The 10 plagues of Egypt: meaning and scientific explanation - Meanings

The 10 plagues of Egypt: meaning and scientific explanation - Meanings
Posted on 11-02-2022

The 10 plagues of Egypt: meaning and scientific explanation

The ten plagues of Egypt (in order) are turning water into blood; frog plague; mosquito infestation (lice or fleas); a plague of horseflies (flies); cattle plague; ulcers; fiery hail; locust plague; darkness and death of the firstborn.

The plagues of Egypt were a series of misfortunes that, according to the Bible, fell on the Egyptian kingdom after refusing to free the Hebrews. The account is found in the book of Exodus, chapters 7 to 12, in the Old Testament.

The meaning of the plagues of Egypt focuses on three fundamental aspects:

  • First, the revelation of Yahweh as the only God, Lord, and Judge. Divine intervention in favor of the liberation of the people of God discredits polytheistic religion, undermines the bases of the political and economic power of the authorities, and expresses the sense of divine justice and freedom.
  • Second, the presentation of the worshipers of Yahweh as a chosen people. The story states that Yahweh mercifully listened to the cries of his people, favored him, protected him from the plagues, and guided him on his way.
  • Third, is the presentation of misfortune as an instrument of moral correction in the face of the persistence of sin. It is a condemnation of sin committed consciously, deliberately, and obstinately. Pharaoh's downfall lies in his pride and arrogance, which prevent him from listening to the prophet's warnings and correcting his actions.

To understand in detail, let's see a summary of the plagues of Egypt, their scientific explanation, and the biblical meaning of each one separately.

1. Conversion of water into blood

conversion of water into blood

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Summary of the conversion of water into blood

In the first interview with the Pharaoh, Moses demanded that he release the Hebrews and let them go into the desert to worship God, as God had ordered. Otherwise, God would turn the water into blood, but Pharaoh did not listen.

Then Aaron raised his staff and the waters of rivers, lakes, and containers turned to blood. Seeing that the Egyptian priests could imitate him, the Pharaoh downplayed the phenomenon.

The passage is narrated in the Book of Exodus 7, 14-25.

Scientific explanation

Some experts affirm that the transformation of the Nile into blood was a pollution phenomenon that poisoned the water and gave it a reddish appearance. It is possible that this contamination was due to an excess of red algae, which would have released toxins, compromising the potability of the water.

Significance of the conversion of water into blood

From the biblical point of view, water pollution symbolizes:

  1. The first demonstration of Yahweh's power against the Egyptian idols and the Pharaoh, who pretended to be divine. The natives believed the gods Osiris, Hatmehyt, Khnum, Hapi, Satet, and Sotis protected the Nile.
  2. Punishment for the massacre of the Hebrew children. Before the plagues, Pharaoh ordered the death of newborn Hebrew males, who were drowned in the Nile or fed to crocodiles.
  3. A blow to the political and economic power of Egypt that hurt the pride of the Pharaoh. The Nile was the economic center and the main communication route of Egypt.

 

2. Plague of frogs

plague of frogs

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Summary

Moses and Aaron again warned Pharaoh that God would cause an invasion of frogs if he did not let them go. Faced with his second refusal, Aaron extended his hand over the waters and the frogs invaded the territory.

The Egyptian priests imitated him. Pharaoh asked the brothers to drive away from the infestation, in exchange for allowing them to offer their sacrifices to Yahweh in the desert. The brothers begged Yahweh and he agreed, but Pharaoh did not keep his word.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 7, 25-29; 8, 1-11 (Catholic editions of the Bible) or in Exodus 8:1-15 (Christian non-Catholic editions of the Bible).

Scientific explanation

Scientific studies describe a phenomenon called "rain of frogs". On some occasions, after storms or phenomena that alter the conditions of the aquatic habitat, the frogs come out en masse and disperse in search of food, destroy crops and cause other problems. This could have happened as a consequence of the reddening of the Nile.

Meaning of plague of frogs

The plague of frogs symbolizes the breakdown of the religious normative system of the Egyptians and, again, a blow to the agricultural economy of the kingdom. The first is because frogs were considered sacred, so they couldn't be exterminated. Growing disproportionately large, they were forced to break their religious laws.

3. Plague of mosquitoes, lice, and fleas

plague of mosquitoes

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Summary

The third plague was not preceded by a warning, but Yahweh ordered its execution upon seeing Pharaoh's attitude. Aaron hit the ground with his cane, and immediately a cloud of mosquitoes, fleas, and lice appeared everywhere.

The Egyptian priests tried to imitate the prodigy for the third time, but they did not succeed. It was then that they recognized the power of Yahweh. But Pharaoh would not listen to either Moses or his own priests.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 8, 12-15 (Catholic editions of the Bible) or in Exodus 8:16-19 (Christian non-Catholic editions of the Bible).

Scientific explanation

Experts believe that it was an infestation of mosquitoes, lice, and fleas at the same time. These insects are attracted when there are not good hygienic conditions, which could be a consequence of previous pests. For example, the accumulation of fish and other dead animals on the banks of rivers and lakes and other waste. These pests cause diseases that can kill people and animals.

Meaning of the plague of mosquitoes, lice, and fleas

On the one hand, the plague of mosquitoes represents the first fracture between the political and religious power of Egypt, since the Pharaoh refused to listen to his own priests, who had been convinced of Yahweh's power.

On the other hand, it discredits the Egyptian religion. First, because it compromised the priestly caste, unable to fulfill their functions because they were in a state of impurity. Second, it affected the abundance protected by the idol Geb, and the control of wild animals (insects), protected by the infant form of Horus.

4. Plague of horseflies

plague of horseflies

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Summary

Back before Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron warned him that Yahweh would send a plague of horseflies (flies). This time there would be a difference: the Hebrews would not be touched to acknowledge that God blessed them.

When the plague broke out, Pharaoh agreed to allow the Hebrews to offer their sacrifices in the desert, as long as they did not stray too far. Yahweh removed the plague and saved Egypt, but Pharaoh broke his promise to him again.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 8, 16-28 (Catholic editions of the Bible) or in Exodus 8:20-32 (Christian non-Catholic editions of the Bible).

Scientific explanation

Some experts believe that the horsefly infestation was a reaction to climate variations that occurred in Egypt. Flies and other similar insects are characterized by causing bites in animals and people that can cause serious illness. In fact, horseflies have the ability to generate tumors.

Meaning of the plague of horseflies

The plague of horseflies (flies) can be interpreted as a symbol of the corruption of sin and a reminder of human mortality. It can also be an affront against the deity Dua-Ur, in charge of purifying the Pharaoh's face. But above all, this passage is an exposition of Yahweh's solidarity with the people who worship him.

5. Plague of cattle

plague of cattle

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Summary

The brothers Moses and Aaron returned to Pharaoh's presence, warning him that if he did not free the Hebrews, all the cattle would suffer a deadly plague.

In order to recognize the presence of Yahweh among the Hebrews, their livestock would remain healthy. All the cattle of the Egyptians suffered the consequences, but the Pharaoh did not yield.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 9, 1-7.

Scientific explanation

Scientists suggest that the disease that decimated the animals may have been rinderpest. This disease is caused by a bacterium called Yersinia pestis, which is transmitted by insects such as flies. Five thousand years earlier, the disease would have reached Egypt from Asia through trade routes. Given the sanitary conditions since the beginning of the plagues, it may have found an environment conducive to propagation.

Cattle plague meaning

The plague of cattle represents, on the one hand, another blow to the economic security of the Egyptian kingdom at that time. On the other hand, it marks the fall of Hathor, a goddess who is represented as a cow with a sun disk and who is associated with renewal and fertility.

6. Ulcers

ulcers

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Summary

God ordered Moses and Aaron to appear before Pharaoh again, take a handful of soot from the furnaces and throw it into the air. This dust spread through the air and caused ulcers on all the natives, including the Egyptian priests, who could not face the brothers. However, Pharaoh did not agree.

The passage is narrated in the Book of Exodus 9, 8-12.

Scientific explanation

There are two theories or explanations for this plague. The first holds that the skin ulcers were caused by toxic gases released by decomposing cattle.

The second maintains that it was a proliferation of smallpox, caused by a virus. Indeed, there is evidence that there was an outbreak of smallpox in Egypt more than three thousand years ago. Such evidence is found in some marks found on the mummy of Pharaoh Ramses V and other mummies of the time.

Meaning of the plague of ulcers

The ulcers can be interpreted as a punishment to the Egyptians for forbidding the Hebrew's rest (including the right to scratch). The Egyptians also forced them to prepare a bath with hot water, which was very laborious. By contracting the ulcers, the Egyptians suffered irreparable itching and could not take a bath.

7. Fiery Hail Rain

fiery hail rain

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Summary

In a further interview with Pharaoh, Aaron and Moses warned him that an electrical storm with fiery hail would fall on Egypt. If they wanted to be saved, they had to shelter under a roof, but not everyone believed. This flax and barley were destroyed, but wheat and spelled were saved because they had not flourished.

Pharaoh called the brothers and recognized his sin. They interceded for him and Yahweh stopped the storm. However, Pharaoh held the Israelites captive.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 9, 13-35.

Scientific explanation

Studies seem to indicate that near the island of Crete, located in the Aegean Sea, there was an eruption of the Santorini volcano about 3,500 years ago. Volcanic ash is likely to have been washed into the Egypt region. There, when mixed with the electrical storms typical of the place, it could have become igneous hail, formed of ice and volcanic matter.

Fiery hail plague meaning

In this episode, the warning was not addressed only to Pharaoh but to anyone who wanted to be saved. Therefore, it represents the extension of Yahweh's mercy to the Gentiles (non-Hebrews). It is not surprising that the symbol of punishment is the union of ice and fire, which symbolizes the union of opposites.

8. Plague of locusts

plague of locusts

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Summary

Moses and Aaron announced to Pharaoh a plague of locusts that would destroy what the hail did not destroy. Pharaoh's servants begged him to give in, but the monarch did not. The next day, the locusts consumed all the vegetation in their path.

Pharaoh asked forgiveness for his sin and God threw the locusts into the Red Sea. Then the monarch offered Moses to let the men go alone, but this was inadmissible for them, and they could not leave.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 10, 1-20.

Scientific explanation

Experts point out that the plague of locusts was a consequence of the eruption of the Santorini volcano. The expulsion of volcanic ash would have caused a series of climatic changes that favored the phenomenon. Such conditions would specifically be excess rain and a high concentration of humidity, all of which would favor the uncontrolled reproduction of these insects.

Meaning of the plague of locusts

The plague of locusts represents the final economic breakdown of the pharaoh and the division with his own people since they asked him to let the Hebrews go. Therefore, only after this plague did Pharaoh recognize his faults and wanted to negotiate an alternative by letting the men go. But for the Hebrews, liberation would be for everyone, or it would not be.

9. Darkness

darkness

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Summary

God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand so that darkness would cover the sky of Egypt for three days. During that time, no one could be seen. Only the houses of the Hebrews had lighting.

Pharaoh allowed Moses to go with their families, but without their cattle. But this one refused. So Pharaoh did not let them out. Then he excelled at Moses and threatened to kill him if he dared to return.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 10, 20-29.

Scientific explanation

The phenomenon of darkness over Egypt has not yet had a definitive answer. The most accepted thesis maintains that it could have been a solar eclipse since there is documentation on a phenomenon of this type that occurred around the year 1223 BC.

Meaning of the plague of darkness

Symbolically, the plague of darkness represents the blindness of the Pharaoh (and, by extension, the sinner), who refuses to recognize the voice of God. Let us also remember that the Egyptians worshiped the Sun god, so that darkness also symbolizes the fall of the last Egyptian idol, from the biblical perspective.

10. Death of the firstborn of Egypt

death of the firstborn

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Summary

The Lord warned Moses that he would put to death the firstborn of Egypt. To protect themselves from the passage of death, the Hebrews had to mark the lintel of their door with the blood of a lamb sacrificed in honor of Yahweh. That night the Hebrews would celebrate the first Passover, that is, the passage of the Lord.

Death passed through the houses of Egypt and also claimed the life of Pharaoh's firstborn. In his desperation, he drove out the Hebrews with all his possessions. These immediately marched into the desert, but not before receiving gold and silver objects from the Egyptians as God had predicted.

The passage is narrated in the book of Exodus 11, 1-10; Exodus 12, 29-36.

Scientific explanation

There are two hypotheses to explain the death of the firstborn. Both link the scientific with the social and labor organization of Ancient Egypt.

The first explanation holds that excess red algae in the Nile released large concentrations of lethal mycotoxins. The wheat fields would have absorbed the water contaminated with the mycotoxins. However, the firstborn used to be the first to gather the grain from the harvests, so they were more exposed to poisoning.

The second explanation proposes the possibility that there was an aftershock of the volcanic eruption. This would have raised a cloud of carbon dioxide from the ground, which can cause death. Since the firstborn had the privilege of sleeping on the ground floor, they would have been the first to inhale the deadly gas.

Significance of the death of the firstborn

In ancient times, the firstborn son was the most valued for being the successor of the family lineage. Therefore, this passage represents the breaking point of the Pharaoh, unable to measure the consequences of his actions. The Pharaoh himself would have written his fate by finishing off the first-born Hebrews, without ever giving them the chance of salvation.

The passage is also inscribed in the symbolism of sacrificial rituals. For Christians, a prefiguration of the death of Christ can be seen: just as liberation would come to the Hebrews through the death of Pharaoh's firstborn, salvation would come to the world through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Background and context of the plagues of Egypt

According to the book of Exodus, the Hebrews lived in Egypt from the time of the patriarch Jacob and his son, Joseph. But on the death of both, Pharaoh made them slaves for fear of their prosperity and a great number and ordered the newborn males to be killed. Moses was rescued by Pharaoh's daughter, who raised him as her own.

As an adult, Moses saw how an Egyptian mistreated a slave and killed him. Discovered, he fled to Midian, took a wife, and became a herdsman. During that period, God commissioned him to free the people and lead them to the promised land, with the help of his brother, Aaron.

The brothers repeatedly met with the Pharaoh to communicate the divine message, but he did not want to listen. Moses and Aaron warned him that if he persisted in his denial, Yahweh would send various plagues on Egypt to persuade him. Only after the tenth (the death of the firstborn) did Pharaoh agree.

After these events, the Hebrews celebrated the first Passover, left Egypt, and began their pilgrimage through the desert in search of the Promised Land.

 

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