Moses and Aaron finally go before Pharoah, only to be rebuffed again and again as Pharoah's heart grows harder and harder. But, this hardening was intentional: eventually, Egypt is struck by ten symbolic plagues, each one more catastrophic than the last. Ultimately, Pharoah concedes control of Israel, allowing Moses and his people to leave. Unbeknownst to him, this would be the start of a long chain of trials, tribulations, and tests for Moses and his people.