The Showdown with Pharaoh: The Ten Plagues of Egypt
Once upon a time, in a land filled with pyramids and vast deserts, there was a huge showdown that happened. It was not between superheroes or giants, but between a very powerful king called Pharaoh and a man chosen by God named Moses.
The story of the ten plagues of Egypt is about the time when God sent ten scary plagues to Egypt because Pharaoh was very stubborn and refused to let God's people, the Israelites, go free from slavery. Let's take a journey back to ancient times and discover how the "The Showdown with Pharaoh" unfolded.
A Calling from a Burning Bush
Before we get into the ten plagues, we need to remember how this story started. Moses wasn't always ready to face Pharaoh. In fact, he was taking care of sheep in the desert when God spoke to him through a burning bush that didn't turn to ashes! God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let God's people go. Moses was scared, but God promised to be with him.
A Meeting with Pharaoh
Moses and Aaron made their way to the grand palace of Pharaoh. They had a mission from God: to free the Israelites from their suffering and slavery. As they entered the throne room, they delivered a bold message. "Thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'Let my people go!'"
But Pharaoh was proud and his heart was hard. He refused to listen to Moses and Aaron. In fact, he made life even harder for the Israelite slaves. This greatly troubled Moses, but he trusted God's plan.
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
God had warned Pharaoh, but the stubborn ruler did not heed. Thus began a series of terrible plagues, each a display of God's power and a challenge to Pharaoh's arrogance.
1: The Plague of Blood
God told Moses to warn Pharaoh that if he didn’t let the Israelites go, something terrible would happen. Pharaoh didn’t listen. With God's command, Aaron stretched his staff over the waters of the Nile, and the river transformed into blood. Fish died, the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink the water. But still, Pharaoh’s heart remained unchanged.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 7:14-24.
Creative Corner! Try painting a picture of the Nile river before and after it turned into blood. You can use blue for before and red for after.
2: The Plague of Frogs
Next, God sent a plague of frogs. They came out of the water and into the homes, the beds, the ovens, and even the people's bowls. Pharaoh pleaded for relief, promising to let the Israelites go, but when the frogs died and were cleared away, he broke his promise.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 7:25 - 8:15.
3: The Plague of Gnats
Aaron struck the dust of the ground with his staff, and gnats flew up on men and animals. The magicians of Egypt tried to do the same, but they could not. They told Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God!" Yet his heart was stubborn.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 8:16-19
4: The Plague of Flies
Then God sent a swarm of flies, so many that the land was ruined. Pharaoh started to give in, saying he would let the Israelites go if the flies were taken away. Moses prayed to God, and the flies disappeared, but Pharaoh changed his mind once more.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 8:20-32
5: The Plague on Livestock
God warned Pharaoh, but he did not listen, so a severe plague struck the Egyptian livestock. The animals of the Israelites were untouched, showing God's power to differentiate His people. Still, Pharaoh's heart was unyielding.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 9:1-7
6: The Plague of Boils
Next, Moses and Aaron took soot and threw it in the air, and it became boils breaking out on people and animals. The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils. But Pharaoh was unmoved.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 9:8-12
7: The Plague of Hail
God sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. It was a storm like Egypt had never seen. Pharaoh confessed his sins and those of his people and asked for forgiveness. Moses knew he wasn't sincere, and sure enough, when the hail stopped, Pharaoh's heart hardened once again.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 9:13-35
8: The Plague of Locusts
The locusts came next, covering the sun and eating every plant and fruit. Egypt was in despair. Pharaoh admitted his wrongdoing again, but when relief came, he reverted to his old ways.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 10:1-20
9: The Plague of Darkness
Then, darkness fell over Egypt for three days, a darkness that could be felt. Pharaoh said the Israelites could go, but they had to leave their flocks. Moses refused. They needed their animals to worship God. Pharaoh’s heart was still hard.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 10:21-29
10: Death of the Firstborn
God's final, most dreadful plague was the death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household. The Israelites were to mark their doors with lamb's blood so that the plague would pass over them. Pharaoh finally understood that he could not win against the God of Israel. With a heavy heart, he let the Israelites go.
You can read more about this plague in Exodus 11:1-10
Coloring Break!
Let's take a moment to do something fun! Can you draw a picture of what you think one of the ten plagues looked like? Maybe a river of blood, or the darkness, or the locusts? Use your favorite colors and let your imagination run wild!
The Exodus Begins
The Israelites quickly gathered their belongings, and in haste, they began their journey out of Egypt, away from the life of slavery they had known for so many years. They were finally free, all because of God's intervention and Moses’ faith.
Truth Seekers' Challenge! Go on a scavenger hunt in your house for ten items, one to represent each plague. Show and explain them to your family or friends!
Reflection and Looking Forward
In this epic story of deliverance, it’s clear that God is powerful, loving, and always on the side of those who call out to Him. Moses and Aaron showed great courage, and the Israelites showed resilience as they witnessed God's miracles.
After their incredible escape, Moses, Aaron, and all the Israelites would find themselves facing new challenges, including the parting of the Red Sea and the journey to the Promised Land. But that’s a tale for another time, a tale where faith in God would lead to even more wonders.
Join us next time for the continuation of the story with "The Crossing of the Red Sea: A Path to Freedom."
Bonus for Curious Minds! While waiting for the next story, read about another exciting moment with David and Goliath, showing us how faith can topple even the greatest giants.
And that is how Moses, with the help of God, brought the ten plagues upon Egypt to free his people. Remember, just like Moses, you, too, can be brave and stand up for what is right, no matter how difficult it might seem.
Some More Adventure-filled Stories from the Bible
Songs and Bedtime Stories from the Bible
Related Posts