Exodus 9

Seems like at this point, pride has engulfed Pharaoh completely.


The plague of boils and hail are the first of the plagues where direct damage to a human being can happen.  


It appears that some Egyptians, even court officers, are already taking account of the power of God's Israel.  But then you have to wonder if they consider God in the same way they consider their other gods.  


It was mentioned that several crops were not destroyed because they were "late".  Were they spared as a sign of God's graciousness, so that the whole land may not be destitute?

Exodus 8

Exodus 8

It's quite curious that despite the fact that Pharaoh's magicians can still duplicate the miracles being done by Moses and Aaron, Pharaoh is now more inclined to let them go.  Possibly it's out of necessity, since the frogs are a major disturbance to the life of the nation.  As verse 15 says, Pharaoh again hardened his heart once he got some relief.  And then, just several verses later, Pharaoh remain hardened despite his magicians admitting defeat to another plague brought by Moses and Aaron.

Just wondering if the plague of flies is the first among the plagues where a distinction is made between the Israelites and the Egyptians.

Exodus 5 - 7

By this time, all actions being done by Moses and Aaron seems to be futile, as Pharaoh refuse to listen or even care, primarily because his own court of magicians can duplicate the miracles being performed.  What is not clear though is whether they are really able to make the same miracles and wonders, or it's just "magic" as in tricks and sleight of hand.

The amusing thing is that for the reader, they are made aware that the reactions of Pharaoh are actually part of God's plan, as God had already determined judgment over Egypt.  In the same way, it is already determined that the Israelites will get out of Egypt regardless of their reactions.  Can you actually say that this is a type of predestination, with one group marked for salvation and the other marked for destruction.