Topical Encyclopedia The plagues of Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, are a series of miraculous events that God brought upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. These plagues demonstrate God's power and serve as a judgment against the gods of Egypt. The narrative is found primarily in Exodus chapters 7 through 12. Below is a catalogue of the ten plagues, each showcasing a distinct aspect of divine intervention.1. Water Turned to Blood (Exodus 7:14-24): The first plague involved the transformation of the Nile River's waters into blood. "And the fish in the Nile died, and the river reeked so badly that the Egyptians could not drink its water. There was blood throughout the land of Egypt" (Exodus 7:21). This plague struck at the heart of Egypt's sustenance and religious life, as the Nile was considered sacred. 2. Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15): The second plague brought an overwhelming infestation of frogs. "The frogs will come up on you and your people and all your officials" (Exodus 8:4). Frogs invaded homes, bedrooms, and kitchens, causing great distress and discomfort. 3. Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19): The third plague saw the dust of the earth become gnats, afflicting both man and beast. "All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats" (Exodus 8:17). This plague was the first that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate, acknowledging, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19). 4. Flies (Exodus 8:20-32): Swarms of flies descended upon Egypt, except in the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided. "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people live, so that no swarms of flies will be found there" (Exodus 8:22). This distinction highlighted God's protection over His people. 5. Livestock Diseased (Exodus 9:1-7): The fifth plague struck the Egyptian livestock with a severe pestilence, sparing the livestock of the Israelites. "All the livestock of Egypt died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died" (Exodus 9:6). This plague further demonstrated God's control over life and death. 6. Boils (Exodus 9:8-12): Painful boils afflicted the Egyptians and their animals. "The boils broke out on men and animals" (Exodus 9:10). This plague directly affected the health of the Egyptians, showcasing God's power over human well-being. 7. Hail (Exodus 9:13-35): A devastating hailstorm, accompanied by fire, destroyed crops and livestock in the fields. "The hail struck down everything in the field, both man and beast" (Exodus 9:25). The land of Goshen was again spared, emphasizing God's protection over Israel. 8. Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20): Swarms of locusts consumed what was left after the hail. "They covered the face of all the land, so that the land was darkened" (Exodus 10:15). This plague brought economic ruin and famine to Egypt. 9. Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29): A palpable darkness enveloped Egypt for three days, yet the Israelites had light in their dwellings. "No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days" (Exodus 10:23). This plague symbolized spiritual blindness and judgment. 10. Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30): The final and most severe plague was the death of all firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh's household to the lowest servant. "At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 12:29). This plague led to the institution of the Passover, marking the deliverance of Israel. These plagues collectively demonstrate God's sovereignty, His ability to protect His people, and His judgment against idolatry and oppression. Each plague systematically dismantled the Egyptian pantheon and economy, compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites, thus fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 16:46-50And Moses said to Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly to the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. Nave's Topical Index Library Recognitions of Clement. Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |