Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 12:12 (New Living Translation)

On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!

Jehovah God is discussing the Passover plague that is coming to Egypt. The first sentence above gives the usual punishment coming against the firstborn person and animal of all the Egyptians.

Notice, as I had never until now, that Jehovah is to execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt as well. One way to read this is that the gods of Egypt actually exist. Why would Jehovah the LORD punish gods that didn’t exist? Does this mean these gods are real? Are they agents or angels of Satan?

On the other hand, is Jehovah executing judgement on those who believe in non-existent gods? Is Jehovah punishing those who believe in or worship non-existent gods?

I don’t know the answers to any of the questions I have asked above. It seems that either way or through another idea it will be bad for those who serve these Egyptian gods. Jehovah God is a jealous God who does not abide people who worship other gods.