Q1. Do you sympathize more with the Egyptians or the Israelites (or both equally) in the story of the exodus? Briefly explain your answer (about 3 sentences).
Q2. Sometimes, Exodus says that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh (4:21; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:8). Sometimes, it says that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13-14, 22-23; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34-35). Does this mean that God is responsible for Pharaoh’ stubbornness in order to make the plagues necessary, or should this language be interpreted some other way?
Q3. Is the plague of the firstborn (announced in Exodus 11:1-10 and carried out in 12:29-36) a just punishment for the crime(s) of Egypt (see Exodus 4:22)? Briefly explain your answer (in a sentence or two).