The Ten Plagues of Egypt | Song of Freedom

The Ten Plagues of Egypt:

Moses and Aaron faithfully carried out God’s command to return to Egypt and speak to Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. While Moses and Aaron performed miraculous signs before Pharaoh and his officials, Pharaoh remained unconvinced and hardened his heart, refusing to let the Israelites leave Egypt.

God had foretold in Exodus 7:3 that Pharaoh would refuse to listen, so that His wonders could be multiplied in Egypt.

This hardening of Pharaoh’s heart led to a series of plagues being sent upon Egypt. In the Bible, plague refers to a severe affliction, disease, or punishment, often sent as a divine judgment.

These ten plagues took place before Pharaoh released the people of Israel:

1. River Nile turned to blood for seven days (Exodus 7:14-25): This was the first plague brought upon Egypt. Aaron lifted his staff and struck the Nile River, turning the water into blood, a miracle performed before Pharaoh and his officials, as instructed by the Lord.

The water, including the Nile and other water sources in Egypt, such as streams, ponds and pools of water, was transformed into blood, causing the fish to die and the river to become foul-smelling and unsuitable for drinking.

2. Plague of Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15): This plague involved a massive emergence of frogs from the Nile River, infesting the entire land, including homes, food, and even Pharaoh’s palace.

3. Plague of Lice or Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19): The plague involved the dust of the land becoming full of lice or gnats. These insects caused a great affliction on both people and animals.

4. Plague of Flies (Exodus 8:20-24): The plague afflicted the Egyptians and their servants, filling their houses and land with swarms of flies. Throughout Egypt, the land was ruined by the flies.

5. Plague of Livestock (Exodus 9:1-6): All of the livestock in Egypt, including cattle, camels, sheep, horses, donkeys and goats, died due to a plague, but the livestock of the Israelites remained unharmed.

6. Plague of Boils (Exodus 9: 8-12): As instructed by God, Moses took soot from a furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on people and animals.

7. Plague of Hail (Exodus 9:13-35): This plague involved a severe hailstorm with thunder and lightning, causing widespread destruction of crops, livestock, and even humans. The hailstorm was described as particularly severe, unlike anything Egypt had ever experienced. The only place it did not hail was the land of Goshen, where the Israelites were.

8. Plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20): Locusts were ushered in by a strong wind that blew all day and all night. They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on trees or plants in all the land of Egypt.

9. Plague of Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29): This plague involved three days of pitch darkness that was so thick it could be felt, covering the entire land of Egypt. The Israelites, however, had light in the places where they lived.

Despite these signs, Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go, and God hardens his heart

10. Plague of the Firstborn (Exodus 10:21-29): This was the final plague sent by God to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites. At midnight, every firstborn son in Egypt, from Pharaoh’s son to the slave girl’s son, and the firstborn of livestock, died. This event led to immense grief and wailing throughout Egypt, ultimately convincing Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Crossing the Red Sea:

After the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, Pharaoh initially allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. However, he later changed his mind and chased after them with his army. The Israelites, trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army, were miraculously led to freedom by God. Moses, with God’s guidance, parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground. The Egyptian army followed, but was then engulfed by the returning waters, drowning in the sea. 

Song of Freedom of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1-21):

After the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang songs of victory to God.

The song of Moses and the Children of Israel (verses 1–19): The song recounts the events of the crossing of the Red Sea, the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, and the awe and fear that God’s victory inspired among the surrounding nations. The song also expresses confidence in God’s future guidance and protection of His people, and His promise to bring them to the land of Canaan and the sanctuary of His presence.

The song of Miriam and the Women (verses 20–21): This is a brief but joyful response to the song of Moses, led by Miriam, the prophetess and the sister of Aaron. Miriam takes a timbrel in her hand and leads the women in singing and dancing. They echo the first verse of Moses’ song, emphasising God’s triumph over the horse and its rider. This section shows the participation and contribution of women in the worship and celebration of God’s deeds.