The Beginning:
Israel is enslaved in Egypt, and Pharaoh refuses to release them despite God’s command delivered through Moses and Aaron. God declares that He will make His power known in Egypt so that both Egyptians and Israelites will recognize Him. The conflict centers on Pharaoh’s hardened resistance to letting Israel go.
The Middle:
God sends a series of escalating plagues: water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. Pharaoh repeatedly asks for relief and makes partial promises, but then refuses to free Israel once the plague lifts. A key turning point is the increasing distinction made between Egypt and Israel (notably in Goshen), showing targeted judgment rather than uncontrolled disaster. The plagues culminate in a final warning: the death of the firstborn, from Pharaoh’s household to the least, unless protected by God’s appointed sign.
The End:
On the night of the tenth plague, Israel keeps the first Passover: a lamb is sacrificed and its blood is placed on the doorposts, and judgment “passes over” those marked by obedience to God’s word. Egypt suffers the death of the firstborn, and Pharaoh finally orders Israel to depart. The plagues end with Israel released from slavery and poised to begin the journey out of Egypt.
The ten plagues reveal God’s sovereignty over creation, rulers, and the spiritual claims of Egypt, showing that Israel’s deliverance is an act of divine power and covenant faithfulness rather than human strength. They also display a moral seriousness: God confronts oppression and idolatry, while providing a means of rescue through His stated instruction—most clearly in the Passover. The narrative sets a foundational pattern for redemption in Scripture: judgment against evil alongside merciful provision for deliverance, shaping Israel’s identity as a people saved by God.
Ancient Egypt’s economy and stability depended heavily on the Nile; a blow to the river and to livestock would have struck at the heart of daily life, agriculture, and perceived divine order. Exodus also highlights a common ancient royal ideology: Pharaoh’s authority is portrayed as contested by YHWH, who acts publicly through signs and judgments rather than private revelation alone.
“Thus says the LORD, ‘Let my people go, that they may serve me.’” — Exodus 9:1
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. Which event happened on the night of the tenth plague?
2. Which of the following is listed as one of the plagues sent on Egypt?