Some Jewish denominations do not read the Torah Literally, and some do. Regardless of what you believe it's fun to think about the 10 plagues may have happened. Let’s delve into the fascinating intersection of ancient biblical narratives and possiblt scientific explanations. The Ten Plagues, as recounted in Exodus (Shemot - שֵׁמוֹת) capture our imagination, but could any of these seemingly supernatural events have occurred through natural phenomena? Let’s explore:
Blood (Dam - דם): Moses striking the Nile, turning its waters to blood, could be explained by a red algae bloom or the video above shows acid/base indicators turning clear liquids red. The eyedropper contains phenolphthalein, which is in red cabbage and what gives red cabbage it's bold color. Phenolphthalein is a pH (acid/base) indicator. A very small amount of phenolphthalein can turn a a liquid that is a base red. The strongest basic substances that are widely available are bleach and ammonia. Some bodies of water, like the Nile, are a basic liquid.
Frogs (Tzfardeya - צפרדע) Swarms of frogs invading homes might sound fantastical, but historical accounts of “raining frogs” exist. In 1873, Scientific American reported a shower of frogs after a rainstorm. While skeptical, it’s plausible that frogs dropped from trees. Similarly, in Greece, thousands of frogs emerged from a lake, disrupting traffic. Frogs seeking food could explain this phenomenon.
Lice (Kinim - כנים): The third plague involved lice or gnats. These tiny insects could have proliferated due to environmental factors, such as warm weather and stagnant water. Their sudden abundance might have felt like a divine curse.
Flies (Arov - ערוב): The fourth plague, swarms of flies, could be attributed to seasonal insect infestations. Flies thrive in warm climates and unsanitary conditions, which aligns with the Egyptian context.
Livestock Disease (Dever - דבר): The mysterious livestock disease could have been caused by an outbreak of infections. Epidemics among animals are not uncommon and can devastate entire herds.
Boils (Sh’chin - שחין): Painful skin boils might have resulted from infections or allergic reactions. The hot, arid climate of Egypt could exacerbate skin conditions.
Hail (Barad - ברד): Unusual weather events, such as hailstorms, can occur. A severe hailstorm could have damaged crops and structures, leading to famine and distress.
Locusts (Arbeh - ארבה): Locust swarms are well-documented natural phenomena. These voracious insects devastate crops, causing widespread hunger and economic collapse.
Darkness (Hoshech - חושך): A prolonged dust storm or eclipse could explain the darkness that enveloped Egypt. Such events disrupt daily life and evoke fear and awe.
Death of Firstborn (Makat Bechorot - מכת בכורות): While the most tragic, this plague could be linked to a disease outbreak. The firstborn might have been more susceptible due to their age or weakened immune systems.
Whether viewed as divine intervention or ecological consequences, they remain a captivating part of Passover.
Note: The above scientific explanations are not endorsed by the scientific community and gave not gone through peer review.
This happened in 2016 and Mossad's X (Twitter) posted a video of it's happening again today! Thank you Lisa J for sending this: https://www.livescience.com/55548-blood-lake-blooms-in-iran.html.
This is the X post (Tweet) of it happening again today... https://twitter.com/MOSSADil/status/1780278200171466951?t=OJo525NXCdBuwGcvL_FI-A&s=19It's happening again today... https://twitter.com/MOSSADil/status/1780278200171466951?t=OJo525NXCdBuwGcvL_FI-A&s=19