This led to the Israelites being forced to work under extremely harsh conditions. Moses had to flee from Egypt after an incident in his youth, but after years in exile, God gave him an important mission—to return to Egypt and demand that Pharaoh set the Israelites free.
When Moses confronted the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt refused to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh was indifferent to their suffering, and his stubbornness resulted in a series of events that would forever alter history.
The Ten Plagues of Egypt
God sent ten plagues to Egypt to demonstrate His power and persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites:
- The Nile Turns to Blood: The Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, transformed into blood. The water became undrinkable, fish died, and a foul stench filled the air. Despite this calamity, Pharaoh remained unmoved.
- Plague of Frogs: Frogs leaped out of the river and covered the land. They were everywhere—in homes, beds, and even food. The noise was unbearable, but Pharaoh still refused to let the Israelites go.
- Plague of Lice: Swarms of lice crawled over people and animals, causing extreme discomfort. Yet, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened.
- Plague of Wild Animals: Wild animals invaded the towns, causing chaos and fear among the people. However, this did not change Pharaoh’s mind.
- Plague on Livestock: A severe disease struck the Egyptians’ livestock—cows, sheep, and horses died in large numbers, resulting in a great loss. Yet, Pharaoh was unyielding.
- Plague of Boils: Painful sores broke out on everyone in Egypt, making movement difficult. Despite the agony, Pharaoh’s heart remained unchanged.
- Plague of Hail: A devastating hailstorm hit Egypt, with large chunks of ice and fire falling from the sky, destroying crops and injuring anyone caught outside. Nevertheless, Pharaoh still refused to listen.
- Plague of Locusts: Swarms of locusts descended upon Egypt, devouring all the crops and greenery. The land was left barren, yet even this did not sway Pharaoh.
- Plague of Darkness: For three days, a thick darkness enveloped the land. People couldn’t see anything and were trapped in their homes. But even in this terrifying darkness, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened.
- The Death of the Firstborn: The final plague was the most devastating. On a night of great sorrow, the firstborn of every Egyptian family, including Pharaoh’s own son, died. The cries of mourning filled the land. This tragedy finally broke Pharaoh’s stubbornness. He summoned Moses and told him to take the Israelites and leave Egypt.
The Great Escape: Crossing the Red Sea
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, embarking on their journey to freedom. Filled with hope, they packed their belongings and left their lives of slavery behind. However, Pharaoh soon regretted his decision. Gathering his soldiers and chariots, he pursued the Israelites, determined to bring them back.
When the Israelites saw Pharaoh’s army approaching, they were terrified. Trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s forces, they cried out to Moses in fear. But Moses, trusting in God, reassured them, saying, “Stand still and see how God will save us today.”
Moses raised his staff, and an incredible miracle occurred. A strong wind blew, parting the waters of the Red Sea and creating a dry path. The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water towering on either side.
As they crossed, they marveled at the sight of fish swimming in the walls of water. A miraculous light guided their journey through the night. By morning, they reached the other side, safe from Pharaoh’s reach.
When Pharaoh’s army attempted to follow them, the waters crashed back, sweeping away the chariots, horses, and soldiers. Pharaoh’s army was destroyed, leaving the Israelites free from their pursuers.
The Israelites’ Freedom and Celebration
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites knew they were truly free. They sang and danced, praising God for delivering them from slavery. Moses and the people looked back at the sea, grateful for the miraculous event that had saved them.
This incredible journey showed the Israelites—and the world—that with faith in God, even the deepest waters can part, creating a path where none seemed possible. Moses led his people to freedom, fulfilling God’s promise and beginning a new chapter for the Israelites, guided by faith and hope.
