Pi-Hachirot means mouth of freedom. Becareful what you want in your heart as God may grant it. 

Rev 16:16  Gk. Harmageon, mount of Megiddo on the south side of the valley of Megiddo or Esdraelon southwest of Mount Carmel (2 Chron 35:22; Zech 12:11).  Megiddo was the capital of a protion of Canaan that was given to Joshua (Josh 12:21; 17:11; 1:27). It is at the entrance to a pass across the Carmel mountain range, on the main highway between Asia and Africa and is the key position between Euphrates and the Nile. Thothmes III, the founder of the old Egyptian Empire, said, “Megiddo is worth a thousand cities”.

Babylon’s triumphant invasion (vv 13-26). Historians tell us that this occurred in 568-67 BC, and fulfilled not only this prophecy but also what Jeremiah had described earlier (43:8-13). Again, the Egyptian army stood fast as the Babylonians swept on them. The Babylonian soldiers called Pharoah Necho a ‘big noise’. Nebuchadnezzar when he appeared on the horizon he looked like a huge mountain (v 18).

Look at the graphic symbology and images Jeremiah used. Egypt was like a heifer (v 20). The mercenaries in Pharaoh’s army were like fatted calves that stampeded (v 21), and the Egyptian soldiers fled like hissing serpents (v 22) and fell before the Babylonians like trees before woodcutters (v 23). Egypt was like a young woman being violated and unable to escape (v 24).

The defeat of Egypt was the defeat of Egypt’s gods (v 25). This didn’t mean that the gods of Babylon were stronger than the gods of Egypt. It meant that Yehovah was stronger than the many other gods. God also decreed that Egypt would be restored (v 26), a promise He also gave Moab (Jer 48:47), Ammon (Jer 49:6) and Elam (Jer 49:39).

Israel’s assured future (vv 27-28). God promised that the exiles would be released from Babylon in 70 years.

Twice the Lord said, “Don’t be afraid”. God always gives His people the light of His promises. (2 Pet 1:19-21).

Extra Notes

Jer 46:14 Migdol = “tower” a fortified city on the Egyptian border.

Nof = “presentability” another name for ‘Memphis’ the capital city of Egypt.

Tachpanches = “thou will fill hands with pity” a city in Egypt; modern ‘Tel Defenneh’ or ‘Tel Defneh’ located approx 18 miles (29 km) east southeast from Tanis.

Jer 46:18 Tavor = “mound” a mountain in the plain of Esdraelon rising abruptly and insulated, except for a narrow ridge on the west connecting it to the hills of Nazareth.

Karmel = “garden-land” a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa. Also a town in the mountains on the west side of the Dead Sea and south of Hebron.

Jer 46:25; 49:6 Ammon = “tribal” land east of Jordan and north-east of Moab, between Arnon and Jabbok.

Jer 46:25 No = “disrupting” the ancient capital of Egypt; also ‘Thebes’.

Nebuchadrezzar = “may Nebo protect the crown”

Bavel or Babylon = “confusion (by mixing)” (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates.

Jer 48:47 Moab = “of his father” A son of Lot by his oldest daughter.

Jer 46:25; 49:6 Ammon = “tribal” land east of Jordan and north-east of Moab, between Arnon and Jabbok.

Jer 49:39 Elam = “eternity”

The notes below are from a point of view, it is not the intention to cause anyone offense. It is suggested to do your own research, have a teachable spirit and listen to what the Lord is saying to you currently, through these study notes. Bible references may differ slightly. Paraphrasing what the writer this week has specified, may not be conclusive. Please note: Not all scripture verses have been stated for each example. All of God’s words are living. Each scriptural example may not be in context, of where stated in the bible, but used as a supportive element to help the reader establish a better understanding of what is trying to be discussed. Please note: weekly notes may not be available due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the intention of the writer to be led when notes shall be given. Thank you for your patience in reading.

Exodus 10:1-13:16

Invasion (vv 12-15). God had seen Pharaoh’s blasphemy and disobedience. An east wind blew all day and night. It brought vast swarms of locusts into the land, and they began to devour all the vegetation that had survived the previous plague (9:32).

The Israelites used the locust swarm to describe anything that quickly invaded and devasted the land. (Judg 6:5; 7:12; Isa 33:4; Jer 46:23; 51:14, 27). The prophet Joel compared the locusts to an invading army (Joel 1-2), also see Amos 7:1-3. Here we see destruction but not completely destroying.

Intercession (vv 16-19). The locusts were invading homes as well as the fields (v 6). In destroying the vegetation, it effected the economy. The Egyptian god Osiris, the god of fertility and crops couldn’t stop the calamity.

Once again Pharaoh sought relief but with no repentance. God proved His greatness by reversing the winds and carrying all the locusts into the Red Sea.

Threatening (Ex 10:21-29). The darkness over the land for three days proved that Yehovah was greater than Ra (or Re) and Horus, both of whom the Egyptians revered as sun gods. There was light in Goshen, and the light would go with the Israelites as they left Egypt (14:19-20). People of the world walk in darkness, but the people of the one true God, walk in the light (John 3:19-21; John 1:5-10).

Pharaoh’s plan was to confiscate all the livestock to replace all their livestock to replace what he had lost in the plagues and then send his army to bring the Hebrews back to Egyptian slavery. Proud people don’t like to be outwitted by those who they consider inferior. Control, coercion and manipulation didn’t work for Pharaoh so now he used his authority to intimidate Moshe. He threatened to kill him.

Hardening of the heart is a warning to all. If the heart doesn’t respond by faith to God’s word it cannot be transformed by the grace of God (Ezek 36:26-27; Heb 8:7-13). Some people unfortunately curse others and God. They continue in sinful attitude and not repent, hence bringing further destruction to their souls and further distancing themselves from God and not fulfilling their purpose in life. Rev 6-16 outlines impending warnings for the world to come, because of disobedience.

You will know them by their fruit. (Mt 7:18). Pharoah wasn’t revealing good fruit. His bad fruit and consequences infiltrated rapidly over people and the land.

Today if you hear the voice of God, do not harden your heart. (Heb 3:7).

Another plague (Ex 11:1-13:16). The king of terrors was about to be revealed, death. (Job 18:14; 1 Cor 15:26). The last enemy was about to visit. A great cry came over Egypt, all the first born sons and all the firstborn of livestock in Egypt would die. (Ex 11:6; 12:30). This highlights that not all the cattle etc died, only those not sheltered from the hail in the open fields. Man and livestock in Goshen again would be spared.

A band of destroying angels as quoted in Ps 78:49, would be unleashed over Egypt. Messengers of death loomed. When Pharaoh drove the people out of the land he was actually fulfilling God’s promise given before the plagues began (6:1; 12:31-32, 39).

Moshe heard God’s word (Ex 11:1-3). Note: Ex 11:2 Is a command. That payment was for years of outstanding debt, unpaid wages as slaves. God had promised Abrahams’ descendants that they would leave Egypt with great substance. (Gen 15:14), and He repeated that promise to Moshe (Ex 3:21-22). The Egyptians seemed to give freely their wealth (12:36-37). Here again we see a characteristic that Moshe still had to overcome. He had great strengths’ but he also had weaknesses. He had this shortfall in front of the Egyptians and Israelites. That characteristic mentioned here is anger.

When we display ourselves, either in private or public, it should illuminate the presence of God’s nature and His character. Moshe was not permitted to enter the promised land, even though he could see it, because he didn’t display the correct character of God in front of His people. A cautionary warning for all.

Moshe’s final address to Pharaoh (Ex 11:4-10). Pharoah rejected it just as he did the other warnings. Pharaoh had no reverential fear or respect of God in his heart. Rejected God and His word.

In Egypt the first born were regarded as sacred. God calls Israel His firstborn son (Ex 4:22; Jer 31:9; Hosea 11:1). Moshe warned Pharaoh at the beginning of their conflict, the way he treated God’s firstborn would determine how Egypt’s firstborn would be treated.

There is an interesting parallel and a fundamental law of life throughout scripture. The Hebrew babies were drowned, some left outside to die. Pharaoh’s army drowned (Ex 14:26-31; 15:4-5). Jacob lied to his father Isaac (Gen 27:15-17), and years later his sons lied to him (37:31-35). David committed adultery and had the woman’s husband murdered (2 Sam 11), and David’s daughter was humiliated and two of his sons were murdered (2 Sam 13; 18). Haman built gallows on which to hang Mordecai, but Haman was hung/impaled there. (Es 7:7-10)

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal 6:7). Yeshua reiterates, we have to keep short accounts (Mt 18:15). It is wisdom not to accumulate bitterness, guilt, resentment, and shame. But, be reconciled back to God, settling differences quickly, not letting ourselves be distracted by focusing on wrong opinions. Rom 12:18 suggests that we should, ”Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone”. This section attempts to highlight our heart priorities.

In experiencing our second birth, a spiritual birth (Jn 1:12-13; 3:1-18) we receive God’s divine nature and are accepted (2 Pet 1:1-4; Gal 4:6; Rom 8:9).

Pharaoh’s officials humbled themselves before Moshe (Ex 3; 8). This submissive act is described in Prov 16:18, where is says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirt before a fall”.

Passover and the Israelites (Ex 12:1-28, 43-51). Passover marked a new beginning. When the Lord liberates you from bondage it is a new beginning. Passover marked the beginning of the religious year, and at Passover, the focus is on the lamb. The question is answered by John the Baptizer when he pointed to Yeshua and said, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29)”. When we follow Yeshua and His ways we are walking in step with God.

The lamb was chosen and examined (vv 1-6). On the 10th day of the month and watched carefully for 4 days to make sure it met the divine specifications; Yeshua met the requirements. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mt 3:17).

During Yeshua’s various trials and interrogations, even though they were illegally timed and placed, he was repeatedly questioned and passed every test. Yeshua knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Jn 3:5). It is important to see the wholeness of the lamb. John 6:51 compares our spiritual communion with Messiah. Feeding on His word (6:63). Peter also expressed it in (vv66-68).

Along with the roasted lamb, the Israelites ate bitter herbs and unleavened bread (Ex 12:14-20, 39; 13:3-7). Tasting the bitter herbs would be a reminder of the bitter bondage. When circumstances became difficult in their wilderness experience, the people wanted to return to Egypt (16:3; 17:1-3; Num 11:1-9; 14:1-5). The bitterness of servitude was compelling. They hadn’t learned to walk in their freedom.

The unleavened bread (without yeast), is an indication that there wasn’t enough time for the bread to rise (Ex 12:30), and leaven was a symbol of impurity. For a week after Passover, they were required to eat unleavened bread and to remove every trace of leaven from their dwellings.

Yeast is an image of sin. It’s hidden, its consequences can be silent, but secretly spreads and pollutes; and it causes dough to rise. The Hebrew word for sin is defined as one who misses hitting the mark (bulls eye) when shooting an arrow. It is not an archery term. The Hebrew word for Torah is defined as one who hits the mark (bulls eye) when shooting an arrow, obtained by aiming correctly. Harmartia, meaning is to have no part in, to miss the mark, a forteiture because you did not hit the target.

The Hebrew words “cheit” mean to miss the mark and “hata” meaning mistake/error which were translated to sin.

Puffed up (1 Cor 4:18-5:2), both Yeshua and Paul compared false teaching to yeast (Mt 16:6-12; Mk 8:15; Gal 5:1-9). It is also compared to hypocrisy (Lk 12:1) and sinful living (1 Cor 5:6-8).

The lamb in similar way couldn’t be hoarded from day to day, except for the day before the Shabbat (Ex 16:14-22).

Eating as families and community. (vv 25-28; 13:8-10). If we are not fed, we can’t be delivered. It was the same for those leaving Egypt. Not only was the Passover supper an ordinance to be obeyed (Ex 12:14, 17, 24, 43), but it was also a memorial to be celebrated. It teaches the opportunity the meaning of freedom and what God had done for them. Moshe said that Passover was to be “like a sign” (Ex 13:9).

Later God forbid the Israelites from joining with their neighbors in ANE in their religious ceremonies, for they were be a separate people (Dt 7:1-11).

The Lord calls it “The Lords Passover (vv 11, 27; Lev 23:5; Num 28:16). The feast was to be kept (Ex 12:48; Num 9:10, 14). At least 17 “the Lord” is mentioned, because He was the one in charge – overseeing all that was happening.

Mixed multitude left (Ex 12:37). The Israelites and some Egyptians traveled from Ra’amses (“child of the sun”) to Sukkot (“booths”) in full view of those who were burying their dead (Num 33:3-4).

“Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven”. (Mt 7:21). Great multitudes also followed Yeshua during his earthly ministry (Mt 13:1-9, 18:23; Lk 14:25-35; Jn 6:60-71).

Passover and the firstborn (Ex 13:1-16). This section explains the significance of God’s grace and power. Because of God’s mighty acts of protection and redeeming His people and saving the firstborn of humans and livestock from death (12:12-13), all firstborn belonged to God. They were sanctified, that is set apart for God’s exclusive possession. There is also the added responsibility that has to carried also for the firstborn.

Passover and Moshe (Heb 11:27-29). Moshe eventually conquered his fear and accomplished by faith what God had sent him to do. Sometimes our weakness can be our greatest strengths, and vice versa. The enemy will attack both, we might contemplate do we have the faith to stand. Moshe with the help of Aharon, led people out of Egypt, a might feat.

Faith simply means that we rely on God and obey His word, regardless of feelings, circumstances, or consequences. No matter what our circumstances may be, we can trust God to bring us out and take us through.

Extra Notes:

Ex 10:2 is the 18th prophecy in Exodus.

Ex 10:4 This plague was directed against the god Serapis, who was supposed to protect the land against locusts.

Locusts: Heb. arbeh ארבה The common locust is said to multiply faster that almost anything else in creation. The most numerous armies of men are compared to locusts (Judg 6:5; 7:12; Ps 105:34; Jer 46:23; 51:14; Joel 1:4; Nah 3:15). The consequences are destructive. As they are eating, the noise they make can be heard at a great distance. Ps 48:46 speaks of this plague as mentioned in Exodus.

Firstborn: Heb. בכור bᵉkowr

A wise person told me:

In all aspects of the purpose of life, we endeavor to understand the direction for that purpose. We face mountains daily. Firstly, we have to recognise the mountain. Each will be different for each individual. Pharaoh was a mountain of hard heartedness.