Exodus 7:8-10

New Catholic Bible

Footnotes

1. Exodus 7:8 Bits from various traditions are skillfully combined to show the gradual hardening of Pharaoh and the increasing misfortunes that this brings upon Egypt. The ten “plagues” have for their purpose to show the character of the God in whose name Moses bids Pharaoh to release the Hebrews, but whom the proud “son of the sun” claims he does not know (Ex 5:2). This God is mightier than all the magicians of Egypt; he can command every creature, and his power extends not only to Israel but to the land of the Nile and its inhabitants.

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   These very colorful narratives profile the struggle between the Lord and the forces of evil. Pharaoh personifies the human freedom that is opposed to the divine plan but that God makes use of to realize his plan. We should not be surprised that tradition has systematized and amplified these events to better manifest the greatness and power of the Lord.