First Nine of Ten Plagues in Egypt
Lessons from Exodus for Christians Today
Beginning in Exodus chapter 7, the Bible recounts the story of Moses and the 10 plagues in Egypt. The sequence, reaction, and results are more significant than may be understood by the casual reader. The miracles and wonders performed by God through Aaron and Moses had a purpose other than just convincing the Pharaoh to allow them to leave Egypt. For further insight, some phrases translated to English from Hebrew are considered in this Bible study, as well.
The first 9 plagues in Egypt may be viewed in sets of three. The first two plagues in each set begin with a demand to "let my people go" including the consequences, rejection by Pharaoh, threatened action taken, and following the previous two, each third plague happens unannounced without any warning. This sequence is repeated three times. Of the initial 9, the first 3 are given by Aaron and the last 3 by Moses.
List of the First Nine of Ten Plagues in Egypt
From Exodus chapter 7 through 10, here are the first nine plagues in order: blood, frogs, lice, flies, murrain, boils, hail, locust, and darkness. The lice, boils, and darkness were not forewarned. The plagues are not necessarily in order of increasing extreme degree, and although the tenth and final plague may have been all that was needed, each is significant and necessary to God's purpose.
Let's consider the first instructions in Exodus 7, and especially the words "god" and "prophet".
And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Exodus 7:1 (KJV)
Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. Exodus 7:2 (KJV)
The original Hebrew for the phrase in verse 1 "I have made thee a god to Pharaoh" is not literal meaning Moses becomes god, or a god, except God is stating that Moses is appointed to act in His stead, or on God's behalf. This lower case "god" is from the Hebrew (and plural) word elyohiym intended to mean by deference a "magistrate". The word prophet in reference to Aaron means spokesperson for God though His words are given indirectly through Moses.
Side Note About Clues for Bible Timelines
Chapter 7 provides another interesting point for students wondering how Bible scholars date events, or perhaps my reference to the age of Moses from birth to exile at age 40 and then 80 upon his return to Egypt as presented in a previous study lesson. The year in this study covering 9 of the 10 plagues of Egypt is 1491 B.C. which Exodus 7:7 confirms including Aaron as the older brother at 83.
And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spoke unto Pharaoh. Exodus 7:7 (KJV)
First Nine Plagues and Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
The first two plagues, water turned into blood and the appearance of frogs, were imitated by the Pharaoh's magicians. Their reaction to the third plague was finally an admission that the miracles were divine and beyond what they could perform with enchantments or trickery. Pharaoh's reaction was not unexpected.
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:19 (KJV)
The phrase "heart was hardened" and specifically the word "hardened" comes from one of three Hebrew words: hazak (tense, not relaxed), kashah (hard or cruel), or kabed (heavy). Each of these Hebrew words for hardened appears multiple times in Exodus referring to times when God hardened Pharaoh's heart. The stubborn reaction to each plague was an attitude given Pharaoh by God for immediate effect, as well as another lesson.
In Exodus 10:1 God explains to Moses the reason for this hardening "that I might show these my signs before him:" and continues in verse 2 with the importance for future generations:
And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD. Exodus 10:2 (KJV)
Keep this in mind as you continue and study details of the first 9 plagues. In addition, despite the terrors and destruction to the Egyptian people and property, consider that none of the plagues affected the Hebrews who lived around and among the Egyptians. Keeping love, trust, and faith in God today is as valid and important now for Christians so they understand this same protection applies to us by knowing Jesus Christ. Fear not what man can do to you in this life. Accepting Christ brings incredible peace and joy now and for eternity.
Article Source: www.ultimateriddles.com/exodus-bible-lesson-03.html.
About the Author: Jim Degerstrom is an author who works in a faith based business offering custom website design and graphic art services, and documents Bible studies at his Ultimate Riddles Spiritual Journey website and blogs about spiritual growth on his Ultimate Riddles Spiritual Study blog from Kissimmee, Florida USA.
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