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The Ten Plagues of Egypt – Viral Believer
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The Ten Plagues of Egypt

Today, we’ll be diving deep into one of the most powerful displays of God’s might and sovereignty found within the pages of the Holy Bible—the Ten Plagues of Egypt.

As we immerse ourselves in this incredible narrative found in the book of Exodus, we’ll witness not only the unfathomable power and authority of our Almighty God, but also His unwavering love towards His people and His divine plan for their redemption.

Allow me to take you on a journey through the land of Egypt during the time when the Israelites were bound in the heavy chains of slavery, as our loving Father steps in to bring deliverance to His afflicted children.

Our story unfolds in the midst of severe oppression and injustice, yet through a series of ten catastrophic plagues, the Lord reveals His unmatched dominion over all creation and ultimately fulfills His promise to His people:

“I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments” (Exodus 6:6, NKJV).

Join me, dear friends, as we uncover rich treasures of truth and wisdom in this awe-inspiring account of God’s boundless love and unshakable faithfulness. Together, we will stand amazed at the infinite depths of His grace and the irresistible force of His transformative power.

May we be continually reminded of our Elohim’s unfailing love for every believer and renewed in our faith every step of the way as God works in a myriad of ways to bring deliverance and redemption to His beloved children.

I. Divine Omens: the Origins of the Ten Plagues

The story of the Ten Plagues is a powerful reminder of how God’s awesome power and love overcomes the forces of evil. The plagues were not merely acts of judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians, they also served as divine omens pointing to God’s ultimate plan of redemption for His chosen people, Israel.

In Exodus 7-12, the Bible recounts the ten devastating plagues that struck Egypt as a result of Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to release the Israelites from bondage. Each plague served a distinct purpose, and revealed God’s supremacy over the false gods and deities of the Egyptians. Some examples include:

  • The Plague of Blood (Exodus 7:14-24) – showcasing God’s power over the Nile River, the life source of Egypt and a symbol of their chief god, Hapi.
  • The Plague of Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15) – a direct challenge to the Egyptian frog goddess, Heket, who was believed to control fertility and life.
  • The Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21-23) – a defiance of the sun god, Ra, and his ability to bestow light and warmth on the earth.

Through these plagues, God demonstrated that He alone is the one true God, and that all of the other gods worshipped by the Egyptians were powerless and false.

As each plague struck Egypt, the Israelites were divinely protected and spared from its effects. This formed a stark contrast between the suffering of the Egyptians and the favor shown to God’s chosen people, making it clear that the Lord was fighting on their behalf (Exodus 8:22-23).

The devastating impact of the plagues ultimately led to Pharaoh’s submission and the Israelites’ release from captivity, paving the way for their journey towards the Promised Land.

In the midst of darkness, chaos, and destruction, the story of the Ten Plagues also contains a message of hope and divine guidance. As believers, we can trust in God’s perfect timing and His faithfulness to deliver us from the grip of the enemy, just as He delivered Israel from the hands of the Egyptians.

II. River of Blood: Unraveling Egypt’s First Plague

In the time when God’s chosen people were captive in the land of Egypt, the Lord performed ten plagues to show His power and deliver them from their bondage. The first plague, described in Exodus 7:14-25, was a powerful miracle that turned the Nile river into blood.

The mighty Nile, so vital to Egyptian life and worship, was transformed into a river of death, filled with dead fish and undrinkable water.

Let’s pause for a moment to consider the significance of the first plague. The Egyptians worshiped the Nile as a god, giving them sustenance and life.

The Lord, by transforming the river into blood, demonstrated that the gods of Egypt were nothing compared to His sovereign power. For seven days, the people of Egypt were forced to dig around the Nile to find drinkable water (Exodus 7:24), a potent reminder that their gods could not provide for their needs.

The first plague also served as a symbol of redemption and deliverance for the Israelites. The blood of the Nile foreshadowed the blood of the Paschal Lamb, which would be used later in the tenth plague to protect the Israelite firstborn from the angel of death.

As water often symbolizes life in scripture, the transformation of the Nile into blood showed God’s control over life and death. By His mercy, He chose to save the Israelite nation, despite the sins of Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Reflecting on the events in Exodus 7, we are reminded of God’s power, His sovereignty, and His love for His chosen people. We can take comfort in knowing that:

  • Even in the face of seemingly unbeatable obstacles, our God is in control and will ultimately bring about His will.
  • God can use the circumstances in our lives to reveal His power and glory, even to those who don’t believe in Him.
  • Just as the Lord chose to redeem and rescue His people from Egypt, He continues to love and protect us today, delivering us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ.

As the story of the first plague teaches us, let your faith be strengthened knowing that the power of our Lord is greater than any other god or obstacle in this world. May the knowledge of His love and deliverance bring you courage and hope for your daily walk with Christ.

III. Frogs, Lice, and Flies: The Lighthearted Side of Divine Punishment

When we examine the plagues brought upon the Egyptians as recorded in the book of Exodus, we discover that, among the tragedies and devastation, we find a lighter side in the plagues of frogs, lice, and flies.

God displayed His power and sovereignty over the false gods of Egypt, while gently nudging the hearts of the Egyptians to turn from their idolatry and trust in Him. In the midst of these judgments, the Lord even provided a hint of humor, a grace note in the solemn symphony of divine wrath.

Let’s first consider the second plague, the plague of frogs (Exodus 8:1-15). God instructed Moses to tell Aaron to stretch his hand over the waters of Egypt and bring forth an army of frogs.

Picture the scene: these amphibious creatures went out in droves, invading Egyptian homes, beds, kitchens, and even the Pharaoh’s palace. The Bible tells us that “The frog shall come up on you, your people, and on all your officials” (Exodus 8:4 NKJV).

Can you imagine the chaos that must have engulfed the Egyptians as they tried to avoid stepping on a multitude of frogs? Despite the annoyance and inconvenience, one can’t help but smile at the thought.

Next, we have the third plague, the plague of lice (Exodus 8:16-19). This time, God sent Aaron to strike the dust of the land with his rod, which instantly turned into swarms of lice that infested both man and beast.

The Egyptian magicians tried to replicate this miracle to no avail, admitting, “This is the finger of God!” (Exodus 8:19 NKJV). The Egyptians were literally itching for relief from this unique form of divine persuasion, which probably had them scratching their heads in more ways than one.

Finally, the fourth plague, the plague of flies (Exodus 8:20-32), added to the lighter side of divine punishment. Imagine how hard it must have been to swat away countless flies buzzing around you constantly.

This must have been a major inconvenience; yet it also carries a touch of humor, reminding us that God’s judgments can come in seemingly harmless and unexpected forms.

These plagues – frogs, lice, and flies – remind us that in the midst of great turmoil, God’s sense of humor and grace shine through. The Lord, who is righteous in judgment, also extends mercy and offers hope to those who turn to Him.

These lighthearted forms of divine punishment may have brought discomfort, yet they also demonstrate that God does not always display His power in overwhelming, catastrophic ways. He’s there, even in the small annoying moments, to lovingly direct our hearts towards repentance and faith.

IV. The Desolation of Cattle and Boils: Unmasking Egypt’s Hidden Sufferings

Throughout our study of the book of Exodus, we have witnessed the consequences of disobeying God and putting our faith in false gods and idols.

In this section, we will delve into the devastating plagues brought upon the people and the land of Egypt as a result of Pharaoh’s stubbornness and his refusal to submit to the will of the one true God.

The Desolation of Cattle – Exodus 9:1-7

The fifth plague, the desolation of cattle, is a bold declaration by God that He has dominion over all living beings. As we read in Exodus 9:3, “Behold, the hand of the Lord will be on your cattle in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep—a very severe pestilence.”

Not only did the death of the cattle carry an economic impact, but it had a personal element as well, as many in ancient Egypt worshipped animals as gods.

In stark contrast, God demonstrates His power and mercy by sparing the cattle of the Israelites: “And the Lord will make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt. So nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel” (Exodus 9:4).

Even in the midst of devastation, God’s protection and love for His people are evident.

The Plague of Boils – Exodus 9:8-12

The sixth plague is one that directly affects the bodies of the Egyptians, bringing painful boils upon their flesh. This horrendous affliction exposes the hidden suffering of a nation that defies the Lord. As we read in Exodus 9:10-11,

“And they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses scattered them toward heaven. And they caused boils that break out in sores on man and beast. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians.”

This plague was truly a humbling act, as it not only afflicted the common folk but also hindered the magicians, who were considered masters of spiritual power in Egyptian society. Yet, they too fell victim to one of God’s plagues, demonstrating His supreme authority over all creation.

In conclusion, these devastating plagues serve as examples of the consequences of disobedience and reliance on false idols.

We are reminded that the one true God is sovereign over all creation, and submission to His word and authority will always remain our path to redemption and eternal life. Let us learn from the experience of the Egyptian people and remain faithful and trusting in our Almighty God.

V. Hail, Locusts, Darkness: The Crescendo of Heavenly Retribution

The plagues that God sent upon Egypt through Moses and Aaron were a powerful display of His mighty hand, and a demonstration of His love for His chosen people, the Israelites.

Three of the most incredible plagues sent by God were hail, locusts, and darkness, each one a crescendo of judgment on the hardened heart of Pharaoh.

As we dive into the tenth chapter of Exodus, we see the description of a severe hailstorm – unlike anything Egypt had ever seen before.

In fact, the Lord Himself said, “Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause very heavy hail to rain down, such as has not been in Egypt since its founding until now” (Exodus 9:18). Let us consider these remarkable features of the hailstorm:

  • Fire mingled with the hail (Exodus 9:24) – This unique combination of elements added a layer of supernatural intensity to the hailstorm, clearly illustrating that this was a judgment from the Almighty.
  • The thunder and hail affected both man and beast (Exodus 9:25) – This devastating judgment affected all who were outdoors, from humans to livestock, further demonstrating God’s sovereignty and power.
  • Unprecedented devastation (Exodus 9:25) – The intensity of the hailstorm destroyed crops, broke trees, and exemplified a destruction never before seen in Egypt.

Following the hail, another plague was sent to afflict Egypt, this time in the form of locusts. The Lord declared, “For tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory. And they shall fill your houses, the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians” (Exodus 10:4-6).

This massive swarm of locusts devoured whatever crops the hailstorm had spared, leaving Egypt in an even more dire situation.

The final crescendo of heavenly retribution came in the form of palpable and paralyzing darkness. The description of this supernatural darkness in Exodus 10:22-23 showcases God’s power and dominion even over light:

So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.”

Through these divine plagues of hail, locusts, and darkness, the Lord demonstrated His power and deep love for His people, the Israelites.

As we meditate on these events and their implications, let us be reminded of God’s unwavering care for His children, and His ability to protect and deliver His chosen people from the hands of oppressors.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the ten plagues of Egypt. While they were tragic for the Egyptians, they led to freedom for the Israelites, and their story inspires us today. We hope that you’ve learned a bit more about this important part of history, and may God continue to bless us all on our own paths of discovery!

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.