6- The epidemic plague against livestock The Egyptians used to believe that certain animals were holy; for instance, the calf ‘Ebis’, believed to embrace the spirit of their god ‘Osiris’. By that plague, they 1 On Ps. 78. 2 On Ps. 8. The early fathers understand the finger of God, which has made the heavens as the Holy Spirit who creates from men holy heavens. They also understand the right hand of God as the Word, the Son of God. 3 On the Gospel of St. John. Tr. 1:15. 61 would realize the futility of their beliefs. St. Augustine believes that such a plague was intended to let man control the animal lust in him and to lead a more pure life1. 7- The plague of boils The Egyptians used to have several gods, to whom, it was believed, they offered human sacrifices - most probably some Hebrews whom they used to burn on a high altar, and then scatter their ashes in the air to come down as blessings. That is why Moses took handfuls of ashes from a furnace and scattered it towards the heavens, to become fine dust that caused boils that broke out in sores on priests, people and beasts throughout all the land of Egypt. The magicians could not stand before Moses because the boils were on them (Exod. 9.12). It was as though God intended to proclaim that after so long suffering, He would avenge those whom they have burnt. 8- The plague of thunder, hail, and fire That was a hard plague to bear, as the Egyptians were not used to such extreme weather phenomena. We saw that the sound of thunder refers to God’s proclamations and warnings; the hail, to the destruction of the weeds, sown in the heart by the enemy; and the fire, to the burning of the thorns that choke the soul, to let the heart become kindled with the love of God. St. Augustine believes that hail refers to the sin of unjust confiscation of what belongs to others; and that fire refers to the sin of anger, that flares in the heart and leads to murder2. 9- The plague of locusts The locusts devastate crops and cause famine; thus, that plague was meant to expose the weakness of their gods to sustain them even physically. St. Augustine believes that the locusts refer to false testimonials that, like locusts, bring harm through the mouth3. 10- The plague of darkness The Egyptians used to worship ‘Ra’, god of the sun. It is as though this plague was directed against that god. At the same time, it revealed the blindness of their insights, and proclaimed their need for the coming of the Sun of Righteousness who shines on those sitting in darkness. This plague remained three days, which probably refers to the waiting of the soul to enter into the light of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The reaction of Pharaoh to these plagues Pharaoh tried to negotiate with Moses and Aaron, offering futile compromises: A- At the beginning, he accused Moses and Aaron of taking the people away from their work and that the people are idle (Exod. 5.17). B- When the plagues began, he cried out to them. Yet, once he saw relief, he hardened his heart again, and did not heed them (Exod. 8.15). C- When the plagues became more severe, he said to them, “Go sacrifice to your God in the land of Egypt” (Exod. 8.25); to worship God without forsaking evil, and without changing their way of living. D- When Moses and Aaron persisted on their stand, he said, “I will let you go that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God on the wilderness, only you shall not 1 On Ps. 78. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 62 go very far away. Intercede for me” (Exod. 8.28). He pretended to be in need of their intercession and prayers; yet, he did not want them to go for a three days journey lest they enjoy the power of the resurrection of the Lord Christ, the Savior. E- As the situation worsened, he allowed them to go their way (to go for three days) but he said, “Go now, you who are men, and serve the Lord, for that is what you desired” (Exod. 10.11). He was not allowing them to take their children, their wives, or their beasts. The enemy, although allowing us to worship God, yet without our women, (which are our bodies to which wives refer according to the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians, to love their women as they do their bodies); without their children - the fruits of the Spirit; and without the beasts, meaning without sanctifying their senses and emotions. The devil wants to separate worship from man’s whole practical life, even from the sanctification of his body and emotions. F- Finally, he allowed them to take their women and children, but, “Let your flocks and herds be kept back” (Exod. 10.24). The response of Moses and Aaron was, “Not a hoof shall be left behind” (Exod. 10.26). Likewise, we have to go with all our women, children, and beasts offering everything to God, not leaving for the devil any place in our life. We shall not leave him any hoof lest he should have any chance for his evil work in us.
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