What Were the Ten Plagues of Egypt — In Biblical Context
The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
The ten plagues were divine judgments God sent upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites: blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn.
"Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters." — Exodus 7:17 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Each plague escalated in severity and specifically targeted the gods of Egypt, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy. Water turned to blood struck at the Nile god Hapi. Frogs mocked the goddess Heqet. Lice and flies showed God's power over creation. Livestock disease challenged Hathor and Apis. Boils defeated Isis the healer. Hail and locusts destroyed agriculture, showing dominion over the sky and harvest gods. Three days of darkness directly challenged Ra, the sun god. The final plague—death of every firstborn—was the ultimate judgment, answered only by faith in God's provision: the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts. This progressive revelation of God's power serves as the foundational act of divine deliverance in the Old Testament.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Exodus 7:17, sits inside Exodus 7. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters."
Supporting Passages
"Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD."
"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."
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