Today we will talk about Bible verses about the plagues of Egypt. The story of the plagues is a pivotal moment in the Bible, showcasing God’s power and responsibility for His people. The plagues serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the strength of God’s deliverance. When we delve into these verses, we can see how God used the plagues not only to challenge Pharaoh’s authority but also to demonstrate His might to the Israelites and the surrounding nations. Each plague carried a message and was a part of God’s grand design to free His people. Let us prepare our hearts and minds as we meditate on these powerful scriptures.
Bible Verses About the Plagues of Egypt
God’s Command to Moses
In starting the narrative of the plagues, we see God reaching out to Moses to deliver His people. God equipped Moses with instructions and promises, reminding us that He always has a plan for those He loves. In our lives, we too may receive calls or nudges to act on behalf of others, and we should be open to His guidance. The verses about God’s command to Moses emphasize the importance of obedience and faith in executing God’s will, reminding us that He doesn’t just call us to remain passive. Instead, we are to take action, trusting in His purpose for us.
Exodus 3:10
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Exodus 6:1
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: because of my mighty hand, he will let them go; because of my mighty hand, he will drive them out of his country.” – Exodus 6:1
Exodus 7:14
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go.” – Exodus 7:14
Exodus 7:16
“Then say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened.” – Exodus 7:16
Exodus 8:1
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” – Exodus 8:1
The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood
The first plague represents God’s visceral response to Pharaoh’s stubbornness. The Nile’s transformation into blood symbolized not just a physical act, but also a spiritual challenge to the Egyptian gods. In this plague, we see that God is serious about His call for freedom. Each difficulty we face might also be a significant reminder of how God helps us confront our own ‘Pharaohs.’ We can draw lessons on faith and the impact of disobedience through God’s reliance on Moses and the faithful way He enacted His miracles.
Exodus 7:17
“This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood.” – Exodus 7:17
Exodus 7:18
“The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.” – Exodus 7:18
Exodus 7:20
“Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood.” – Exodus 7:20
Exodus 7:21
“The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt.” – Exodus 7:21
Exodus 7:22
“But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts; and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.” – Exodus 7:22
The Second Plague: Frogs
The plague of frogs serves as a humorous yet serious reminder of God’s power and the absurdity of idolatry. These frogs infiltrated every aspect of daily life, making it impossible for the Egyptians to ignore God’s authority. We are often reminded that God has a way of making things uncomfortable when we resist His will. This plague invites us to reflect on what distractions we allow in our own lives that take us away from worship and obedience. We should take our cues from Pharaoh, who ultimately agreed to let the people go but hesitated, even after suffering through the discomfort of the frogs.
Exodus 8:2
“If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country.” – Exodus 8:2
Exodus 8:5
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Stretch out your hand with your staff over the streams and canals and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.”'” – Exodus 8:5
Exodus 8:7
“But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 8:7
Exodus 8:8
“Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.”” – Exodus 8:8
Exodus 8:12
“After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord about the frogs he had brought on Pharaoh.” – Exodus 8:12
The Third Plague: Gnats
The third plague, which produced gnats from the dust of the earth, is significant in its symbolism. This plague illustrates how even the smallest things can become overwhelming when God’s spirit is not recognized. Here, we see the contrast between divine power and human limitation. We are reminded that we too often rely on ourselves when faced with challenges instead of leaning on God’s wisdom. In our own lives, we may face ‘gnats’ – seemingly small irritations or distractions that can escalate. It’s essential to remember to look for God’s guidance through these distractions.
Exodus 8:16
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron, “Strike the dust of the ground,” and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.’” – Exodus 8:16
Exodus 8:17
“They did this; and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came on people and animals alike. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats.” – Exodus 8:17
Exodus 8:18
“But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere.” – Exodus 8:18
Exodus 8:19
“The magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.” – Exodus 8:19
Exodus 8:20
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the water and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” – Exodus 8:20
The Fourth Plague: Flies
As we consider the plague of flies, we find a poignant depiction of God’s distinction between His people and the Egyptians. God’s provision for the Israelites during the plagues is a great reminder of how He watches over us in times of trouble. In our daily lives, God often asks us to trust Him for protection and deliverance. The flies represent chaos and disorder but also symbolize God’s call for us to separate ourselves from things that don’t honor Him. We are reminded through this plague of the importance of being set apart for God’s purposes.
Exodus 8:21
“If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses.” – Exodus 8:21
Exodus 8:22
“But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land.” – Exodus 8:22
Exodus 8:24
“The Lord did this, and dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies.” – Exodus 8:24
Exodus 8:25
“Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.” – Exodus 8:25
Exodus 8:26
“But Moses said, “That would not be right. The sacrifices we offer to the Lord our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, they will stone us.” – Exodus 8:26
The Fifth Plague: Livestock Disease
This plague, which affected the livestock, emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all living things. It serves as a harsh consequence not only to Pharaoh but to the entire Egyptian economy, forcing them to confront their choices. The truth echoed in this trial is that our decisions always have a ripple effect, impacting not just ourselves but those around us. In embracing God’s messages, we find clarity in our responsibilities towards others and our need for accountability as we strive for obedience to his will.
Exodus 9:1
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.'” – Exodus 9:1
Exodus 9:3
“The Lord’s hand will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys and camels, on your cattle, sheep, and goats.” – Exodus 9:3
Exodus 9:4
“But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.” – Exodus 9:4
Exodus 9:6
“And the Lord did this the next day, and all the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.” – Exodus 9:6
Exodus 9:7
“Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go.” – Exodus 9:7
The Sixth Plague: Boils
The sixth plague, which brought painful boils upon the Egyptians, serves as a testament to God’s authority and the futility of mankind’s response to divine judgment. This plague illustrates how true humility is necessary to accept God’s sovereignty and a gentle reminder to us about pride. Humility opens our hearts to God’s purposes. It calls us to reflect on how we respond to difficulties. Do we harden our hearts like Pharaoh, or do we seek God’s mercy amidst our troubles? Being honest about our failings often leads us closer to God and His grace.
Exodus 9:8
“Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it into the air in the presence of Pharaoh.” – Exodus 9:8
Exodus 9:9
“It will become festering boils on people and animals throughout the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 9:9
Exodus 9:10
“So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on people and animals.” – Exodus 9:10
Exodus 9:11
“The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians.” – Exodus 9:11
Exodus 9:12
“But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said to Moses.” – Exodus 9:12
The Seventh Plague: Hail
The plague of hail symbolizes the completion of God’s judgment against Egypt’s hardened heart. The severity of this plague demonstrates God’s control over nature and urges us to find refuge in Him during our storms. Just like hail can destroy crops, the repercussions of our choices may also yield unforeseen impacts on our lives. It serves as a reminder of our need for repentance and the importance of revering God, who seeks not to harm us but to guide us back to Him.
Exodus 9:18
“Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now.” – Exodus 9:18
Exodus 9:22
“The Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that hail will fall all over Egypt—on people and animals and on everything growing in the fields of Egypt.” – Exodus 9:22
Exodus 9:23
“When Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, the Lord sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground. So the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 9:23
Exodus 9:24
“It was the worst storm in all the land of Egypt since it had become a nation.” – Exodus 9:24
Exodus 9:25
“Throughout Egypt, hail struck everything in the fields—both people and animals; it beat down everything growing in the fields and stripped every tree.” – Exodus 9:25
The Eighth Plague: Locusts
Locusts represent the utter destruction that results from defying God’s will. The plagues demonstrate how our choices carry consequences that can be devastating not only to us but also to others. The locusts came and consumed what little was left after the hail, serving as a catastrophic awakening that we should never take anything for granted. In our personal lives, we might find ourselves facing ‘locust-like’ trials when we neglect to nurture what God has given us. This plague challenges us to consider how we are tending to our responsibilities, relationships, and spiritual growth.
Exodus 10:4
“If you refuse to let my people go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow.” – Exodus 10:4
Exodus 10:6
“They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields.” – Exodus 10:6
Exodus 10:7
“Pharaoh’s officials said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go so that they may worship the Lord their God. Don’t you realize that Egypt is ruined?” – Exodus 10:7
Exodus 10:13
“So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought in the locusts.” – Exodus 10:13
Exodus 10:19
“And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a caterpillar was left in the whole country of Egypt.” – Exodus 10:19
The Ninth Plague: Darkness
The ninth plague of darkness strikes at the heart of Egypt’s idol worship. The God of Israel showcases His ultimate dominance over darkness and confusion. The absence of light highlights the importance of direction and purpose in our lives. In our own journey, the times we feel lost can lead us toward a deeper dependence on God. This plague serves as a call to seek the light – God’s illuminating truth that guides us. When we delve into these experiences, we can open the door to faith, knowing that even in the darkest moments, God is present.
Exodus 10:21
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” – Exodus 10:21
Exodus 10:22
“So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days.” – Exodus 10:22
Exodus 10:23
“No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.” – Exodus 10:23
Exodus 10:24
“Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.” – Exodus 10:24
Exodus 10:25
“Moses said, “You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God.” – Exodus 10:25
The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn
The final plague showcases the ultimate testament of God’s judgment and mercy. The death of the firstborn highlighted the great cost of sin and disobedience but also foretold the redemption to come through sacrifice. This pivotal moment invites us to open our hearts to the redemption story present throughout God’s word. Every trial we endure has a purpose that reflects God’s love and pursuit of our lives. In the grand tapestry of life, the events surrounding the tenth plague teach us the value of sacrifice and the unfathomable grace we have through Christ.
Exodus 12:12
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both people and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.” – Exodus 12:12
Exodus 12:23
“When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.” – Exodus 12:23
Exodus 12:29
“At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well.” – Exodus 12:29
Exodus 12:30
“Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.” – Exodus 12:30
Exodus 12:31
“During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.” – Exodus 12:31
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the Bible verses about the plagues of Egypt helps us understand the depth of God’s holiness and the seriousness of disobedience. Each plague tells a unique story, inviting us to see God’s desire for His people’s freedom. It reminds us of our relationship with Him and how our choices shape our lives and the world around us. In every instance, God was offering a way back to Him, demonstrating His mercy amidst judgment. We are called to trust in His purpose, lean on His promises, and respond to His call for a life of faith and obedience.
By examining these verses, we can grow in understanding of God’s character and intentions. We see the importance of being attentive to His voice and the dangers of hardening our hearts against His pleas. As we journey through life, may we remember the lessons learned from the Israelites in Egypt and recognize the loving guidance God offers to us every day.
Let us embrace the hope that is found in the completion of God’s story of redemption—knowing that through even the most severe trials, God is with us, guiding us towards our freedom in Him.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
