The ten plagues served multiple purposes: to demons/”>demonstrate the Lord’s supremacy over Egypt’s gods, to break Pharaoh’s pride, to judge Egypt for its oppression, and to reveal God’s power to deliver His people. These were not random acts of destruction but deliberate signs pointing to God’s glory and His covenant faithfulness.
Exodus 7:5 explains God’s intention:
“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”
Each plague targeted a specific area of Egyptian life and their deities. For example, turning the Nile to blood struck at Hapi, the Nile god, while the plague of frogs humiliated Heqet, the frog goddess. These judgments proved that the gods of Egypt were powerless before the God of Israel.
The plagues also displayed God’s justice. Egypt had enslaved and afflicted Israel for centuries, and now God executed righteous judgment:
“For by now I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence… But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you.” (Exodus 9:15–16)
Furthermore, the plagues revealed God’s mercy and control. He distinguished between Egypt and Israel during several plagues (Exodus 8:22; 9:26), showing that His judgment was precise, not indiscriminate.
The ultimate purpose was redemptive. The plagues paved the way for Israel’s release and foreshadowed God’s greater deliverance through Christ. The plagues also remind us that God is patient, but will not tolerate rebellion forever. His judgments exalt His name and bring salvation to those who trust Him.
