in the Son of God. For just as Moses’ staff became a serpent (Exodus 7:8-13), so Christ judged the serpent on that cross “That through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)
And Aaron stretched out his hand over the Nile and out came swarms of frogs which came up on all the Egyptians (Exodus 8:1-7). As a result of these plagues, it says of Pharaoh, “He hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 8:15) But without question, when Jesus performed a miraculous catch of fish, making them come up out of water by the disciple’s net, Peter fell down on his face and said, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8) “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10) So the plagues of death caused worldly sorrow in Pharaoh and the Egyptians, but the signs that Christ performed led to godly sorrow to repentance to life.
In regard to Aaron striking the dust and turning it into gnats (Exodus 8:16-32), I say that in Christ, the promise given to Abraham is made full; as stated, "I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered.” (Genesis 13:16) For we who believe in Jesus Christ are Abraham’s descendants, sons of God by the Spirit of the Son. For, “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:29) And what’s more miraculous than one man, and as good as dead, turning into a multitude of nations by the promise and fulfillment of God? And are we all not but dust? As it is written, “The LORD God formed man of dust from the ground.” (Genesis 2:7) “For I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.” (Luke 3:8)
Furthermore the livestock and the crops of the Egyptians were destroyed. Their very food was taken away from them as punishment. Their crops were stripped by locusts (Exodus 10:14-15); and their livestock died of pestilence (Exodus 9:1-7). But when Christ came into the world, those that were hungry were fed, even a great multitude, He fed them with “only five loaves and two fish.” (Matthew 14:17) Multiplying the few provisions for the great multitude and leaving with more bread than they originally had! And He was doing this on more than one occasion for those who believed in Him and followed Him. He fed them with spiritual food, bread from heaven, and fed them with provisions for the flesh.
Is there fault with the LORD? Are not His judgements just and fair? As it says, “The LORD will strike Egypt, striking but healing; so they will return to the LORD, and He will respond to them and will heal them.” (Isaiah 19:22) "For when the earth experiences Your judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9) For His wounds are so that men would “RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.” (Matthew 13:15) And He breaks so that they may come; as it says, “Fill their faces with dishonor, That they may seek Your name, O LORD. Let them be ashamed and dismayed forever, And let them be humiliated and perish, That they may know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalms 83:16-18) For when they find Him, “He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3)
And furthermore Moses threw soot from a kiln into the air and it became boils breaking out with sores on man and beast. But when Christ came into the world, He healed 10 lepers, saying to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed.” (Luke 17:14) For they came to Him and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" (Luke 17:13) And because they trusted in His mercy, they received their hope. And not without cost, for just as God sent a “darkness over the land of Egypt, even a darkness which may be felt." (Exodus 10:21) He also sent His Son into the world to be the light of the world; and just as God took the lives of the firstborn of the Egyptians, He gave His firstborn Son as a ransom for sin, even the sins of the whole world, to work life in everyone who believes.