The answer is: 10

Exo 7-11

The story of the ten plagues that struck Egypt is a fascinating and dramatic episode in the book of Exodus, providing a profound view into themes of suffering, justice, and deliverance. Each plague, whether it was the water turned to blood or the invasion of locusts, symbolized powerful reckonings and natural forces and reflected Egypt's polytheistic culture, where each affliction corresponding to an Egyptian god was challenged by the God of Israel.

Did you know that scholars often believe these plagues weren't just catastrophic chaos but symbolic acts with deeper meanings? For instance, turning the Nile into blood may represent judgment against the Egyptian god Hapi, the god of the Nile, highlighting a powerful message about the limitations of idols. Additionally, the story illustrates a typical literary pattern found in the ancient Near East where divine battles are depicted through plagues, emphasizing an overarching struggle between good and evil.

The culmination of the plagues leads to the angel of death passing over households that were marked with lamb’s blood—an event immensely significant within the Christian tradition, leading to what is known as Passover. This tension between oppression and liberation reveals a more substantial truth about human resilience and divine support throughout history.

Keep in mind, the ten plagues also echo a cycle of suffering followed by hope, affirming a belief in eventual deliverance, which resonates deeply across both spiritual and proverbial themes that can still inspire contemporary well-being and reflection.