The Bible. Are you intimidated at the thought of reading such a complicated book? Do you find it

daunting or delightful or both? Welcome to the club. The Bible book club where we read every word

of this great book and then study it together.

When last we left off in chapters 9 and 10 on the Bible book club, there was a shift in God's

attitude. The plague of the hail and the locusts had an intensity. And there was a finality that signaled also that the end was near for Egypt. The time has come for the world to know the one true God. That's why God was doing these plagues to begin with to make the end clear. And God hardened Pharaoh's heart. But not before Pharaoh had plenty of opportunities to let the

Israelites go on his own, but he didn't. He didn't. He didn't. Okay, so here's the setup for this

week. In these final two rounds of the fight between Moses and Pharaoh, a fascinating thing is happening. While one opponent shrinks

and kind of withers with each round, the other is growing. Moses is gaining steam. And like a locomotive

with a deadline to meet, he doesn't have time to waste with Pharaoh anymore. It's almost like he's

over the plagues and he's thinking of what he has to do after. Like, I'm done with this project. I've got to work and go on to the next project. So look at that and think about it, how God switched that up for them. All right, the next plague is round nine and it is the plague of darkness. Continuing in chapter 10, verse 21, then the Lord said to Moses,

stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt, darkness that can

be felt. So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all

Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or move about for three days,

yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived. Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and

said, go worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you, only leave your flocks and

herds behind.

But Moses said, you must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God.

Our livestock, too, must go with us.

Not a hoof is to be left behind.

We have to use some of them in worshiping the Lord, our God.

And until we get there, we will not know

what we are to use to worship the Lord. But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart. And he was not willing to let

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