The answer is: 10

Exo 7-11

The story of the ten plagues in Egypt is gripping and dramatic, showcasing not just God's power, but also His deep compassion for the Israelites suffering under slavery. These plagues are like a divine spotlight on superstition and tyranny. Each of these calamities—turning the Nile to blood, swarms of gnats, locusts—wasn't just an arbitrary display of power but was aimed at challenging both the Egyptian gods and the perception of Pharaoh as a supreme ruler.

For example, the Egyptian god Hapi, a deity of the Nile, took a hit when the waters turned to blood. Imagine what it must have been like in Egypt, with the very source of life now red and foul. According to some scholars, the plagues also had a narrative function, building tension and drama that climaxed with the Exodus—the ultimate escape of the Israelites to freedom.

Here's an interesting tidbit: the tenth plague, which resulted in the death of the firstborn, was pivotal not just for the Israelites' liberation but also became the foundation of Passover—a significant Jewish festival celebrated to this day. This festival commemorates deliverance and freedom, illustrating the enduring legacy of this epic event.

What makes this narrative even more poignant is how it reflects a timeless theme: the struggle for liberation against oppression, a story that echoes throughout history, inspiring countless movements for justice and freedom around the globe!