Divine Judgment and Mercy in the Second Plague

Book excerpt: Josiah Shute’s meticulous exploration of God’s intricate dance between divine justice and benevolence in the second plague of frogs upon the Egyptians is masterful. As a prominent Reformed theologian and preacher, Shute’s insights into Exodus 8:1-10 span nine compelling sermons, presenting a riveting examination of God’s interactions with his people, and their enemies. In this work, Shute reaffirms God’s righteousness, emphasizing that His judgments, while sometimes perceived as severe, always have a greater purpose. Exploring the very nature of afflictions, Shute unveils them not only as divine punishments, but instruments of God’s will, designed to address inherent pride, even within the righteous. But Shute’s discourse doesn’t end at self-reflection. He drives home the rewards of facing afflictions with a God-centered heart, echoing sentiments of biblical figures like David, emphasizing that true reconciliation and a deeper walk with God arise from rightly received trials. Josiah Shute’s “Judgment and Mercy" on Exodus 8:1-10 invites readers to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereign intentions, challenging them to see beyond the immediate pain of afflictions and embrace the divine wisdom embedded within. A theological masterpiece that promises to enrich the soul and sharpen the believer’s perspective on God’s unerring ways.