Historical Context

Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, plays a crucial role in the narrative of the Israelites' bondage and subsequent liberation. The account of Israel in Egypt is primarily found in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites, descendants of Jacob, had settled in the land of Goshen. Over time, they became enslaved by a new Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph, the Hebrew who had risen to power in Egypt and saved the nation from famine (Exodus 1:8-14).

Pharaoh's Obstinacy

The central theme of Israel's time in Egypt is the obstinacy of Pharaoh, who refused to release the Israelites despite numerous divine interventions. God appointed Moses and Aaron to lead His people out of bondage, commanding Pharaoh to "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 7:16). However, Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he repeatedly refused to heed God's command.

The Plagues

In response to Pharaoh's obstinacy, God sent a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His power and sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and the natural world. These plagues were not only acts of judgment but also signs intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

1. Water Turned to Blood: The first plague turned the waters of the Nile into blood, killing the fish and making the water undrinkable (Exodus 7:20-21).

2. Frogs: The second plague brought an overwhelming number of frogs into Egyptian homes and fields (Exodus 8:6).

3. Gnats: The third plague caused gnats to swarm throughout Egypt, affecting both people and animals (Exodus 8:17).

4. Flies: The fourth plague sent swarms of flies, which filled the houses and land of Egypt (Exodus 8:24).

5. Livestock Disease: The fifth plague struck the Egyptian livestock with a severe disease, sparing the animals of the Israelites (Exodus 9:6).

6. Boils: The sixth plague afflicted the Egyptians with painful boils (Exodus 9:10).

7. Hail: The seventh plague brought devastating hail, destroying crops and livestock in the fields (Exodus 9:23-25).

8. Locusts: The eighth plague sent locusts to consume what was left of the crops after the hail (Exodus 10:14-15).

9. Darkness: The ninth plague cast a profound darkness over Egypt for three days, a darkness that could be felt (Exodus 10:22-23).

10. Death of the Firstborn: The final and most severe plague was the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household, from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the prisoner (Exodus 12:29). This plague led to the institution of the Passover, as the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb so that the angel of death would pass over their homes (Exodus 12:13).

Pharaoh's Reluctant Release

After the devastating tenth plague, Pharaoh finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. However, his obstinacy persisted as he pursued them with his army, leading to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian forces (Exodus 14:21-28).

Theological Significance

The plagues of Egypt serve as a powerful demonstration of God's authority and His commitment to His covenant people. They reveal the futility of resisting God's will and underscore the theme of deliverance and redemption that runs throughout Scripture. The narrative of Israel in Egypt is a testament to God's faithfulness and His power to save His people from bondage, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.Exodus 7:14-10:29
And the LORD said to Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuses to let the people go.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... the Son, "Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom ... coming to Jesus Christ, and yet
be plagued with sensible ... saith the Lord, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

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