Again, the magicians are present. Perhaps they were prepared to perform the same miracle but became infected and were unable to do anything about it (11). Note how, from plague to plague, the narrative reveals an increasing incoherence and inconsistencies. At this point in the story, no animals could have survived to endure further plagues, yet additional punishments still await. Of course, the author is not interested in merely narrating historical events. Instead, the purpose is to illustrate with dramatic imagery how, despite the plagues, Egypt’s oppressive system consistently opposed the life and freedom desired by God.