Exodus Series, Plagues of Egypt, Pharaoh and Moses, God's Power and Sovereignty, Faith and Deliverance, Hardened Heart, Biblical Justice, Divine Intervention, Lessons from Exodus, Spiritual Leadership, Faith in Action
The passage from Exodus 7:15–9:7 details the unfolding of God's judgment against Egypt through the first five of the ten plagues, which occur as God seeks to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. These plagues demonstrate God's sovereignty over nature and the false gods of Egypt.
God commands Moses to meet Pharaoh at the Nile and deliver a message: let the Israelites go so they may worship the Lord. Pharaoh refuses.
As a sign of judgment, Aaron, under Moses’ direction, strikes the Nile with his staff, turning the water into blood. The fish die, and the river becomes undrinkable.
Pharaoh’s magicians replicate the sign with their enchantments, hardening Pharaoh’s heart. He refuses to release the Israelites.
God sends Moses to warn Pharaoh again. When Pharaoh refuses, Aaron stretches out his hand, and frogs invade Egypt. They enter homes, kitchens, and even Pharaoh’s palace.
Pharaoh’s magicians also mimic this miracle but cannot reverse it. Pharaoh pleads with Moses to ask the Lord to remove the frogs, promising to let the people go.
Moses prays, and the frogs die, leaving heaps of rotting carcasses across the land. Despite this, Pharaoh hardened his heart and reneged on his promise.
Without warning, Aaron strikes the dust with his staff, turning it into swarming gnats (or lice) that afflict people and animals alike.
The magicians attempt to replicate this but fail, admitting, "This is the finger of God." Still, Pharaoh’s heart remains unyielding.
Moses again warns Pharaoh, but when he refuses, God sends swarms of flies to infest Egypt, sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwell.
Pharaoh offers to let the Israelites sacrifice within Egypt, but Moses insists they must leave. Pharaoh agrees but reneges once the flies are removed.
Moses warned Pharaoh that if he continues to resist, a severe plague will strike the livestock of Egypt. The next day, the plague kills the Egyptians’ cattle, while Israel’s livestock remains untouched.
Pharaoh investigates and sees this distinction but still hardens his heart.
God’s Sovereignty Over Creation: Each plague directly challenges Egyptian gods associated with natural forces (e.g., Hapi, the Nile god, or Hathor, the goddess of fertility often depicted as a cow). These plagues demonstrate that the God of Israel alone is sovereign.
Judgment and Mercy: Despite Pharaoh’s rebellion, God shows mercy by giving him repeated warnings and opportunities to repent.
Hardness of Heart: Pharaoh’s persistent refusal to heed God’s command highlights the dangers of pride and a hardened heart against divine truth.
Distinction Between God’s People and Egypt: From the fourth plague onward, God spares the Israelites, emphasizing His protection over His chosen people.
Justice and Deliverance: The story reminds us that God sees oppression and acts to bring justice, even when the process is gradual and met with resistance.
Environmental Stewardship: The plagues also show humanity’s vulnerability when natural systems are disrupted, urging respect for God’s creation.
Responding to Correction: Pharaoh’s example warns against stubbornness and the consequences of ignoring divine guidance in our lives.
This section of Exodus reminds us that God is patient and powerful, willing to engage with humanity to bring about His purposes. Yet, it also underscores the consequences of defiance and the ultimate triumph of His will.
