Researchers previously showed that volcanic eruptions occasionally affected Egypt and caused climatic and environmental disruptions. Volcanic ash in the atmosphere can lead to cooler temperatures, altered weather patterns, and disruptions in agricultural productivity, potentially triggering a chain of natural disasters.
From a scientific perspective, each of the ten plagues of Egypt, as described in the biblical narrative, can be viewed as a cascading sequence of natural events. Here’s a hypothesis on how each plague could logically lead to the next.
Water Turning to Blood
A possible scientific explanation for this plague is a bloom of red algae, known as “red tide,” or a massive influx of red clay sediment that caused the Nile to turn red and kill the fish (Exodus 7:20-21). This can be triggered by environmental changes such as volcanic activity or temperature shifts.
Frogs
The death of fish and the pollution of the river would drive frogs to leave the water in large numbers to escape the contaminated environment, resulting in a mass migration of frogs (Exodus 8:1-4).
Lice or Gnats
As the frogs died (due to leaving their natural habitat), their decomposing bodies would provide an ideal breeding ground for lice or gnats (Exodus 8:16-17). This could be exacerbated by the lack of fish and frogs to control the insect population.
Flies
The abundance of decomposing organic matter (dead fish and frogs) would attract swarms of flies (Exodus 8:20-24). The increase in flies can be linked to the thriving insect population due to the death of frogs.
Livestock Pestilence
Flies can transmit diseases to livestock, causing a plague among the animals (Exodus 9:1-7). The presence of biting flies and other insects could easily spread infections.
Boils
The dead animals would attract more insects and parasites, which can carry bacteria leading to skin infections and boils on humans and animals (Exodus 9:8-12). Additionally, anthrax, a disease that can cause boils, might spread from infected livestock to humans.
Hail
Environmental disturbances, such as volcanic activity, could lead to severe weather patterns, including destructive hailstorms (Exodus 9:13-35). Ash particles from volcanic eruptions can also cause changes in weather, leading to storms.
Locusts
The destruction of crops by hail would lead to an environment conducive to locust swarms, as they are drawn to devastated agricultural areas to feed on whatever vegetation remains (Exodus 10:1-20). The change in weather patterns can also affect locust migration.
Darkness
Volcanic activity (such as eruptions) could release large amounts of ash into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and causing darkness (Exodus 10:21-29). Ash clouds can persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, causing prolonged darkness.
Death of the Firstborn:
This final plague (Exodus 11:1-12:30) is challenging to explain scientifically, and probably so on purpose, pointing us to the fact God is behind both the natural (first nine plagues) and the supernatural (the last plague).
P.S. I am not a scientist.
