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Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 9:13-35

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Lutheran Lens Reading of Exodus 9:13-35

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Exodus 9:13-35 through the Lutheran Lens as a vivid example of the Law's work in exposing the hardness of the human heart and the futility of rebellion against God. The plagues, particularly the seventh plague of hail, serve as a manifestation of God's righteous judgment, underscoring humanity's complete inability to meet God's demands. Yet, even amid this severe Law, there is a foreshadowing of the Gospel: God's continued engagement with Pharaoh points to His patience and desire for repentance, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of grace in Christ. This passage reminds us that God's judgment and mercy are intertwined, preparing us to see Christ as the one who bears the fullness of God's wrath for us.

Key Language Decisions

In the original Hebrew, words like 'harden' (כָּבֵד, kabed) and 'send' (שָׁלַח, shalach) emphasize the active role of both God and Pharaoh in the hardening of the heart, illustrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The Hebrew term for 'plague' (נֶגַע, nega) serves as a stark reminder of the physical and spiritual affliction that the Law brings. Our tradition emphasizes these nuances to underscore the Law's role in revealing sin and the need for divine intervention through the Gospel.

Where Traditions Diverge

This passage is often read differently by Reformed traditions, which may emphasize God's sovereignty in hardening Pharaoh's heart without the same focus on human inability. Roman Catholic interpretations might focus more on the moral lessons of obedience. Our tradition, however, uniquely emphasizes the Law's role in driving us to recognize our total depravity and the necessity of Christ's atoning work, avoiding any notion of human contribution to salvation.

Pastoral Application

A Lutheran Lens pastor should proclaim the severity of the Law as it is depicted in this passage, allowing it to expose the congregation's own hardness of heart. Yet, we must also point to the Gospel's promise: even amidst judgment, God's ultimate purpose is to lead us to grace through Christ. This text challenges us to see our baptismal identity in Christ, where we are declared righteous even as we continue to wrestle with the old Adam. In preaching, emphasize that just as God intervened in Egypt, He intervenes in our lives through Word and Sacrament, delivering us from sin and death.

Cross-References: Romans 9:17-18; Exodus 4:21; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 5:20; John 1:17

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

Topics & Themes

Law and Gospeltheology of the crossjustification by faith alonebondage of the willsimul justus et peccator

Scripture References

Exodus 9:13-35

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