Day 45

The Terrible Days of Egypt

Exodus 8:16–10:29

Pharaoh wouldn’t let God’s people go. So Aaron hit the ground with his staff. All the dust turned into fleas. They bit everyone. But it made no difference to Pharaoh.

Soon swarms of flies filled Egypt. Pharaoh softened. “You may go a short way. Worship God and come right back,” he said. So God took the flies away. But then Pharaoh wouldn’t let the people go.

So a terrible disease made all of Egypt’s horses, cattle, and sheep die. Painful sores broke out on the Egyptians. But Pharaoh wouldn’t obey. Hail fell on Egypt and killed everything outdoors. Grasshoppers came and ate everything that was left.

Finally, Egypt became dark for three days. People couldn’t see each other or even move. And Pharaoh said, “Go out and worship. But your animals must stay behind.”

“No,” said Moses. “We must bring our animals to sacrifice.”

“Then you can’t go,” replied Pharaoh. “I will kill you if I see you again.”

“This is true,” answered Moses. “I’ll never see you again.”

Questions: Why wouldn’t Pharaoh let God’s people go? Why did terrible things happen to Egypt?