There is an interesting structure in the text. Three times Moses should go to Pharaoh early in the morning. By the first (Exodus 7:15), fourth (Exodus 8:16) and seventh plague (Exodus 9:13) God always makes a new beginning. In all three cases, Moses must appear before Pharaoh early in the morning. Each morning points a beginning of God’s calling to the Pharaoh and Egypt.
The first three plagues form a special unit. The magicians try to imitate the plagues of God. The first three plagues are caused by the stick of Aaron.
From the fourth plague, a difference is made between the Egyptians and the people of Israel. The Israelites are saved from the plagues and are not exposed to them.
In the last three plagues we see that they are judgments that come straight out of heaven upon the people of Egypt. These judgments are started by Moses. He acts on behalf of God.
The first three plagues deal with worldview issues, the next three plagues with existential issues and the last three plagues with apocalyptic events.
As with all happenings, there is always a question of interpretation. What happens can be a sign from God or a plague, but it doesn’t lead to a change in thinking.
I find it very impressive that Revelation 16:9 says: “They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.”
Man persists in his rebellion against God. People earn what they sow.
The description of the plagues in Revelation with the “song of Moses” (Rev 15:3) and the watchful “readiness in clothing” (Rev 16:15) are reminiscent of the exodus from Egypt. Likewise the plagues of boils (Rev 16:2), blood (Rev 11:6), frogs (Rev 16:13), thunder (Rev 16:18), hail (Rev 8:7) and darkness (Rev 16:10).
In the midst of all the plagues, there remains hope that people will repent and be freed from their bondages. Revelation 16:9 soberly states, “They did not repent and give him glory.” And verse 11 says, “They did not repent of their deeds.”
The more God intervenes, the more people’s deep-seated hatred of God becomes apparent. Instead of coming to insight and repentance, man persists in his rebellion against God, blasphemes against him and refuses to recognize his power and give him glory.