The Ten Plagues and Israel’s Liberation (Exodus 7-12)

Today, we’re diving into chapters 7 through 12—one of the most dramatic and intense parts of the Bible. This is where God unleashes the ten plagues on Egypt, leading to the epic moment when Pharaoh finally lets the Israelites go. Let’s get into it!

Exodus 7: The Plagues Begin

Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh

God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh with a simple message: “Let my people go.” But Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. To show God’s power, Aaron throws down his staff, and it turns into a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians copy the trick, but Aaron’s serpent swallows theirs—foreshadowing the victory to come.

The First Plague: Water Turns to Blood

Moses strikes the Nile with his staff, and the river turns to blood. Fish die, and the water becomes undrinkable. Pharaoh’s magicians mimic this sign, and Pharaoh refuses to budge. Egypt’s lifeblood—the Nile—now flows with death, but Pharaoh’s heart stays cold.

Exodus 8: Frogs, Gnats, and Flies

The Second Plague: Frogs Everywhere!

Frogs swarm the land—filling beds, ovens, and streets. Pharaoh pleads with Moses to pray for their removal, promising freedom. But once the frogs die, Pharaoh changes his mind.

The Third Plague: Gnats from the Dust

Aaron strikes the dust, and gnats rise, covering people and animals. Pharaoh’s magicians try to replicate the plague but fail. They even admit, “This is the finger of God,” yet Pharaoh’s heart remains stubborn.

The Fourth Plague: Flies—But Not in Goshen

Swarms of flies descend on Egypt, but God protects Goshen, where the Israelites live. Pharaoh offers a compromise—sacrifice within Egypt. Moses insists they must leave. Pharaoh agrees but hardens his heart again when the flies leave.

Exodus 9: Livestock, Boils, and Hail

The Fifth Plague: Livestock Die

A deadly plague kills Egyptian livestock, but none of the Israelites’ animals are harmed. Pharaoh investigates, but even this sign doesn’t change his mind.

The Sixth Plague: Boils Break Out

Moses and Aaron throw soot into the air, causing painful boils to break out on Egyptians and their animals. Even Pharaoh’s magicians suffer, but Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding.

The Seventh Plague: Hail of Destruction

Moses warns Pharaoh about the worst hailstorm Egypt has ever seen. Crops, trees, and livestock are destroyed. Only Goshen is spared. Pharaoh briefly admits his sin, but once the hail stops, his heart hardens again.

Exodus 10: Locusts and Darkness

The Eighth Plague: Locusts Devour the Land

Locusts swarm Egypt, eating everything the hail left behind. Pharaoh confesses his sin but soon goes back on his word.

The Ninth Plague: Darkness You Can Feel

A thick, oppressive darkness covers Egypt for three days. No one moves, but the Israelites have light in their homes. Pharaoh offers to let the people go but tries to keep their livestock. Moses refuses. Pharaoh, furious, threatens Moses’ life if he returns.

Exodus 11: The Final Plague Is Announced

The Death of the Firstborn Foretold

God warns of one final, devastating plague: the death of every firstborn in Egypt. From Pharaoh’s palace to the lowest servant’s home, no household will escape. Yet, not even a dog will bark at the Israelites. Pharaoh’s stubbornness will lead to Egypt’s greatest sorrow.

Exodus 12: The Passover and the Exodus

The First Passover

God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This sign will cause the Lord to “pass over” their homes during the final plague. They eat the lamb with unleavened bread, ready to leave Egypt in haste.

The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

At midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt. A great wailing arose as every Egyptian household experienced death. Pharaoh finally summoned Moses and Aaron, urging them to leave with the Israelites immediately.

The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

At midnight, the Lord strikes down every firstborn in Egypt. Pharaoh’s palace echoes with wailing. Broken and defeated, Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron, urging them to leave immediately with all the Israelites.

The Exodus Begins

The Israelites gather their families, livestock, and unleavened bread. As they leave, the Egyptians shower them with silver, gold, and clothing. This marks the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land, fulfilling God’s covenant with Abraham.

Reflections and Takeaways

The plagues weren’t just acts of judgment—they revealed God’s absolute power and authority over creation, Pharaoh, and the gods of Egypt. Each plague dismantled the Egyptians’ trust in their false gods, showing that only the Lord is sovereign.

If you’re facing impossible situations, remember—God is still the same. His power to rescue and deliver is just as real today as it was in ancient Egypt.