The book of Exodus has strong overtones from Genesis and the creation account. In the ten plagues, there appears to be a reversal of creation. Increasing chaos is the result of each plague. The chaos is a judgment upon Egypt but also deliverance for Israel. 

God delivers through the chaos of sin.

Back in Exodus 5:2, Pharaoh brazenly and rhetorically asks an important question: “Who is the Lord that I should obey him?” The resulting plagues provide the answer. Yahweh is the Lord of all and upholds all things. The natural world as well as spiritual powers are all subject to the Lord. 

In Exodus 9:15, God says that he could have wiped the Egyptians out rather than slowly increase the intensity of the plagues. He doesn’t because he wants the whole earth and all generations to know that he is the Lord and true God.  

The pattern of chaos resulting from sin and judgment followed by deliverance is seen throughout the Bible. Noah’s flood, the Exodus, the Babylonian exile and other events follow this pattern. The ultimate expression is found at the Cross, where the sky grew dark (just like the 9^th plague) in the hours preceding Jesus’ death as the judgment for human sin. An earthquake happened and rocks were split demonstrating the cosmic scope of Christ’s death. On the other side, God’s people receive a share in his resurrection.  

Taking It Home: Personal chaos is the result of rejecting God’s order for your life. Repent and follow him. Give your life to Jesus as Lord and Savior if you have never done so. Participate in God’s mission to bring his kingdom to restore the brokenness of human society and the world at large. Tell the next generation.