For a long period, the Israelites had been subjected to hardship and slavery in Egypt. God sent ten plagues as a form of punishment to Pharaoh, who had refused to free the Israelites. A plague is considered as an epidemic disease or occurrence that results in high mortality rates. Various passages in bible have interpreted the plagues recorded in Exodus. Among the passages is where God “Turned their rivers into blood and their streams, that they could not drink” (Psalms 78:44 New International Version). In the passage, the author reminds the people of God’s powers, sighting how he had turned water to blood during the ten plagues. Through the passage, the author warns people of the consequences likely to fall them. Another verse is when:
“He struck down the firstborn of Egypt the firstborn of people and animals, 9 He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, Egypt against Pharaoh and all his servant” (Psalms 135: 8-9)
The Prophets
“The Lord will strike Egypt, striking but healing: so, they will return to the Lord, and He will respond to them and will heal them.” (Isaiah 19:22)
“Then I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in the field drop its grapes, says the lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:11).
According to the author, God would protect his people from devourer, such as the locusts that destroyed fields in Egypt. The two passages illustrate God’s caring nature for His people.
The History Books
“When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, ‘Enough! Withdraw your hand.’ The angel of the Lord was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite” (2 Samuel 24: 16)
“When famine or plague comes to the land of blight or mildew locusts or grasshoppers or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come.” (1 king 8:37).
The passage highlights plagues such as the locusts and famine as punishments from God, and the people were to pray and ask for forgiveness.
New Testament
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers’ places, and famines, and pestilences and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven” (Luke 21:11).
The sign in the passage aligns with the plagues sent to Egypt, which illustrate that God has seen sins committed by His people. He sends the earthquakes and pestilences as a form of punishment similar to plagues sent to punish Pharaoh, urging the people to turn away from sins.
“They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want” (Revelation 11:6)
Overall Assessment
The authors of the various passages align their teachings with the situation in Egypt during the ten plagues. A major effect was famine which was caused by locust that ate and destroyed the fields in Egypt. Turning of water into blood is a reference that has been used showcasing God’s mighty powers. The authors warn people against doing wrongs in order to avoid God’s wrath and similar punishments that Egypt was subjected to. In addition, the authors explain the signs used by God in communicating his anger and disappointment, hence people should follow His commandments to avoid punishment. The people of Israel were afraid of dire consequences brought about by the plagues and sort forgiveness from God. Christians are expected to follow God’s teachings to avoid any form of punishment and always seek for forgiveness. Also, they should be keen to observe on signs sent by God in order to rectify and change their ways.