There are some interesting thoughts to consider on the ten plagues. Why did YHVH allow the first three to be copied by Pharaoh’s magicians? In each of these miracles it would seem Pharaoh had little to fear when his guys could do the same things. Why wouldn’t YHVH give him a sign right in the beginning that was so big and so awesome that he would have no choice but to give in immediately? Because then Pharaoh would have lost his free will to continue to sin. He had to have an opportunity to choose. If there were no choices for us, there could be no rewards for choosing the correct ones. We often think because of the way the scriptures read, that YHVH “caused” Pharaoh have a hard heart, that he never got a chance to be any different. Often what we see in scriptures as “caused” is more correctly translated “allowed.” So YHVH “allowed Pharaoh” to do as Pharaoh desired here.

Of course YHVH used everything that happened in his overall plan. A plan that included getting Egypt out of his people, as well as getting his people out of Egypt. If you notice in Exodus 6:26 and 27, YHVH speaks of getting them out of the “land” of Egypt. Also in Exodus 7:4, he repeats this thought. Then in 7:5 he switches to putting forth his hand over Egypt and bringing out the children of Israel from “among them.” Before he takes them out of the land of Egypt, he has to take the Egypt out of them. They must go through the first three plagues. Not until exodus 8:23, will you read where YHVH separated the children of Israel from the plagues. Sometimes, it’s as important for believers to know YHVH is indeed a great and mighty YHVH, as it is for the unbelievers. I believe this was such a time. Now it’s time for getting Egypt out of US! I’d like to do that totally “plague-less” if possible.