The Free Thinkers guide to the Bible
Part 3 #3 – The Plagues of Egypt
The authority of Moses Vs the authority of Moses and Aaron
Two accounts interwoven
Welcome back to the Free Thinkers guide to the bible. I created this series so that ‘anyone’ can explore and understand the bible. You don’t need to be a biblical scholar; all you need is a desire to see what is written. I will present to you several biblical examples and demonstrate the process of sifting the accounts to reveal the hidden. This process is very similar to archeology, where the layers are excavated and analyzed. Just not the dirty part, though you will be digging up some dirt along the way.
Warning:
The series unfolds like a story in a book. Please study the content in the order it is presented in order to have the best experience. (The study series begins with Part 1 #1 – The Flood)
Preface
Welcome to the third portion of the study. In this portion we will build upon the knowledge we acquired in the first two studies. We have found that there are at least two distinct authors and a superb redactor(s) that has edited and merged accounts and stories in the books of Genesis, Exodus and Numbers. In the second study we highlighted accounts that diminished or promoted Moses and Aaron.
The focus of this study is on the accounts that contrast the leadership of Moses against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Our third example is two intermixed accounts of the same event written by different authors. This example is very complex and requires a significant amount of examination. For this reason I will deviate from the previous examples. I will present to you the accounts as I have separated them and offer them to you for review and critique.
*** indicates breaks where verses are used in the opposite account
Strikethrough is used to show where words or verses were likely added to skew the readers understanding of the account.
Before beginning, read Exodus chapters seven through chapter twelve, Look for anything out of the ordinary and Jot down any questions that come to mind.
(You should have a lot!)
The Plagues “A”
“The competition between Aaron and the Magicians”
Exo 7:1 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a God (Elohim) to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. 2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. 3 and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD (יהוה), when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
Rod to serpent
7:6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD (יהוה) commanded them, so did they. 7 And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh. 8 And the LORD (יהוה) spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. 10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD (יהוה) had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerer’s: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. 13 And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD (יהוה) had said.
Water to blood
7:19 And the LORD (יהוה) spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. 20a And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD (יהוה) commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; ***22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD (יהוה) had said.
Frogs
8:5 And the LORD (יהוה) spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. 6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. 7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. ***15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD (יהוה) had said.
Lice
8:16 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 17 And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast. 19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God (Elohim): and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD (יהוה) had said.
Boils
9:8 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. 10 And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast. 11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. 12 And the LORD (יהוה) hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD (יהוה) had spoken unto Moses.
Observations:
The “A” account begins with Moses being made a Mighty one to Pharaoh and Aaron being designated as the prophet and spokesman to Pharaoh.
The Creator states that he will harden Pharaoh’s heart and that Pharaoh would not hear/listen.
In verse 7:7 it is declared that Aaron is older than Moses. In many ancient civilizations the firstborn of the family is given greater esteem and authority over the “house”. Anyone reading this in the context given, would automatically understand that Aaron as the elder would have a greater status than his younger brother Moses.
In the first meeting we see that the Creator speaks to Moses and Aaron and that Aaron is designated as the prophet and spokesman of the Creator; not only speaking His words, but also wielding his power and authority in the form of the staff. The rod is referred to as Aaron’s rod three times in the rod to serpent account. We then read that Aaron’s rod swallowed the magician’s rods.
In the water to blood plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to have Aaron take “his” rod and strike the waters.
In the frogs plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to have Aaron take “his” rod and wave it over the land.
In the lice plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to have Aaron take “his” rod and strike the dust of the earth.
In the boils plague; we read that the Creator speaks to Moses and Aaron. Unlike the other accounts Moses performs the scattering of the ashes that brings about the boils.
To recap the events: Aaron struck the waters with his rod, Aaron waved his rod over the land, Aaron struck the dust of the earth with his rod and Moses (without the staff) scattered the ashes.
If one is attentive to these events a subliminal message comes through loud and clear… Aaron followed the orders he was given to the letter and everything worked perfectly. Why should this bring anything to mind? When we recall the events as written by this same “A” writer of the Waters of Meribah account; our thoughts should gravitate to the fact that Moses had the staff and was given explicit instructions on what he was to do. Unlike Aaron, Moses failed to follow the instructions and “foolishly” struck the rock with the staff when he should have just spoken to the rock and had the rod in his possession while doing so!
I leave this for you to ponder… intentional or coincidence?
Phrase Occurrences:
Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them - 5X
The magicians did so with their enchantments – 4X
(Three of the plagues and the serpents account)
Number of Plagues: – 4
The Plagues “B”
Exo 6:1 Then the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.
Water to blood
Exo 7:14 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened; he refuseth to let the people go. 15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. 16 And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD (יהוה) of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. 17 Thus saith the LORD (יהוה), In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD (יהוה): behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. ***20b and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. 23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house; neither did he set his heart to this also. 24 And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. 25 And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD (יהוה) had smitten the river.
Frogs
8:1 And the LORD (יהוה) spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD (יהוה), Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: 3 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneading troughs: 4 And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. ***8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, intreat the LORD (יהוה), that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD (יהוה). 9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses that they may remain in the river only? 10 And he said, tomorrow. And he said, be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD (יהוה) our God (Elohim). 11 And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only. 12 And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD (יהוה) because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. 13 And the LORD (יהוה) did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. 14 And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.
Swarms of flies
8:20 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD (יהוה), Let my people go, that they may serve me. 21 Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. 22 And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD (יהוה) in the midst of the earth. 23 And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be. 24 And the LORD (יהוה) did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies. 25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God (Elohim) in the land.
26 And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD (יהוה) our God (Elohim): lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? 27 We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD (יהוה) our God (Elohim), as he shall command us. 28 And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD (יהוה) your God (Elohim) in the wilderness;
***only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me. 29 And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD (יהוה) that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD (יהוה). 30 And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD (יהוה). 31 And the LORD (יהוה) did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one. 32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.
Death of cattle
9:1 Then the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, thus saith the LORD (יהוה) God (Elohim) of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 2 For if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt hold them still, 3 Behold, the hand of the LORD (יהוה) is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain. 4 And the LORD (יהוה) shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel. 5 And the LORD (יהוה) appointed a set time, saying, Tomorrow the LORD (יהוה) shall do this thing in the land. 6 And the LORD (יהוה) did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. 7 And Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go.
Hail
9:13 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD (יהוה) God (Elohim) of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 14 For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. 15 For now I will stretch out my hand that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. 16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. 17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go? 18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. 19 Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die. 20 He that feared the word of the LORD (יהוה) among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: 21 and he that regarded not the word of the LORD (יהוה) left his servants and his cattle in the field. 22 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt. 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD (יהוה) sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD (יהוה) rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. 27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD (יהוה) is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 intreat the LORD (יהוה) (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer. 29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD (יהוה); and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S (יהוה). 30 But as for thee and thy servants, I know that ye will not yet fear the LORD (יהוה) God (Elohim). 31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled. 32 But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up. 33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD (יהוה): and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth. 34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go; as the LORD (יהוה) had spoken by Moses.
Locusts
10:1 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD (יהוה). 3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD (יהוה) God (Elohim) of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast: 5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field: 6 And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh. 7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, how long shall this man be a snare unto us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD (יהוה) their God (Elohim): knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed? 8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD (יהוה) your God (Elohim): but who are they that shall go? 9 And Moses said, we will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD (יהוה). 10 And he said unto them, Let the LORD (יהוה) be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look to it; for evil is before you. 11 Not so: go now ye that are men, and serve the LORD (יהוה); for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence. 12 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left. 13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD (יהוה) brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. 15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD (יהוה) your God (Elohim), and against you. 17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD (יהוה) your God (Elohim), that he may take away from me this death only. 18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD (יהוה). 19 And the LORD (יהוה) turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt. 20 But the LORD (יהוה) hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
Darkness
Exo 10:21 and the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: 23They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD (יהוה); only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you. 25 And Moses said,
Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD (יהוה) our God.
26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD (יהוה) our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD (יהוה), until we come thither. 27 But the LORD (יהוה) hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go. 28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die. 29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.
Death of the Firstborn
11:1 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. 3 And the LORD (יהוה) gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people. 4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD (יהוה), About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: 5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. 6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD (יהוה) doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. 9 And the LORD (יהוה) said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD (יהוה) hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land. ***
Exo 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD (יהוה) smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD (יהוה), as ye have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.
Observations:
In the “B” account we read that the Creator speaks with Moses, and Moses uses his staff to bring about the plagues. The recurring theme is Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he will not let the people go so they can “serve” the Creator.
The water to blood and the frog’s plagues are the two plagues accounts that both “A” & “B” share. The “A” “Aaron Vs the magicians” accounts are inserted in the middle of both of the “B” plagues accounts. This editing makes the “B” accounts seem choppy and disjointed due to the references to Moses using his staff to bring about the plagues was removed. This may be the reason that the editor didn’t continue using the insertions on the remaining “B” plague accounts; and why the lice and boils plagues were created.
In the water to blood plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to take “his” rod and strike the waters. The “A” “Aaron Vs the magicians” account is inserted here and there is no mention of Moses striking the waters.
In the frogs plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to say to Pharaoh “Let my people go, that they may serve me” or frogs would cover the land. The “A” “Aaron Vs the magicians” account is inserted here and there is no mention of Moses using his staff during the plague.
Directly after the insertion we have the first use of “Moses and Aaron” in the “B” account. I propose to you that this and every time that “Moses and Aaron” is used in the “B” account that this is a possible insertion by the “A” writer/redactor.
Also in this first verse after the insertion we have the first occurrence of “sacrifice”. I propose to you that this and every time that “sacrifice” is used in the “B” account that this is a possible insertion by the “A” writer/redactor.
In the swarm plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to meet Pharaoh at the waters and proclaim to him that the Creator would send swarm s upon the land that the Egyptians occupied. We then have six occurrences of sacrifice in the middle of the plague account (possible insertions in similar style as the previous insertions in the plagues accounts).
In the Death of cattle plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to meet Pharaoh and forewarn him of the plague that would come upon his cattle. (This account is free of insertions)
In the Hail plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to meet Pharaoh and forewarn him of the plague that would come upon his land. Moses is instructed to stretch forth his hand to the heavens. He does so and the plague comes upon the land. (There is only a single possible “A” writer insertion in this lengthy account).
In the Locust plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to stretch his hand out over the land to bring about the plague of locust and he does so. We read that Aaron is present at the three times Moses is in the presence of Pharaoh. There is a possible insertion regarding a feast in the middle of the account. (This is the only reference to a feast in the plague accounts).
In the Darkness plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him to stretch his hand out to the heavens; he does so, and darkness came upon the Egyptians. Oddly, this is the only time that Moses is called to be in the presence of Pharaoh and Aaron is not present. Once again we have a possible insertion In the middle of the account involving sacrifices.
In the Death of the firstborn plague; the Creator speaks to Moses and tells him that He will bring a plague against the firstborn of the Egyptians. He brings the plague upon the land and Pharaoh finally calls to Moses and Aaron and tells them to take their leave. Please make note of the possible insertion giving credit to Aaron for “helping” perform the wonders of the plagues.
Phrase Occurrences:
Let my people go, that they may serve me – 6X
Word Occurrences:
Intreat(ed) – 8X
Number of Plagues: – 8
Comparison and Examination
The Plague “A” account reads as a competition between Aaron and Pharaoh’s magicians. It is Aaron who uses “his” rod to compete with the magicians. The account starts with the “miracle” when Aaron turns “his” rod into a serpent; Aaron then proceeds to direct the plagues of water to blood, frogs, and lice upon the Egyptians. We then read that Moses (without a staff) throws ashes into the air and brings about the plague of boils upon the Egyptians.
The continuous theme “Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not” ends each of the four plagues. Another theme is 'The LORD speaks to Moses and tells him to tell Aaron to take his rod and perform the miracles’.
The Plague “B” story reads as an account of The Creator bringing a series of plagues against Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Moses uses ‘his’ rod to bring about the plagues of: Water to blood, hail, locust and darkness. Moses tells Pharaoh that the Israelites are to go into the wilderness to serve the Creator. Moses is directed to use the rod that he carried at the burning bush to bring about plagues. The continuous theme “Let my people go, that they may serve me” “And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, neither would he let the children of Israel go” runs throughout the account. Another continuous theme is “Pharaoh asks Moses to “Intreat” the LORD on his behalf.
Summary
As in our previous studies, we see two distinct 'versions' of the account. One focuses on Aaron as the executor of the Creators orders; and a competition between Aaron and Pharaoh’s magicians.
The other account states that Moses (alone) is the person who executes the will of the Creator.
The contrast between the accounts should bring many questions to mind. Such as who wrote the differing accounts? Why does one account have Moses as the servant of the Creator and the other having Aaron in the role? Why does one account have Moses staff initiating the plague and the other Aarons staff? Why does one account emphasize going into the wilderness and performing a sacrifice and the other have no mention? Was one account written as a response to the other?
I have presented to you what I believe are a series of priestly “A” writer insertions in the “B” account.
Continue with me in the studies to see if my assertions are valid!