Exodus 12:12 is a critical verse to understanding why God unleashed the ten plagues upon the Egyptians. In addition to humbling Pharaoh and bringing judgment on the idolatrous Egyptians, God wanted to expose the false gods of the Egyptians through these plagues.
This is a fact that is overlooked when studying the story today.
The gods of Egypt:
- The Egyptians worshipped many different gods. Some estimate as many as 2,000!
- Their gods were both male and female.
- They looked and behaved like humans.
- They were often associated with animals. Many are depicted as having animal heads and human bodies. This resulted in the Egyptians holding animals in high esteem.
- The gods of the Egyptians governed every aspect of their lives.
- Each self-ruling tribe had its gods.
- Many fantastic myth stories were created about these gods.
- Amon-Ra was considered the chief god.
The ten plagues exposed the gods of the Egyptians.
- The Nile turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-21). This plague exposed Khnum, Hapi, and Osiris.
- Frogs went throughout the land (Exodus 8:1-4). This plague exposed Heqt.
- Lice came from the earth (Exodus 8:16-17). This plague exposed Geb.
- Swarms of flies (probably more than likely scarab beetles). Amon-Ra could not help them (Exodus 8:20-21).
- Diseased livestock (Exodus 9:1-3). This exposed Apis, Hathor, and Bast.
- Boils on both man and beast (Exodus 9:8-9). This plague exposed Serapis, Imhotep, and Thoth.
- Hail fell from the sky (Exodus 9:18-19). This plague exposed Nut and Horus.
- Locusts swarmed the land (Exodus 10:4-5). This plague exposed Nepris, Ernutet, Seth, and Thermusis.
- Darkness overwhelmed Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23). This plague exposed Amon-Ra.
- The death of the firstborns. This plague exposed fertility and child protecting gods.
What should the Egyptians have learned from the plagues?
- God is real!
- God executes judgment on those who oppose Him!
- God has the power to both protect and deliver His people!
Conclusion:
Are you serving the one true and living God?
