5 On that miserable night, the darkness was so thick that neither flaming lamps nor bright stars could be seen.
6 And when lightning flashed, the fearsome sight was worse than the darkness.
7 The Egyptians had depended on their magical powers and had boasted about their great wisdom, but all of this proved useless.
8 There were some who said they could cure the fears and worries of sick minds, but they themselves became sick with foolish fear.
9 Even if nothing else frightened them, they were terrified by the sounds of wild animals outside and by hissing snakes.
10 They were so frightened that they refused to open their eyes. But keeping them closed did not relieve their fears,
11 because evil people are cowards condemned by their own consciences, and whatever they fear becomes even more frightening.