Plagues (Exodus 7:14–10:29)

The first nine plagues seem to be attacks on the powers of particular Egyptian deities. What is important, however, is that eventually Moses was able to do things the Egyptian magicians couldn’t replicate (8:16–19). They call it “the finger of God” (ʾṢ-BAʿ ʾELŌHÎM), a figure of speech that seems to indicate the direct action of God, rather than just a “trick” Moses was doing in the name of YHWH. Noting that the plagues spared Israel is a vital element as well, since it indicates YHWH was not indiscriminate and was clearly advocating for Israel, showing just how ludicrous Pharaoh’s rejection was.