Intro: The Plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea Deliverance
The story of the plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 7–15 summary) showcases God’s unmatched power to redeem His people from bondage. Building on the events of Israel’s Bondage in Egypt and Moses is Called By God in Exodus 1–6, this section unfolds God’s direct confrontation with Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt. Each plague escalates in severity, revealing God’s sovereignty and Pharaoh’s hardened heart, until Israel’s dramatic rescue through the parted waters of the Red Sea.
Exodus 7 – The First Signs and the Plague of Blood
God instructs Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh, demonstrating divine authority through the sign of Aaron’s staff becoming a serpent. Pharaoh’s magicians imitate the sign, but Aaron’s staff swallows theirs. When Pharaoh refuses to listen, God turns the waters of the Nile into blood, killing fish and making the water undrinkable. This act directly challenges Egypt’s dependence on the Nile, exposing their gods as powerless.
Exodus 8 – Frogs, Gnats, and Flies
The second plague covers Egypt in frogs, entering homes and disrupting daily life. Pharaoh promises to let Israel go but changes his mind once the frogs are removed. The third plague, gnats, comes without warning, followed by the fourth plague of swarms of flies, which spare the land of Goshen where Israel lives. These signs reveal God’s ability to distinguish between His people and Egypt’s inhabitants.
Exodus 9 – Livestock, Boils, and Hail
The fifth plague strikes Egypt’s livestock, sparing Israel’s animals. The sixth plague brings painful boils upon people and animals alike, yet Pharaoh’s heart remains hard. The seventh plague, hail mixed with fire, devastates crops and kills those unprotected in the fields. God warns Pharaoh in advance, showing His mercy even in judgment.
Exodus 10 – Locusts and Darkness
The eighth plague brings locusts that consume every green plant left after the hail. Pharaoh temporarily relents but quickly reverses his decision. The ninth plague plunges Egypt into three days of total darkness, yet Israel enjoys light where they dwell. These judgments emphasize the futility of resisting God’s will.
Exodus 11 – The Final Warning
God announces the tenth and final plague: the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household. Israel is instructed to prepare for deliverance, setting the stage for the first Passover. Pharaoh’s refusal seals Egypt’s fate.
Exodus 12 – The Passover and the Tenth Plague
Israel follows God’s instructions to sacrifice a lamb, applying its blood to their doorposts so the destroying angel passes over them. That night, every Egyptian firstborn dies, from Pharaoh’s household to the lowest servant, while Israel is spared. Pharaoh finally releases Israel, and they depart with great wealth given by the Egyptians.
Exodus 13 – Consecration of the Firstborn and God’s Guidance
God commands the consecration of every firstborn among Israel and gives instructions for future Passover observances. He leads His people with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, visibly demonstrating His presence and guidance.
Exodus 14 Summary – The Parting of the Red Sea
Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues Israel with his army. Trapped between the sea and the Egyptians, the people panic, but God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the waters. The Red Sea parts, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground. When the Egyptians follow, the waters return, drowning Pharaoh’s forces. This event becomes one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s salvation in the Old Testament.
Exodus 15 – The Song of Moses
In response to their deliverance, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise, declaring the Lord’s strength, salvation, and eternal reign. The song celebrates God as a warrior who defeats His enemies and shepherds His people. Miriam, the prophetess, leads the women in song and dance, marking the joyous climax of Israel’s journey from slavery to freedom.
Conclusion: The Red Sea Deliverance and God’s Victory
The plagues of Egypt and the Red Sea deliverance reveal God’s unmatched power to save His people and judge their oppressors. Each plague systematically dismantles Egypt’s religious and political pride, while the Red Sea crossing showcases God’s ability to make a way when none exists. Just as the first section of Exodus established God’s call of Moses, this section confirms that His promises are fulfilled with precision and power.
Return to the Exodus Hub Article to continue exploring the story or move ahead to the next section covering God’s provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16–18).
For a deep dive into Genesis, see the Genesis Chapter-by-Chapter Review
External Resource: For historical and archaeological insights related to the Exodus, visit the Biblical Archaeology Society’s Exodus Archive and and read the full text in the Book of Exodus (KJV).