Introduction
Throughout our time in the book of Exodus, I have encouraged you to view Exodus as a kind of mini-Eden, in the sense that what is happening there is a continuation of what began in the garden. It was in Eden that God first revealed his plans and purposes, including the Dominion Mandate and the command to be fruitful and multiply. That mandate is being worked out in Egypt as God causes his people to increase and multiply (Ex. 1:7).
As in Genesis, Satan—working through Pharaoh—seeks to thwart those purposes. This reminds us that a cosmic battle is unfolding. But who is caught in the middle of this conflict? I submit that the primary battleground is our children, and the text from last week’s message brings this reality into sharp focus.
Children as the Battleground
How is this theme displayed in the seventh plague? Moses is commanded to go to Pharaoh with this message:
“Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.” (Ex. 10:1–2)
The critical point in this passage is Yahweh’s declaration that these acts were performed so that his people would tell their children and grandchildren about him. In other words, God expects the children of his people to know him and to hear of his mighty works.
This expectation is not limited to Exodus. The prophet Ezekiel echoes and intensifies this truth when he condemns Israel for child sacrifice:
“You took your sons and your daughters, whom you had borne to me… You slaughtered my children and delivered them up as an offering by fire.” (Ezek. 16:20–21)
Simply put, the children belong to Yahweh. He expects them to be raised and anchored in the knowledge of who he is and what he has done. This stands in stark contrast to Pharaoh’s intentions. Pharaoh insists that the children must remain in Egypt so they will grow up to serve him (Ex. 10:8–11).
When we consider Exodus 10 within the broader narrative of Scripture, it becomes clear that children are caught up in the cosmic conflict between God and Satan. The people of God must recognize this reality.
Why Is This the Case?
Why are children such a focal point in this battle? Genesis shows Satan’s desire to frustrate God’s purposes, but Scripture gives us further insight. As we move to the close of the Old Covenant and the prophecy of Malachi, we see more of God’s design for children. Rebuking men for their unfaithfulness to their wives, Malachi writes:
“Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring.” (Mal. 2:15)
This verse reveals that God designed marriage as a covenantal union that, by the Spirit, is meant to produce godly offspring. Through the children of his people, God perpetuates the display of his glory and goodness from generation to generation.
Satan, by contrast, seeks to corrupt and obscure that glory. Gaining influence over the next generation serves his purposes well. The question, then, is how God’s people should respond in light of this reality.
How Shall We Respond?
The first step is simply to recognize and acknowledge that this battle exists. Without that awareness, we cannot respond wisely.
Second, once we acknowledge this reality, it should shape our decisions in significant areas of life, including how we educate and disciple our children.
Third, active participation in a covenant community—a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church—is indispensable. The church provides support, accountability, and shared responsibility in raising the next generation.
Finally, and most importantly, this reality should drive us to prayer. We must continually seek God’s grace and mercy for ourselves and for our children.
Conclusion
As we consider this reality, we see it being played out in the life of Jesus, for he was the target of Herod’s (Satan’s proxy) attempts to destroy him, efforts that resulted in the death of many other children (Matt. 2:16, Rev. 12:1-6). And the battle rages on and our current climate and what is promoted is testimony to that reality. Yet in the end, God has triumphed—and will fully triumph—through his Son.
Therefore, we need not live in fear. Instead, we are called to faithfulness. May we devote ourselves to God’s purposes as we raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, trusting him to produce godly offspring from our sons and daughters, for his glory and honor.