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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 10:1-20

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Lutheran Lens Reading of Exodus 10:1-20

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read this passage of Exodus 10:1-20 as a profound demonstration of the Law in its full severity, revealing the hardness of the human heart apart from God’s intervention. The plagues, and specifically the plague of locusts, serve as a vivid testament to the consequences of sin and the stubbornness of Pharaoh, which mirrors our own rebellious nature. As Lutherans, we see in this the Law's function to expose human inability and drive us to despair of our own efforts to fulfill God's demands. Yet, even in this darkness, we recognize the shadow of the Gospel, pointing to Christ who ultimately delivers us from the bondage of sin, just as Yahweh promised deliverance to Israel.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew term for 'hardened' (כָּבֵד, kaved) is significant, as it carries the connotation of being heavy or burdensome, reflecting the weight of sin on the human heart. This aligns with our understanding of the Law as exposing the burdensome nature of sin and the human condition. The term 'signs' (אוֹת, ot) in verse 1 highlights the miraculous acts as both judgment and a foreshadowing of the ultimate sign of Christ's victory on the cross.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our Lutheran reading sharply contrasts with Calvinist interpretations which often emphasize God's sovereign decree in a deterministic sense, as seen in Pharaoh's hardening. We emphasize instead the mystery of God's will allowing human rebellion to highlight the necessity of grace. Unlike some Arminian perspectives, we do not see Pharaoh's heart changing as a result of human decision but as a testament to the total depravity necessitating divine intervention.

Pastoral Application

A Lutheran Lens pastor should emphasize the Law's relentless exposure of sin and the futility of human effort to achieve righteousness. Preach the necessity of God's intervention in Christ, who frees us from the bondage illustrated by Pharaoh's stubbornness. The congregation should hear that our inability to soften our own hearts is met with the Gospel's promise of a new heart through faith in Christ. Highlight the sacramental reality that, just as God acted decisively to deliver Israel, He acts in Baptism and the Lord's Supper to deliver us from sin and death, grounding our assurance in the means of grace.

Cross-References: Romans 9:17-18; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11; Hebrews 3:7-19; John 12:37-40; Ezekiel 36:26-27

Doctrinal Connections: Law and Gospel; simul justus et peccator; bondage of the will; theology of the cross; justification by faith alone; original sin

Topics & Themes

Law and Gospelsimul justus et peccatorbondage of the willtheology of the crossjustification by faith alone

Scripture References

Exodus 10:1-20

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