Is God's Nature Unchanging Despite Plague Progression?

In this article, you will learn how Exodus 11:1 contradicts 1 Samuel 15:29, Numbers 23:19, James 1:17 and Malachi 3:6. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The story of the plagues in Egypt, as depicted in Exodus 11:1, presents a fascinating instance that prompts consideration of the divine nature and its consistency. In this verse, God informs Moses that He will send one final plague that will compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, suggesting a planned progression of actions leading up to this decisive event. However, this narrative seems to stand in contrast with other scriptural descriptions of God as unchanging.

Several verses highlight this attribute of divine immutability. For instance, 1 Samuel 15:29 emphasizes that God does not lie or change His mind. Likewise, Numbers 23:19 portrays God as steadfast and consistent. In a similar vein, James 1:17 describes God as an unchanging entity, casting every good and perfect gift without variation or shifting shadows. Finally, Malachi 3:6 unequivocally states that God does not change, underscoring His eternal constancy.

These descriptions lead to an intriguing tension when considered alongside the narrative of the plagues. The incremental and progressive nature of the plagues culminating in Exodus 11:1 implies a strategic unfolding of events—a path seemingly at odds with the notion of an immutable deity. One might wonder how a God described as unchanging can engage in a process that appears to involve adaptation and escalation.

An analogy can help illustrate this tension. Suppose you have a teacher who is known for sticking to the same lesson plan year after year, never deviating from the schedule. However, one year, this teacher gradually introduces new elements to the plan, leading to an entirely new subject being taught by the end. The change might prompt students to question whether the teacher is truly as unchanging as once thought.

This juxtaposition in scriptural narratives invites reflection on the nature of divine constancy and the intricacies of divine action within human history. Can a God who is described as unalterable also engage in transformative acts? This question remains a fertile ground for contemplation and dialogue.