1. Egypt's Cattle Destroyed- Exodus 9:1-7
These rulers were so separated from the everyday affairs of life that one wonders if Pharaoh truly grasped the seriousness of these judgments. That he did not seems to be implied in Exodus 10:7.

2. Egypt Smitten With Boils- Exodus 9:8-12
Now for the first time the Egyptians were smitten with terrible pain. God was warning them that His judgments had no limit. Continued rebellion would bring total destruction. We cannot but smile at the plight of the magicians in verse 11.

3. Egypt Smitten With Hail- Exodus 9:13-26
Having been warned by the boils, Egypt is now visited by a plague that not only destroys vegetation but has the power to kill man and beast. We cannot however but notice how merciful and longsuffering God is. Before this plague falls all are warned and given the opportunity to save both life and flocks. What can we think of those who still refused to fear and believe God (verses 20-21). Are not God's judgments just? Think of how long God will have put up with man's unbelief before the judgments of the great Tribulation fall.
In verse 16 God explained to Pharaoh that his very existence and elevation as ruler was brought about that the Lord might be exalted. What greatness there is with the Lord. The highest of men are mere instruments of His will. Paul refers to verse 16 to illustrate the sovereignty of God in salvation (Romans 9:17-23).

4. Temporary Repentance- Exodus 9:27-35
True repentance brings a permanent change of mind (II Corinthians 7:10). There is, however, a change produced by fear rather than by saving grace. This is manifested by its temporary nature (II Peter 2:20-22).
Even as Pharaoh's hypocrisy is being described the mercy of God is manifested. Had Egypt truly repented God would have taken care that starvation would not come (verses 31-32). Sadly their rebellion caused even this mercy to be withdrawn (Exodus 10:5).

5. A Permanent Testimony- Exodus 10:1-2
Both judgments and mercies are for the purpose of bringing God glory (Romans 9:21-23). God explains to Moses that these signs are to form a record of God's greatness for future generations. Even today out faith is to be strengthened by the memory of God’s great works (Romans 15:4). May we not also believe that this record stands as a warning to the nations of their future clash with the Almighty. The next time you read the "Book of the Revelation" notice how much of the imagery comes from Exodus.

6. Pharaoh Threatened With Locusts- Exodus 10:3-6
Verse 3 truly exposes the heart of sinful man. By nature pride keeps us from humbling ourselves before God. This bowing before God is either accomplished in salvation or in judgment (Philippians 2:9-11).

7. Pharaoh Bargains- Exodus 10:7-11
Pharaoh's servants become exasperated and chide him into bargaining with Moses. Notice however that Pharaoh is only bargaining with God as a rival, not submitting as a servant. He still has no intention of obeying God.

8. The Locust- Exodus 10:12-20
How strange the armies that God uses (Joel 2:11). He needs none of man's power to humble man. The horror of this plague would have to be experienced to be understood. When the locusts were removed all vegetation had been stripped. Egypt was a scene of utter desolation yet Pharaoh's heart is hardened by God.
(Think in our own days of scenes like Somalia where all industry and agriculture is destroyed yet men continue to wrestle for power unconcerned by the devastation.)

9. Darkness In Egypt- Exodus 10:21-29
Egypt's main deity was Ra the sungod. For three days God reveals His power over this pretend deity. Only Israel had light.
Pharaoh again wishes to bargain but when his compromises are rejected he flies into a rage and orders Moses forever out of his sight upon pain of death. At this point God ceases to warn Pharaoh. From here on there is no mitigation. Egypt is stripped of her riches, her firstborn, and her armies. The greatest nation on earth is reduced to a scene of desolation.

10. Pharaoh Compromises
Many have seen in Pharaoh’s bargaining a type of Satan's temptation of saints in all ages. When Satan cannot cause full scale rebellion against God he attempts more subtle diversions from God's will.
Notice now that God seeks not to bargain but to be obeyed. His orders to Israel were clear. They were to make a clean break with Egypt in their worship (Exodus 3:18). Pharaoh however as an instrument of Satan would moderate this:
a. He offers to let them worship God in Egypt (Exodus 8:25). This is a picture of all who would mix the church with the world. It is the doctrine of Balaam and such worship is spiritual adultery (James 4:4). True saints who try to join with the world will only be despised (Exodus 8:26-27). Imagine a scriptural church joining with false churches in worship. If they preached and practiced truth they would totally offend the others.
b.Next Pharaoh offers to allow them to worship if they will not go as far as God commands (Exodus 8:28). Satan still encourages God's people not to be "fanatical" in their obedience to God.
c. In Exodus 10:8-11 Pharaoh will allow worship if the families are not included. Such reminds one of Russia where parents were not permitted to proselyte their own children. Satan wants our family.
d.In Exodus 10:24 Pharaoh will allow God to be worshipped if Israel left their possessions behind. Until God has control of our wallet we are still in Satan's hand (Matthew 6:21). If our treasure is in Egypt our worship is of no value (Matthew 6:24-34).
May we learn from all this that the only acceptable worship is that which involves whole hearted and unreserved obedience to God.