Overview
God uses plagues as instruments of judgment against sin and disobedience. In the Old Testament, plagues were often sent as covenant curses when Israel turned from God. In Revelation, plagues accompany the end times as God's final judgment before Christ's return, executed by His angels.
Key Scriptures
"If you walk contrary to me and will not listen to me, I will bring more plagues upon you, seven times as many as your sins" (Leviticus 26:21, ESV).
"The Lord will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting" (Deuteronomy 28:59, ESV).
"Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing: seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished" (Revelation 15:1, ESV).
Application
Recognizing God's judgment through plagues calls believers to examine their hearts, repent of sin, and trust in Christ's redemption rather than fear divine judgment.