The Plagues   (Exodus 7-11)

Reference

Plague

What Happened

Result

7:14-24

Blood

Fish die, the river smells, the people are without water

Pharaoh's magicians duplicate the miracle by "secret arts," and Pharaoh is unmoved

8:1-15

Frogs

Frogs come up from the water and completely cover the land

Again Pharaoh's magicians duplicate the miracle by sorcery, and Pharaoh is unmoved

8:16-19

Gnats

All the dust of Egypt becomes a massive swarm of gnats

Magicians are unable to duplicate this; they say it is the "finger of God," but Pharaoh's heart remains hard

8:20-32

Flies

Swarms of flies cover the land

Pharaoh promises to let the Hebrews go but then hardens his heart and refuses

9:1-7

Livestock

All the Egyptian livestock die—but none of Israel's is even sick

Pharaoh still refuses to let the people go

9:8-12

Boils

Horrible boils break out on everyone in Egypt

Magicians cannot respond because they are struck down with boils as well—Pharaoh refuses to listen

9:13-35

Hail

Hailstorms kill all the slaves and animals left out or unprotected and strip or destroy almost every plant

Pharaoh admits his sin but then changes his mind and refuses to let Israel go

10:1-20

Locusts

Locusts cover Egypt and eat everything left after the hail

Everyone advises Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go, but God hardens Pharaoh's heart and he refuses

10:21-29

Darkness

Total darkness covers Egypt for three days so no. one can even move—except the Hebrews, who have light as usual

Pharaoh again promises to let Israel go but again changes his mind

11:1-12:33

Death of Firstborn

The firstborn of all the people and cattle of Egypt die—but Israel is spared

Pharaoh and the Egyptians urge Israel to leave quickly; after they are gone, Pharaoh again changes his mind and chases after them