THE PLAGUES — POWER AGAINST PRIDE (9)

Описание: Exodus 7-11 details the beginning of God's confrontation with Pharaoh through Moses and Aaron, showcasing the first five escalating plagues (water to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock death) against Egypt after Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart, demonstrating God's power over Egyptian gods and confirming His intent to free Israel from slavery, despite initial magical tricks by Egyptian sorcerers.
Key Events:
The First Sign (Exodus 7:8-13): Moses and Aaron present their miraculous staff, which turns into a serpent; Egyptian magicians replicate this with their staffs, but Aaron's serpent swallows theirs, revealing God's superior power, though Pharaoh's heart remains hardened.
Plague 1: Water to Blood (Exodus 7:14-25): God turns the Nile River and all waters in Egypt to blood, killing fish and making water undrinkable; Pharaoh's magicians again mimic this, but God's power proves unmatched, and Pharaoh ignores it.
Plague 2: Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15): Frogs swarm the land; magicians also summon frogs, but only Pharaoh relents temporarily, leading to the frogs' removal, then he hardens his heart again.
Plague 3: Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19): The dust turns to gnats (or lice) covering people and animals; magicians fail to replicate this, admitting, "This is the finger of God," yet Pharaoh remains defiant.
Plague 4: Flies (Exodus 8:20-32): Swarms of flies plague the Egyptians, but not Goshen (where Israelites live); Pharaoh offers compromise, but reneges once the flies are gone.
Plague 5: Livestock Disease (Exodus 9:1-7): A severe pestilence strikes Egyptian livestock (horses, donkeys, camels, cattle), but Israelite livestock are spared; Pharaoh still refuses to let Israel go.
Theme:
Spiritual Warfare: A direct battle between the God of Israel (Yahweh) and the gods of Egypt.
Hardened Heart: A recurring theme where Pharaoh resists God's demonstrations, and God allows Pharaoh's heart to remain hard to display His power.
God's Sovereignty: God asserts His supreme power over nature and Egyptian deities, preparing to deliver His people.