The answer is: 10

Exo 7-11

The story of the ten plagues sent to Egypt is one of the most dramatic moments in the Biblical narrative, pulling at the cords of human empathy and divine power. Stretching across chapters 7 to 11 of Exodus, each plague serves a crucial initial purpose: to show that God means business when it comes to liberation and justice. Interestingly, the number 10 itself conveys a sense of completeness, illustrating a final demand for Pharaoh’s attention and, by extension, symbolizing a universal message about the folly of ignoring the message of justice.

These plagues were not just random acts of chaos. They unfolded in a deliberate order, with each one attacking specific deities of Egypt. Hail, locusts, and darkness each targeted the domain of Egyptian gods, echoing the Israelite belief in a singular God who could sway territories and powers beyond borders. Trivia time: did you know that some ancient scholars actually sought mathematical patterns in the order of these plagues?

You might find it fascinating that the final plague—the death of the firstborn—takes a darker route compared to the symbolic battles seen in the previous plagues. It marks a possible literary climax, forging a stark line between oppression and freedom.

Through these vibrant narratives, we not only see grievances reflected in ancient Egyptian cosmology but hear echoes relevant to all societies, challenging us continuously to approach topics of justice and compassion in our lives. So, the 10 plagues do much more than depict mere harbingers of doom; they remind humanity of the enduring struggle for freedom and recognition.