Too much to lose

Exodus 10

Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as we discover new insights and new perspectives from a very old book.

EXODUS 10

I’m reading Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Imagine that America’s most prominent spiritual figure keeps demanding the President of the United States do something and warns of disasters if the President refuses. Imagine that the President does refuse, and the disasters come.

There’s no appropriate parallel to Egyptian slavery, but what if the demand of the spiritual leader risks loss of a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth, and also a vital productive portion of the economy?

Putting aside if the demand is fair and just, would any President cave to such a demand? Would anyone want a President to be swayed by hocus pocus?

As I’ve said before, Pharaoh is no fool. He knows if the Hebrews leave, they’ll never come back. That’s why at first he won’t release the Hebrew women and children. When he concedes even that, he demands to keep the Hebrew livestock.

Pharaoh was obviously wrong to keep the Hebrews in slavery, but I think he knew more than anyone how much he, and Egypt, had to lose.

The more you have, the more you can’t let go.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!