Moses and Aaron told Pharaoh, “The Lord God of Israel says, ‘Let my people go into the wilderness to worship me.’” Pharaoh refused, mocking God and accusing the Israelites of laziness. He stopped providing straw for brick-making but demanded the same quota, causing the Israelites to struggle and be beaten.

The foremen complained to Pharaoh, who blamed them and insisted they work harder. Moses, frustrated, prayed to God, who promised to deliver the people. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh again. Aaron’s staff turned into a snake, swallowing the magicians’ snakes, but Pharaoh remained stubborn. God sent plagues: the Nile turned to blood, frogs swarmed everywhere, lice infested people and animals, and flies covered the land—except where the Israelites lived. Each time, Pharaoh promised to let them go but changed his mind.

Further plagues included livestock disease, painful boils, and a devastating hailstorm that spared the Israelites. Pharaoh admitted his wrongdoing and asked Moses to stop the hail, promising to free the people. But once the storm ended, Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused again.