V.1-7 God was going to bring Israel out of Egypt “by great judgments” (punishments).
V.8-13 People like to see miracles, but their hearts are not changed by such acts of power. It was the same when Jesus was down here (John 2:23-2523Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23‑25); John 6:25-2925And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? 26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 27Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:25‑29)).
V.14-25 The Lord begins His great punishments over the whole land of Egypt. But men under the power of Satan (v. 22), also do great things, and the king continues not listening to the Lord. Pharaoh was so hard-hearted (v. 23) that he does not even feel disturbed by the troubles of his own people as they search for water to drink. It was the Lord in His mercy Who stopped this first punishment (v. 25).