The ten plagues of Egypt, recounted in the Book of Exodus, are a series of calamities inflicted upon Egypt by God to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. These disasters progressively escalated in severity, from natural infestations to ecological devastation and culminating in the death of the firstborn.
This narrative holds immense significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. It represents a pivotal moment of divine intervention, demonstrating God’s power and solidifying the covenant between God and the Israelites. The story’s impact extends beyond religious contexts, serving as a powerful literary example of resistance against oppression and the struggle for freedom. Historically, scholars have debated the plagues’ plausibility, exploring potential natural explanations for some of the described events while acknowledging the narrative’s primarily theological focus.