The 10 plagues in the bible don’t seem to get much attention from Christians today. If they do they are seem to be nothing but fables.
It’s important to understand the scriptures stories as factual events, as this has a great bearing on how faithful we are. It is also true!
Here I am going to go over the ten plagues that the Egyptians hand to endure because of Pharaoh’s reluctance to let Israel (The Most High’s chosen people) go.
So lets begin with the topic here i.e. e Ten plagues, we can start with YHWH’s instruction to Moses:
Exodus 7:15-16
15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning…
16 And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness.
So here we see the Most High telling Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let Israel go.
Why Did God Send The Ten Plagues?
This happens after the Most High sees the hard bondage that Israel had been put under. This was prophesied previously in scriptures.
The prophesy was that Israel would be in bondage for 400 years. This prophesy was given to Abram, before his name was changed to Abraham.
Genesis 15:12-14
12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
We can see that Israel were in bondage for 430 years before they left Egypt.
As we know Abraham was the father of many nations. But by a simple process of elimination we know that Israel is being spoken of here, why?
Because Israel are the only nation mentioned after this prophecy in Genesis, who leave Israel after 430 years (Exodus 12:41).
The scriptures also tell us who the seed of Abraham would be i.e. the Israelite’s through Isaac and Jacob (Israel, who’s name was changed).
Genesis 21:12
12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Here we’re told that Isaac not Ishmael is the seed, so there’s no confusion.
They also leave with all their possessions and Pharaoh who afflicted them is judged.
This happens by way of the 10 plagues you’re about to read…
Exodus 12:40-41
40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.
The above scriptures conclude the prophecy of Israel being in Bondage 400 years (Genesis 15:13).
Now let’s look at the 10 plagues:
1. Water To Blood
The first plague we see that is put upon the Egyptians is the turning of there waters to blood killing all the fish, which meant that they could not drink from it. And as you could imagine it had a stink to it as well.
It was so bad the the Egyptians had to dig for water, which should make you think? The waters were actually contaminated for more than just one day, it was 7 days to be exact, with no water:
Exodus 7:17, 18, 25
17 Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.
18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.
25 And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord had smitten the river.
Although Pharaoh saw this plague his heart was still hardened because he had magicians that could do the same thing.
Exodus 7:22
22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
The fact that the Egyptian Magicians performed the same plagues is evidence to anyone that thinks a sign or wonder is only performed by the Most High. They are not!
This is more reason to keep the commandments of the Most High, over looking for miracles and signs.
2. Frogs
The second plague are frogs, doesn’t sound like much. But, imagine a whole lot of frogs jumping and invading every part of your home even the oven.
Exodus 8:2-3
2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
3 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs:
Note: Again the Egyptian magicians brought up frogs as well.
Exodus 8:7
7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
But one thing did change though, this time Pharaoh asked Moses to ask the Most High, to get rid of the frogs.
Then he promised he would let Israel go, which later turns out to be a lie.
Exodus 8:8
8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.
3. Plague of Lice
The third plague is the turning of dust in to lice.
Exodus 8:16
16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
The Egyptian Magicians did the same
4. Flies
The fourth plague was a swarm of flies, what is distinct about this plague is that the Most High made the flies avoid the Israelite’s in Goshen (which is a part of Egypt).
Exodus 8:21-23
21 Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.
22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth.
23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.
What should become clear is that the Most High, can determine who plagues effect. It’s great to know if you’re a believer you can rest assured you are covered, in specific situations.
After this overwhelming experience of the flies Pharaoh again seemed ready to let Israel go.
But only because his land was contaminated, although, again he didn’t follow through.
5. Dead Livestock (cattle)
The fifth plague was the killing of the Egyptians live stock.
Here again the Most High makes a distinction between, the Israelite’s and Egyptian Livestock.
Exodus 9:3-4
3 Behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
4 And the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel.
Unfortunately for Israel, the fact that Israel’s cattle did not die enraged Pharaoh and hardened his heart further.
6. Boils on the Egyptians
The sixth plague was the plague of boils, which effected the cattle and Egyptians.
Exodus 9:8-9
8 And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
9 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.
Moses was told to take a handful of ashes and sprinkle it into the air in-front of Pharaoh. This would then activate this sixth plague which effected the Egyptian people with boils as well as their animals.
The powerful thing about this plague is that it affected the Egyptians Magicians also, so they could not do the same.
7. Thunder Hail and fire
The seventh plague is that of pestilence (meaning something harmful and or destructive). The Most High also declares that these plagues, would act as sign.
So that YHWH’s name is declared throughout the whole earth.
It is evident that YHWH’s name has been declared because I am writing about this event, some 4000 plus years later.
There are also bibles found in multiple languages, which document the events I’m explaining to the world.
In this case it rained down hail mingled with fire, which had never been witnessed before. The hail would was so strong that it killed anybody caught in it.
Exodus 9:23-26
23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the Lord rained hail upon the land of Egypt.
24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.
25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.
26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.
Today this seems like such a horrific thing as people now make no differences between right and wrong.
In reality this is justified as the Most High made it happen, because of the injustice and bondage Pharoah put on Israel.
Those that are against these plagues, ironically are the same people that support governments. The same ones who unjustly went into other peoples country to take their wealth and exploited and exploit their labour.
What should be noted is that the Most High, gave the the Egyptians who had believing hearts the chance to avoid being killed.
This was done by giving by telling them when it would take place, so they could be in their houses at that time.
Exodus 9:20
20 He that feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:
Israel were also not effected by the hail of fire.
After this plague Pharaoh confessed his rebelliousness (sinned), and asks Moses to stop the hail coming down.
Moses agreed, but this time let Pharaoh know, that he knows he still will not let Israel go.
Exodus 9:27-30
27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
28 Intreat the Lord (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the Lord’s.
30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the Lord God.
8. Locusts
The eight plague were the Locust. The locust were sent to eat the produce.
Exodus 10:4-7
4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
6 And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.
7 And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
It is clear by now that Egypt is in ruins, after hail stones of fire and the other plagues.
By now even Pharaoh’s servants are fed up with pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelite’s go.
Now Pharaoh begins real talks with Moses asking him, which of the people he wants to take.
When Moses says everyone, Pharaoh says no, and only agrees to letting the men go to serve the Most High.
The result of this is that the Most High tells Moses to cause the locust to eat the herbs of the land. Which is the worst infestation of locusts ever recorded.
Exodus 10:14
14 And the locust went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
Pharaoh again claims he has sinned then goes back on his word.
9. Darkness
The ninth plague is darkness in the land of Egypt. This doesn’t sound that bad, because at face value you would think that the Egyptians could just light a lamp.
But when we read into it the the Most High describes this as a darkness that can be felt.
Meaning that the Egyptians would be in complete darkness for three days.
Exodus 10:21-23
21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Imagine being in darkness for three days? Once again we can see that the Israelite’s were not affected by the darkness, as they still enjoyed light.
Pharaoh now calls Moses and says the people can go, but they are to leave their livestock.
Moses can not agree as the livestock are needed to make sacrifices to the Most High. This time Pharaoh is angered and tells Moses to go, and if he sees him again Moses will be killed.
10. Firstborns Die
The tenth and final plague. It is sad that it had to come to this before Pharaoh would let Israel go.
Now the first born of the animals and Egyptians children are killed at midnight.
Exodus 11:4-6
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
This plague would, as usual Passover the Israelite’s, but there were some actions that they had to be carry out.
The month this plague took place in was the first month, (In March spring time) which is where Passover originates from.
The Passover remembers the time that the Most High passed over the Israelite children and killed only the firstborn of the Egyptians.
A male lamb of the first year was to be take on the first of the month and and kept 14 days.
It then had to be killed in the evening and the blood placed on each Israelite households doors. On the sides and above the doors.
Exodus 12:5-7
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.
As you can see they were then to eat the lamb roasted, not raw or boiled.
This was all done in the evening on the 14 day of the first month and nothing was to be kept until the next day. If they was anything remained it was to burnt with fire.
So where ever the Most Highs Angel saw blood on the door this was a sign to pass over that house.
Exodus 12:13
13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Now you have been through all the 10 Plagues in the bible, I hope the scriptures have become more real to you.
If so, your faith has been strengthened and that is the point here.
Conclusion
Reading through these plagues, I hope that you have seen, as I have, the the Most Highs mercy.
We find in all the cases when the Most High was sending a serious plague he gave, even the Egyptians a way to avoid them.
It is also encouraging to see that as a believe we are all covered as long as we obey the Most High, not just say we do.
Now ask your self are you keeping the commandments? I ask my self this every day.
The last plague is very significant because the Messiah fulfils it later becoming the Passover lamb.
Shalom! and share this with someone that needs it!