A River of Death and the River of Life
Read It Aloud: And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive (Exodus 1:22).
Ponder it Prayerfully: The definition of Pharaoh’s symbolism differs from scholar to scholar. Some say he represents the pride of flesh. Some say he represents man’s systems. Some say he represents oppression and conflict. One thing is certain: whatever Pharaoh represents, it is not good.
“Every man that is born ye shall cast into the river.” The Egyptians viewed the Nile as a god. It was their source of sustenance, their pride. It is the longest river in the world, over 6,500 kilometres long. This river was later turned to blood, destroying its life giving power. It signified life, and wisdom or doctrines from ungodly sources. It was also a source of pride and still is to this day.
“Pharaoh charged” – the decree of Pharaoh had to be honoured, because he was the ruler of Egypt, which in the Bible typifies the world and its systems. The boys were cast into the river when they were young. Why were the daughters saved alive? Because without the men, there would be no leadership in the land. Because men and women are wired differently. Male-chauvinistic as it may seem, the fact is that all one has to do to convince a woman who is not submitted to God, is appeal to her emotions and engage her in cunning conversation, as the serpent did to Eve.
What could this signify for us today? “Pharaoh” today could best be depicted by the media or other “powers” that greatly influence masses of people. The media today is trying to feminise men with its crazy doctrine. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between a man and a woman in some cases. They are trained from a young age – before they can think for themselves – to be a certain way, due to influences from the media and bad role models. By the time they are grown, many of them are effeminate or clueless and cannot provide adequate leadership. However, women, as well, are affected. The influences of this realm have the aim of confusing the youth so that they have no direction.
“Ye shall cast” – To cast is to forcefully throw. The doctrines of this realm violently attempt to push people in the wrong direction. If quiet, false philosophy does not work, violent, aggressive insistence, even though it may be sneaky, will be the next move. Constant repetition of the same theme is applied, and soon, people begin to believe it.
Compare this whole scenario with baptism, which occurs willingly, of a person’s free will, when a person is old enough to know what they are doing. Compare it with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which results in rivers of living water flowing out of a person’s belly. The Lord does things openly; the enemy tries to cause mass deception and delusion. The Lord allows us to have free will. The enemy will oppress and charge and abuse.
Be a Doer (James 1:22): There is way that seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov 16:25). Today, people want to appear wise and knowledgeable. However, most of the doctrines, closely examined, are vain philosophies, hollow and deceptive (Colossians 2:8), and do not lead anyone anywhere but to death’s door. The things of the Lord are not oppressive; they set us free to be who He has called us to be. Jesus came that we may have life. He wants to rescue us from Egypt. He wants to give us water that will be in us a well of water springing up into eternal life. Egypt covers externally, leaving a person to rot from within like a whitewashed tomb. The Lord dwells in us, and satisfies us, and the water He gives springs up from within, removing any lack.
Hide It In Your Heart (Psalm 119:11): The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Pray It Personally: Father in heaven, thank You for life! Let me not get comfortable in Egypt. Let me be like Shiphrah and Puah, who refused to let the young men die. I pray that You would fill me with this water, and that I will never again turn back to the dead, vain, deceptive things of the world.. Thank You for the truth that sets me free, in Jesus Name.
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