Exodus 10 — Thoughts
Can we negotiate with God?
Can we negotiate with God? Pharaoh tried to.
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt, and God told Pharaoh to let them go free. When Pharaoh refused, God sent plagues against Egypt.
In response, Pharoah offers to let just the Israelite men go. Then he offers to let all the people go as long as they leave their animals behind. Essentially, he tries to make a deal with God.
God rejects both of Pharaoh's offers. But does that mean that we should never try to negotiate with God?
In Genesis, we see a similar exchange between Abraham and God. God was planning to bring fire and brimstone down on the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but Abraham wanted God to spare them.
First, Abraham asks God to spare them if 50 righteous people can be found there. And God agrees.
Then, he asks God to spare them if 45 righteous people can be found. Then 40. Then 30. Then 20. And then 10. And God agrees to each request (Genesis 18:20-33).
In the end, not even 10 God-fearing people could be found in Sodom and Gomorrah. But it wasn't for lack of an understanding between God and Abraham. Abraham, it seems, had successfully negotiated with God.
So what is the difference? Why was God willing to make a deal with Abraham but not with Pharaoh? I think it has everything to do with their hearts.
Pharaoh had a hard heart. In his pride, he didn't want to submit to what God commanded. He tried to manipulate God instead — as though the Creator of the universe could be tricked.
Abraham, on the other hand, came to God with a humble heart. In his compassion for others, he submitted mere requests to God. All the while, He knew that God would do what was right.
There's a principle in the Bible called "Law to the proud and grace to the humble," and we see it in how Jesus interacted with people. Those who were self-righteous were met with the harsh reality of their own sin. But those who came to God with humility and dependence found mercy. It's all about the state of our hearts.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." — James 4:10 (ESV)
(Originally written January 28, 2020)