The ten plagues are God’s punishments of Egypt (Exodus 7:4; Exodus 9:14; Exodus 12:12). The first sign (the staff turning into a snake) is not yet a punishment, but it is a warning. It is often seen as the introduction to the ten plagues.
The plagues are also signs, through which God wants to make something clear.
The plagues in Egypt are a model of God’s punishments, which the world will experience in the end times (see Revelation 15:1–8 and Revelation 16:1–21). Seven angels come with plagues, which will bring God’s wrath to an end (Revelation 15:1). These seven plagues resemble the plagues in Egypt.
In the meantime, the faithful are standing beside the sea of glass, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, as Israel sung the victory song after God’s judgment over Pharaoh (Exodus 15:1–27).
Israel was freed after the ten plagues, whereas in Revelation 15 the believers are already free when the judgments come (Revelation 15:2).
As God differentiated between the Egyptians and the Israelites, he will also do so at the final judgment. The plagues come upon those who have been disobedient to God (Revelation 16:2). Their reaction is one of unbelief and rebellion against God (Revelation 16:9, Revelation 16:21). God’s people react in the only appropriate and just way: by praising God (Revelation 15:3–4).
In the judgments, we see God’s trustworthiness, righteousness, and almighty power (Revelation 16:7).
1 And the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.