The plagues can be divided into three groups, each with a different purpose
The purpose of the first group (Plagues 1, 4 and 7):
To demonstrate that the God of Moses was real, and the only true God.
These were initiated by Aaron, with the staff of Moses, and they involved water and land.
Plagues 1, 4, and 7 are all introduced by a meeting between Moses and Pharaoh “in the morning”. These plagues also specifically state that the purpose of the plague is to know the LORD . These plagues reduced the Egyptians in their own land to the insecure existence of strangers.
1. Blood Exodus 7:14-25
Preceded by a warning
…in the morning…” Exodus 7:15
“…you shalt know that I am the LORD Exodus 7:17
Pharaoh hardened his heart. – Exodus 7:22-23
This plague reduced the Egyptians in their own land to the insecure existence of strangers.
4. Beasts Exodus 8:20-32
Preceded by a warning
“…you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land.” Exodus 8:22
Pharaoh hardened his heart. – Exodus 8:28
This plague reduced the Egyptians in their own land to the insecure existence of strangers.
7. Hail/Fire Exodus 9:13-35
Preceded by a warning
“…in the morning…” Exodus 9:13
“… so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth.” Exodus 9:15
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh. – Exodus 9:27,34,35; 10:1
Reduced the Egyptians in their own land to the insecure existence of strangers.
The purpose of the second group (Plagues 2, 5 and 8):
To demonstrate Divine providence acting behind the scenes, as in the book of Esther.
These were initiated by God, without the staff of Moses, and they involved those dwelling on the land.
Plagues 2, 5, and 8 all take place in Pharaoh’s palace. These plagues robbed the Egyptians of their pride, their possessions, and their sense of superiority, reducing them to lowly submission
2. Frogs – Exodus 8:1-15
Preceded by a warning
“Go in to Pharaoh…” Exodus 7:26
Pharaoh hardened his heart. – Exodus 8:11
Robbed the Egyptians of their pride, their possessions, and their sense of superiority, reducing them to lowly submission.
5. Plague – Exodus 9:1-7
Preceded by a warning
“Go in to Pharaoh…” Exodus 9:1
Pharaoh hardened his heart. – Exodus 9:7
Robbed the Egyptians of their pride, their possessions, and their sense of superiority, reducing them to lowly submission.
8. Locusts – Exodus 10:1-20
Preceded by a warning
“…Go in to Pharaoh…” Exodus 10:1
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh. – Exodus 10:20
Robbed the Egyptians of their pride, their possessions, and their sense of superiority, reducing them to lowly submission.
The purpose of the third group (Plagues 3, 6 and 9):
To demonstrate that God is not confined to land and water, and controls the forces of the universe.
These were initiated by Moses, with his staff, and they revealed HaShem’s power to strike from the air:
Plagues 3, 6, and 9 all take place without any warning being given to Pharaoh. These plagues imposed on the Egyptians actual physical suffering.
3. Lice – Exodus 8:16-19
No warning! Exodus 8:16
Pharaoh hardened his heart. Exodus 8:15
Imposed upon the Egyptians actual physical suffering.
6. Boils – Exodus 9:8-12
No warning! Exodus 9:8
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh. Exodus 9:12
Imposed upon the Egyptians actual physical suffering.
9. Darkness – Exodus 10:21-29
No warning! Exodus 10:21
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh. Exodus 10:27
Imposed upon the Egyptians actual physical suffering.
10. Death – This was brought on by the LORD: Exodus 12:29-33
The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh. Exodus 14:4-5
Back to Passover
Bibloscope 