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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 8:16–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is a short account of the plague of lice. It does not appear that any warning was given of it before. Pharaoh's abuse of the respite granted to him might have been a sufficient warning to him to expect another plague: for if the removal of an affliction harden us, and so we lose the benefit of it, we may conclude it goes away with a purpose to return or to make room for a worse. Observe,
I.How this plague of lice was inflicted on the Egyptians, Exo 8:16, Exo 8:17.
The frogs were produced out of the waters, but these live out of the dust of the earth; for out of any part of the creation God can fetch a scourge, with which to correct those that rebel against him. He has many arrows in his quiver. Even the dust of the earth obeys him. "Fear not then, thou worm Jacob, for God can use thee as a threshing instrument, if he please," Isa 41:14, Isa 41:15. These lice, no doubt, were extremely vexatious, as well as scandalous, to the Egyptians. Though they had respite, they had respite but awhile, Rev 11:14. The second woe was past, but behold the third woe came very quickly.
II.How the magicians were baffled by it, Exo 8:18.
They attempted to imitate it, but they could not. When they failed in this, it should seem they attempted to remove it; for it follows, So there were lice upon man and beast, in spite of them. This forced them to confess themselves overpowered: This is the finger of God (Exo 8:19); that is, "This check and restraint put upon us must needs be from a divine power." Note,
1.God has the devil in a chain, and limits him both as a deceiver and as a destroyer; hitherto he shall come, but no further. The devil's agents when God permitted them, could do great things; but when he laid an embargo upon them, though but with his finger, they could do nothing. The magicians' inability, in this less instance, showed whence they had their ability in the former instances which seemed greater, and that they had no power against Moses but what was given them from above.
2.Sooner or later God will extort, even from his enemies, an acknowledgment of his own sovereignty and over-ruling power. It is certain they must all (as we say) knock under at last, as Julian the apostate did, when his dying lips confessed, Thou hast overcome me, O thou Galilean! God will not only be too hard for all opposers, but will force them to own it.
III.How Pharaoh, notwithstanding this, was made more and more obstinate (Exo 8:19); even those that had deceived him now said enough to undeceive him, and yet he grew more and more obstinate. Even the miracles and the judgments were to him a savour of death unto death. Note, Those that are not made better by God's word and providences are commonly made worse by them.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Here I see a difficulty occurring to one of limited knowledge [of Scripture], that is, why miracles are also done by magical arts, for the magicians of Pharaoh also made serpents and other similar things. But what is a much greater cause of wonder is how the power of the magicians, who could make serpents, utterly failed when it came to very small gnats. For the sciniphs, by which the proud people of Egypt were afflicted, are very small flies. And there certainly the magicians who failed, exclaimed, “This is the finger of God.” We are thereby given to understand that not even the angels and the spirits of the air, who transgressed and were cast from that home of sublime and ethereal beauty into this most profound darkness, as into a prison peculiar to them, could do anything that they could by means of their magical arts, if the power had not been given to them from above.
Isn’t the finger of God to be understood as being the Holy Spirit? Read the Gospel, and see that where one Evangelist has the Lord saying, “If I with the Spirit of God cast out demons,” another says, “If I with the finger of God cast out demons.” So if that law too was written by the finger of God, that is, by the Spirit of God, the Spirit by which Pharaoh’s magicians were defeated, so they said, “This is the finger of God, … why can it not be said of it, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has delivered you from the law of sin and death”?
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Summary
Exodus 8:19 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding plague narrative, as the Egyptian magicians, having failed utterly to replicate the third plague of gnats, are compelled to confess to Pharaoh that this supernatural event is undeniably "the finger of God." Despite this profound admission from his most trusted advisors, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he refused to heed their counsel, precisely as the LORD had foretold, thereby underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over human will and the unfolding of His divine purposes.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated immediately after the third plague, where the dust of Egypt is miraculously transformed into swarms of gnats (or lice, depending on translation) that infest both humans and animals throughout the land. It follows the pattern of the first two plagues (water to blood, frogs) in that Moses and Aaron initiate the plague, but it breaks the pattern significantly in the magicians' response. Unlike the previous two plagues, which the Egyptian sorcerers managed to mimic to some extent through their "secret arts" or "enchantments" (Exodus 7:22 and Exodus 8:7), they are utterly incapable of replicating the plague of gnats. Their failure here is crucial, as it leads directly to their remarkable confession, highlighting the escalating power and undeniable divine origin of the plagues.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was deeply steeped in polytheism, with a vast pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of nature, life, and death. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine king, an embodiment of the gods, and his magicians and priests were the custodians of this religious and magical system. Their ability to perform wonders was seen as a validation of their gods' power and, by extension, Pharaoh's divine authority. The plagues were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian gods, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy. The third plague, involving dust (a fundamental element of Egyptian life and a source of their gods' power, like Geb, the earth god) turning into living creatures, directly challenged their worldview and the very foundations of their religious practices.
Key Themes
Exodus 8:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. It vividly illustrates the progressive revelation of God's power, showing how each successive plague escalates in intensity and undeniable divine origin, progressively dismantling the illusion of Egyptian gods' authority. It further emphasizes the theme of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that God is in complete control, not only over natural phenomena but also over human hearts, as seen in Pharaoh's predetermined hardening. This verse also highlights the futility of idolatry and human magic when confronted with the true God, as the magicians' impotence exposes the weakness of their deities. Finally, it underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His word, as Pharaoh's hardened heart unfolds precisely "as the LORD had said" in earlier prophecies, such as Exodus 4:21 and Exodus 7:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to a "horoscopist (as drawing magical lines or circles); magician." These were the learned men of Egypt, skilled in occult arts, divination, and the interpretation of omens, serving as advisors to Pharaoh and conduits of the supposed power of the Egyptian gods. Their confession in this verse is highly significant because it comes from those who were supposed to be able to counter or explain away such phenomena, thus lending immense credibility to the divine origin of the plague.
Meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In the context of Pharaoh's heart, it signifies a deliberate stiffening of will, a stubborn refusal to yield or to acknowledge the truth. While God is said to harden Pharaoh's heart, the immediate context here emphasizes Pharaoh's active resistance and obstinacy, suggesting a reciprocal action where God confirms Pharaoh's chosen defiance. This hardening is not merely a passive state but an active, willful resistance to divine command and evidence.
A primitive root meaning "to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue." In the phrase "as the LORD had said," this word emphasizes the deliberate, authoritative, and pre-ordained nature of God's pronouncements. It highlights God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over the unfolding events, including Pharaoh's response. The LORD's word is not merely a prediction but a decree that will be accomplished, demonstrating His absolute power and faithfulness to His declared purposes.
Verse Breakdown
"Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh,"
This opening clause sets the scene for a momentous declaration. The magicians, who had previously attempted to mimic Moses's signs, are now speaking not to boast of their power, but to confess their utter defeat. Their address to Pharaoh indicates their position as trusted advisors and the gravity of their findings.
"This [is] the finger of God:"
This is the core declaration of the verse. The phrase "finger of God" (Hebrew: etzba Elohim) is an anthropomorphism, attributing a human physical characteristic to God. It signifies God's direct, personal, and effortless involvement in an event. It implies a precise, powerful, yet seemingly small action that yields immense, undeniable results, demonstrating that the power comes directly from God and is not merely a natural occurrence or a trick. It is an unequivocal admission of divine intervention, acknowledging the LORD's supremacy over their own gods and magic.
"and Pharaoh's heart was hardened,"
Despite the undeniable evidence and the confession of his own experts, Pharaoh's resolve remains unbroken. The hardening of his heart signifies his continued obstinacy, spiritual dullness, and refusal to acknowledge the truth or submit to God's will. This hardening is a key theme in the Exodus narrative, illustrating the profound spiritual blindness that can accompany defiance against God.
"and he hearkened not unto them;"
This clause directly follows the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, showing its immediate consequence. Pharaoh not only remained stubborn towards God but also disregarded the counsel of his own trusted advisors, who had just presented him with undeniable divine truth. This highlights his self-imposed isolation and unwavering commitment to his own will, even when it contradicted the expert opinion of his closest confidants.
"as the LORD had said."
This concluding phrase is crucial for understanding the theological framework of the entire Exodus narrative. It serves as a divine commentary, affirming God's perfect foreknowledge and sovereign control over all events. It echoes God's earlier declarations to Moses (e.g., Exodus 4:21 and Exodus 7:3), confirming that Pharaoh's resistance, far from thwarting God's plan, was actually part of it, serving to demonstrate God's glory and power more fully.
Literary Devices
Exodus 8:19 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Anthropomorphism, seen in the phrase "the finger of God." By attributing a human "finger" to God, the text vividly portrays God's direct, personal, and effortless involvement in the plague, making His power tangible and undeniable, even to the pagan magicians. There is also significant Irony at play: the very individuals whose role was to oppose and mimic God's power are forced to confess His supremacy, thereby inadvertently becoming witnesses to His truth. This confession from an unexpected source lends immense weight to the divine nature of the plagues. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "as the LORD had said" functions as a powerful instance of Prophetic Fulfillment and Divine Commentary. It explicitly links the current event back to God's earlier declarations to Moses, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereign foreknowledge and control over history. This device assures the reader that nothing is happening outside of God's predetermined plan, even Pharaoh's stubborn resistance, which ultimately serves to magnify God's glory.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 8:19 serves as a profound theological statement, revealing the irresistible power of God and the nature of human defiance. The magicians' confession, "This is the finger of God," unequivocally declares God's direct, irresistible power, demonstrating His supremacy over all human and demonic forces, including the gods of Egypt. This moment marks a turning point where even those most invested in the opposing system are forced to acknowledge the true God. Pharaoh's subsequent hardening, however, illustrates the profound spiritual blindness and self-imposed defiance that characterizes a heart set against God, even in the face of undeniable evidence. The concluding phrase, "as the LORD had said," underscores God's perfect foreknowledge and His sovereign orchestration of events, ensuring His ultimate purposes are fulfilled regardless of human resistance. This verse thus speaks to the progressive revelation of God's unique authority, the futility of idolatry, and the unwavering certainty of God's word.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 8:19 offers a stark and enduring lesson about the human response to divine revelation. Pharaoh's continued obstinacy, even when faced with undeniable evidence and the clear testimony of his own trusted advisors, serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of a hardened heart. It reminds us that true wisdom lies not in resisting or rationalizing away the clear signs of God's activity, but in humbly acknowledging His supreme authority and submitting to His will. In our own lives, we are called to cultivate a heart that is open and responsive to the "finger of God"—whether it appears in miraculous interventions, providential circumstances, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, or the clear teaching of Scripture. To ignore or defy such divine evidence is to risk spiritual blindness and increasing resistance, much like Pharaoh. Instead, we should allow God's undeniable power to lead us to humility, repentance, and obedience, trusting that His plan will ultimately prevail, regardless of human defiance or opposition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the Egyptian magicians fail to replicate the third plague when they had mimicked the first two?
The first two plagues (water turning to blood and the proliferation of frogs) involved transformations or multiplications that the Egyptian magicians could superficially imitate through their existing enchantments, perhaps by manipulating existing water sources or conjuring frogs through their demonic arts. However, the third plague, the transformation of dust into living gnats, presented a fundamentally different challenge. This was a creative act, bringing life from inanimate matter, a power reserved solely for the Creator God. This act was beyond the capabilities of human magic and the power of the Egyptian gods, forcing the magicians to admit it was a direct, undeniable act of the true God, a "finger of God." Their failure exposed the inherent limitations and ultimate impotence of idolatry and demonic power when confronted with the infinite power of the LORD.
What is the significance of the phrase "finger of God"?
The "finger of God" (Hebrew: etzba Elohim) is an anthropomorphism, a literary device that attributes a human characteristic (a finger) to God. Its significance is profound: it signifies God's direct, personal, and effortless involvement in an event. It implies a precise, powerful, yet seemingly small action that yields immense, undeniable results. This phrase communicates that the plague was not a natural occurrence, a trick, or the result of human or demonic power, but an immediate and irresistible act of the Almighty. It serves as an unequivocal declaration of divine intervention, acknowledging the absolute supremacy of the God of Israel over all Egyptian deities and sorcery. This phrase reappears in Scripture to denote God's direct action, such as writing the Ten Commandments on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The "finger of God" in Exodus 8:19, signifying divine power and judgment that exposes the impotence of false gods and hardens rebellious hearts, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as God's "finger" brought forth a plague that was undeniable proof of His supremacy, so too does Christ, as the very embodiment of God, perform miracles and cast out demons by the "finger of God" (as He Himself states in Luke 11:20). His works are not mere tricks but undeniable signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world, demonstrating His absolute supremacy over all spiritual forces of evil, sickness, and even death (Matthew 12:28). While Pharaoh's heart was hardened in defiance, Christ's ministry offers the softening of hearts through repentance and faith (Acts 3:19), bringing deliverance from the ultimate spiritual bondage of sin and death (Romans 6:23). In Christ, the "finger of God" is not primarily for judgment, but for salvation, revealing God's power to redeem and transform.