Why 10 Plagues?

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fuerzaddios

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Why did God use 10 plagues? Why not just one? Is there a significance to the number 10 or maybe a comparison to the 10 commandments?
 
Cause’ 9 weren’t enough!

In all seriousness, Pharaoh wasn’t cooperating. Consequently, the Plagues kept coming.
 
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Also, the 10 plagues correspond to Egyptian gods. For example the Egyptians worshiped the Nile, so turning it into blood is a way of saying God is more powerful. It almost looks like God killing the Nile. Interestingly, the Egyptians also worshiped sheep as well, so God called the Israelites to participate in His “deicide”.
 
A website on Hebrew numerology gives the following meaning for the number 10 -

Esehr [f.], ahsahrah [m.] Divine order, completed cycle, measure, or group (congregation) whether for good or evil, blessing or judgment. A tenth part represents the whole in a tithe. Thus, ten represents a complete congregation, body, or kingdom, whether good or evil.”

Perhaps in this case something like a “completed cycle of ‘judgement’”.
 
Here’s a handy-dandy chart that discusses which gods and goddesses each plague was supposed to show dominance over.

And like @Medawlinno pointed out, gematria, the spiritual interpretation of numbers, is another important element in Hebrew culture. Ten also shows power— 10 commandments, 10 righteous men to avert punishment in Sodom, 10 men = a minyan, or spiritual community.

Ten is connected to the Hebrew letter yodh/yud. Two yodhs in a row indicate God’s name (Adonai).
 
the main reason was Pharaoh… It took 10 plagues to change his mind…
 
To me, it is a sign of God’s mercy. He gave plenty of opportunity to Pharaoh to repent.
 
the main reason was Pharaoh… It took 10 plagues to change his mind…
And even then, he wasn’t convinced. He sent his army after them to bring them back. (Their concern was that they were released from service to Egypt!)
 
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