Exodus 9:8-35 Psalm 136:23-26 Proverbs

Exodus 9:8-35:
This passage describes the sixth and seventh plagues upon Egypt. For the sixth plague, God commands Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and scatter it toward the sky in Pharaoh’s presence. It becomes fine dust over all Egypt, causing festering boils to break out on people and animals. Despite the suffering, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, and he refuses to listen.
For the seventh plague, God instructs Moses to warn Pharaoh of a severe hailstorm, unlike any that has ever fallen on Egypt. Moses tells Pharaoh to bring in livestock and servants to avoid death. Some of Pharaoh's officials heed the warning, but others do not. When Moses stretches out his staff toward the sky, the Lord sends thunder, hail, and lightning that devastate Egypt, destroying crops and killing unprotected people and animals. Only the land of Goshen, where the Israelites live, is spared. Pharaoh confesses his sin and promises to let the Israelites go, but once the storm ceases, he again hardens his heart and refuses to release them.
Psalm 136:23-26:
These verses continue to celebrate God’s enduring love and acts of deliverance. They highlight how God remembered and rescued His people in their low estate, freed them from their enemies, and provided food for all living creatures. The psalm ends with a call to give thanks to the God of heaven, reiterating that His steadfast love endures forever.
Proverbs 28:15-16:
These proverbs describe the negative impact of corrupt leadership. Verse 15 compares a wicked ruler over poor people to a roaring lion or a charging bear, emphasizing the destructive nature of such leadership. Verse 16 states that a ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates unjust gain will prolong his days, suggesting that wise and just leadership leads to stability and longevity.
Matthew 26:30-36:
After the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples sing a hymn and go to the Mount of Olives. Jesus predicts that all the disciples will fall away because of Him that night, quoting Zechariah 13:7, "I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Peter declares that even if all fall away, he never will. Jesus responds by predicting that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows. Peter insists he will never disown Jesus, and all the other disciples say the same. Jesus then takes them to Gethsemane and asks them to sit while He goes to pray.
Mark 14:26-31:
Similar to Matthew’s account, after singing a hymn, Jesus and His disciples go to the Mount of Olives. Jesus tells them that they will all fall away, citing Zechariah 13:7. Peter asserts that he will not, even if everyone else does. Jesus tells Peter that before the rooster crows twice, he will deny Him three times. Peter vehemently insists he will not, and the other disciples also express their loyalty.