(The Lord speaking is red text)
And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth [with] blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.
They will turn into fine dust over all the land of Egypt and become infected sores on men and animals throughout Egypt."
It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land.”
And it shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.
And it shall become small dust{H80} in all the land{H776} of Egypt{H4714}, and shall be a boil{H7822} breaking forth{H6524} with blains{H76} upon man{H120}, and upon beast{H929}, throughout all the land{H776} of Egypt{H4714}.
Exodus 9:9 is a part of the narrative concerning the ten plagues that God brought upon Egypt as a means to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves. The verse specifically describes the sixth plague, which involved a divine infliction of boils and blains upon both people and animals throughout Egypt. This plague is significant for several reasons:
1. **Divine Power and Judgment**: The plague demonstrates God's power over the Egyptians and their gods. It is a direct act of divine judgment against Pharaoh's obstinance and the Egyptian oppression of the Israelites. The boils and blains are a physical manifestation of God's displeasure and a tangible reminder of His sovereignty.
2. **Escalation of the Plagues**: By this point in the narrative, the plagues have escalated from turning water to blood, to frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, and now to a plague that directly affects the health of the Egyptian people and their animals. This escalation shows a progression in severity and intimacy, as the plagues increasingly encroach upon the personal well-being of the Egyptians.
3. **Magic vs. Divine Power**: The Egyptians, known for their sorcery and magic, were unable to replicate or prevent this plague, which underscores the impotence of their religious practices and beliefs in the face of the God of Israel. This plague, therefore, serves as a testament to the superiority of Yahweh's power.
4. **Historical Context**: The plagues, including the one described in Exodus 9:9, are set within the broader context of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. The narrative reflects the oppressive conditions under which the Israelites lived and the urgency of their need for deliverance. The plagues are integral to the story of the Exodus, which is foundational to Jewish identity and theological understanding.
5. **Theological Significance**: Theologically, the plague of boils and blains serves to harden Pharaoh's heart further, leading to the final and most devastating plagues, including the death of the firstborn. It also prefigures the eventual redemption of the Israelites, as each plague moves them closer to freedom.
In summary, Exodus 9:9 is a pivotal verse in the story of the Exodus, illustrating the power and judgment of God, the escalating conflict between God and Pharaoh, the failure of Egyptian magic, and the deepening of the historical and theological narrative that culminates in the liberation of the Israelites.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)