Exodus 8:21

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms [of flies] upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms [of flies], and also the ground whereon they [are].

Else, if thou wilt not let my people {H5971} go {H7971}, behold, I will send {H7971} swarms {H6157} of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants {H5650}, and upon thy people {H5971}, and into thy houses {H1004}: and the houses {H1004} of the Egyptians {H4714} shall be full {H4390} of swarms {H6157} of flies, and also the ground {H127} whereon they are.

Otherwise, if you won't let my people go, I will send swarms of insects on you, your servants and your people, and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of swarms of insects, and likewise the ground they stand on.

But if you will not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials and your people and your houses. The houses of the Egyptians and even the ground where they stand will be full of flies.

Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 8:21

Exodus 8:21 introduces the fourth plague in God's series of judgments against Pharaoh and Egypt. Prior to this, Egypt had experienced the plague of blood (turning the Nile to blood) and the plague of frogs. Each plague served as a divine demonstration of God's power over the Egyptian deities and natural forces, aiming to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelite people from bondage. Despite the escalating severity, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, setting the stage for this new, pervasive affliction.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Warning: This verse serves as God's direct warning to Pharaoh of the impending judgment. The "swarms" represent a deliberate act of divine retribution for Pharaoh's continued defiance and refusal to "let my people go." It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous anger against oppression.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Creation: The ability to send such a specific and widespread infestation demonstrates God's absolute control over the natural world. This plague, like others, targets the very environment the Egyptians relied on, highlighting the futility of their gods and their own power against the Almighty.
  • The Distinction of God's People: A crucial aspect of this plague, explicitly stated in the subsequent verses (e.g., Exodus 8:22), is that the swarms would not affect the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided. This distinction underscores God's covenantal faithfulness and His protective hand over His chosen people, even amidst widespread calamity.
  • Pharaoh's Stubbornness: The phrase "Else, if thou wilt not let my people go" highlights the core issue: Pharaoh's persistent refusal to obey God's command. Each plague intensifies, designed to break his will, yet his hardened heart remains a central theme throughout the Exodus narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version adds "[of flies]" in brackets to clarify the meaning of "swarms." The original Hebrew word is 'arov (Χ’ΦΈΧ¨Χ•ΦΉΧ‘), which more broadly refers to a dense, mixed swarm of noxious or biting insects, not necessarily just common houseflies. This could include various types of gnats, mosquitoes, horseflies, or beetles. The emphasis is on the sheer volume and irritating nature of the infestation, making life unbearable, invading every part of the Egyptians' homes and environment, and likely causing disease or economic damage to crops and livestock. This broader interpretation suggests a more severe and pervasive torment than mere flies.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:21 reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, God is sovereign and just; His warnings are not idle threats, and there are consequences for persistent disobedience, especially when it involves oppressing others or defying His clear commands. Secondly, it offers comfort to believers, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to protect and distinguish His people even in the midst of widespread trouble and judgment. Just as He protected Israel in Goshen, He continues to watch over those who are His. Finally, the narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of resisting God's will; true freedom and peace come only through submission to His divine authority.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:31

    He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, [and] lice in all their coasts.

  • Psalms 78:45

    He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

  • Isaiah 7:18

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall hiss for the fly that [is] in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that [is] in the land of Assyria.
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