Biblical Paradigms, The Exodus, and the Ten Plagues of Egypt

Descriptions and Significance of the Bible

In the Bible, it is sometimes said that the book is like a fire. This fire is changing, continually renewed, making the Bible a profound reading. The Bible is an inspired book, an absolute text whose light can illuminate. It is a book that speaks of the past, present, and future.

Key Historical Paradigms of the Bible

The historical and theological frameworks of the Bible can be understood through several key paradigms:

The Patriarchal Paradigm

The patriarchs are the great ancestors: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This paradigm also includes two major covenants: the covenant with Noah (symbolized by the rainbow, uniting heaven and earth) and the covenant with Abraham. In this paradigm, there is already talk of a true God.

The Central Paradigm: Exodus and Sinai

This paradigm contains multiple central elements:

• The Exodus, which signifies liberation.
• Sinai, the mountain sacred to the appearance of God, where the covenant is established.
• The Law, which serves as the first constitution in the world for living free.
• The Choice, where the people feel different, especially when they are in exile.

The Paradigm of History and the Golden Age

The concept of history was born in Germany in the 19th century. The first philosophers were called historians. This period is considered the golden age of the Bible. The tribes have confederated, judges rule, and the settlement came after the conquest of the Promised Land. This includes the time of King David, Solomon, and the paradigm of wisdom. Then came the separation into two kingdoms, followed by the exile where the people were taken as slaves. During this time, prophetic voices—hard and strong—appear, not mincing words, stating what is good and bad, but also proclaiming that the exile will end and that the people will rise like a phoenix.

The Theocratic Paradigm and the Return

King Cyrus ordered that all Jews who wished to return to their homeland could do so, even taking their belongings. During the exile, the biblical scriptures appear for the first time, strengthening the idea of liberation. The people begin again with the Temple, seeking to rebuild the Temple of Solomon. A priestly caste emerges that begins to have enormous prestige.

The New Testament Paradigm

This period is known as Kairos, meaning a time of fullness or a great moment. While the Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, they recognize that he is a being of great importance. The synagogue appears after the exile to promote the culture of the people. The Pharisees, those who know the laws, also appear. Note that Jesus was not a Rabbi. In 70 AD, a Roman general ordered the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and it has been destroyed ever since. Israel became independent in 1948 as an independent nation, paralleling India's independence from England.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Exodus

One day, a voice tells Moses, "Do not be afraid, I will be with you," and grants him powers to present to the Pharaoh. Moses approaches Pharaoh with his brother Aaron and asks him to set his people free. Pharaoh not only denies the request but also strengthens his military to prevent it. Following Pharaoh's refusal, the plagues upon Egypt begin:

1. The plague of blood: The Nile River is contaminated.
2. The invasion of frogs, which covered the entire Nile Delta.
3. The epidemic of lice and gnats, affecting humans and animals.
4. The plague of flies and horseflies.
5. Fever in cattle and livestock.
6. Boils and sores, causing pain and rashes.
7. Rain and hail storms.
8. Plague of locusts.
9. The cosmic plague: Everything was dark for three days.
10. The plague which killed the firstborn of every Egyptian household, sparing only the Hebrews.

After this series of misfortunes, Pharaoh decides to grant the Hebrews liberty and tells them to leave quickly, thus beginning the Exodus. Moses had instructed the Hebrews before the tenth plague not to leave their homes, and to make dinner together. They were to make a mark on the door with the blood of the lamb so that the plague would not enter. This dinner is the Passover meal.

After dinner came the passage through the Red Sea, followed by the journey through the desert to reach the foot of the mountains of the Sinai peninsula. They camped there, and only Moses went up the mountain, remaining there for 40 days and 40 nights. Sinai is the home where the alliance is signed, the referent of this covenant being the Tables of the Law. After the 40 days, Moses descended with the tables, but the people had made and adored a golden calf. This enraged Moses, who broke the tables. He went back up and returned a few days later with new ones. Moses, after all he suffered, did not reach the Promised Land; he only saw it from afar before dying. Moses is often considered the hero of the Old Testament.