Once upon a time, in the land of Egypt, there lived a proud and stubborn Pharaoh who did not want to let the Israelites go. God, through His servant Moses, had warned Pharaoh to release His people so that they could worship Him.

But Pharaoh refused to listen, so God sent a plague of frogs upon the land of Egypt. Frogs swarmed everywhere, in Pharaoh’s house, in his bedchamber, in the houses of his people, even in their ovens and kneading-troughs. The frogs were a great nuisance to all, but Pharaoh did not relent.

Then, at Moses’ request, the frogs were removed, and the land of Egypt was rid of them. But Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he refused to listen to the word of God.

Next, God sent a plague of lice upon the people and animals of Egypt. The magicians tried to replicate this plague but failed, acknowledging that it was the finger of God at work. Still, Pharaoh did not soften his heart.

Seeing the continued disobedience of Pharaoh, God sent a swarm of flies to further afflict the land of Egypt. The flies were everywhere, causing great discomfort and distress to the Egyptians. Pharaoh, desperate for relief, relented momentarily and allowed Moses to take the Israelites into the wilderness to sacrifice to God.

But as soon as the flies were removed, Pharaoh reneged on his promise once again, hardening his heart against God’s will. Despite the signs and wonders shown to him, Pharaoh remained obstinate, refusing to let the Israelites go free.

Thus, the stage was set for the unfolding of God’s great plan for deliverance and redemption, as the showdown between the power of God and the stubbornness of Pharaoh continued to play out in the land of Egypt.