Topical Encyclopedia The plagues of Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus, represent a series of divine judgments executed by God against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. These plagues were a response to Pharaoh's obstinacy and refusal to release the Israelites from bondage, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty over all creation. The narrative of the plagues is found primarily in Exodus chapters 7 through 12.1. Water Turned to Blood (Exodus 7:14-25): The first plague involved the transformation of the Nile River's waters into blood. This act not only devastated Egypt's primary water source but also symbolized the impotence of the Egyptian gods, particularly Hapi, the god of the Nile. "And all the waters of the Nile were turned to blood" (Exodus 7:20). 2. Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15): The second plague brought an overwhelming infestation of frogs, which invaded homes and lands. This plague mocked the Egyptian goddess Heqet, who was depicted with a frog's head and associated with fertility. "The frogs will come up on you and your people and all your officials" (Exodus 8:4). 3. Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19): The third plague saw the dust of the earth become gnats, afflicting both man and beast. This plague demonstrated God's control over the very elements of nature, as the magicians of Egypt acknowledged, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19). 4. Flies (Exodus 8:20-32): Swarms of flies descended upon Egypt, sparing only the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided. This distinction highlighted God's protection over His people and His ability to differentiate between the Egyptians and the Israelites. "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). 5. Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1-7): The fifth plague struck the Egyptian livestock with a severe disease, causing widespread death among cattle, horses, donkeys, camels, and sheep. This plague further demonstrated God's power over the Egyptian economy and their deities associated with animals. "But the livestock of the Israelites, not one animal died" (Exodus 9:6). 6. Boils (Exodus 9:8-12): Painful boils afflicted the Egyptians and their animals, a direct attack on the physical well-being of the people and a challenge to the Egyptian gods of healing. "The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils" (Exodus 9:11). 7. Hail (Exodus 9:13-35): A devastating hailstorm, accompanied by fire, destroyed crops and livestock in the fields. This plague demonstrated God's supremacy over the sky and weather, countering the Egyptian sky goddess Nut. "The hail struck down everything in the field, both man and beast" (Exodus 9:25). 8. Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20): Swarms of locusts consumed what remained of Egypt's crops, leaving the land barren. This plague was a direct assault on the Egyptian god Osiris, who was associated with fertility and agriculture. "They covered the face of all the land, so that the land was darkened" (Exodus 10:15). 9. Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29): A palpable darkness enveloped Egypt for three days, a direct challenge to Ra, the sun god and one of the most revered deities in Egyptian religion. "Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings" (Exodus 10:23). 10. Death of the Firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30): The final and most severe plague resulted in the death of every firstborn in Egypt, from the household of Pharaoh to the lowliest servant. This plague broke Pharaoh's resistance and led to the liberation of the Israelites. "At midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 12:29). The plagues served as a multifaceted demonstration of God's power, justice, and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. They exposed the futility of the Egyptian gods and underscored the necessity of obedience to the one true God. Through these judgments, God revealed His might and His commitment to His people, setting the stage for the Exodus and the eventual establishment of Israel as a nation. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 105:1O give thanks to the LORD; call on his name: make known his deeds among the people. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 135:8,9 Acts 7:36 Library Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. On Psalm Lxxvii. Or Lxxviii. From Egypt to Sinai. How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What The Reason Why one Person is Assisted by Grace, and Another is not ... In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after ... Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Appendix Great Miracles Wrought by Magic Arts. Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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