Exodus 7-12

The Story of the Plagues of Egypt

God sends plagues upon Egypt until Pharaoh lets Israel go, revealing the Lord's power over false gods and hard hearts.

Setting and Context

The plagues escalate after Pharaoh refuses God's command to let Israel go. Exodus presents them as judgments that expose Egypt's pride and display the Lord as the true God who keeps covenant with Abraham's children.

The Story

God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh with signs. When Pharaoh hardens his heart, plagues begin: the river turns to blood, frogs fill the land, and dust becomes lice. Magicians cannot reverse what God has done.

Further judgments fall—flies, disease on cattle, boils, devastating hail, locusts that eat what remains, and a darkness that can be felt. Still Pharaoh resists, bargaining and then breaking his word.

The final plague strikes the firstborn of Egypt. Israel is protected by the blood of the Passover lamb. Pharaoh calls Moses by night and urges Israel to leave. Judgment and mercy stand side by side.

Meaning and Importance

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh. Water becomes blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn strike Egypt. Passover marks Israel's deliverance as Pharaoh finally sends the people out.

The plagues teach that God's patience has a purpose and that hardened power cannot finally resist Him. Deliverance for Israel comes through judgment on oppression and through the protecting blood of the Passover.

Biblical Art Connected to This Story

Schnorr woodcut of Aaron's rod becoming a serpent before Pharaoh, plate 48

Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1860

Aaron's Rod before Pharaoh (Die Bibel in Bildern, plate 48)

Scribe audit: keep 048 as best-fit opening sign. first-passover owns Blatt 049 (collision resolved).

Key KJV Verses

Exodus 7:5

“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”

Read Exodus 7

Exodus 9:16

“And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.”

Read Exodus 9

Exodus 10:21

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.”

Read Exodus 10

Exodus 12:13

“And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

Read Exodus 12

Exodus 12:31

“And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.”

Read Exodus 12

What This Story Teaches

Hardened hearts can delay obedience but not defeat God.
God distinguishes His people in the midst of judgment.
Passover blood marks rescue by God's provision.

Questions about Plagues of Egypt

Where are the plagues of Egypt in the Bible?

The plagues are described across Exodus 7 through Exodus 12.

How many plagues were there?

Exodus records ten plagues culminating in the death of the firstborn and Israel's release.