Exodus 8:22

KJV

And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will sever {H6395} in that day {H3117} the land {H776} of Goshen {H1657}, in which my people {H5971} dwell {H5975}, that no {H1115} swarms {H6157} of flies shall be {H1961} there; to the end {H4616} thou mayest know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068} in the midst {H7130} of the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people live -no swarms of insects will be there - so that you can realize that I am ADONAI, right here in the land.

Berean Standard Bible

But on that day I will give special treatment to the land of Goshen, where My people live; no swarms of flies will be found there. In this way you will know that I, the LORD, am in the land.

American Standard Version

And I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am Jehovah in the midst of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:22 marks a profound shift in the plague narrative, as God introduces a miraculous distinction: while swarms of flies afflict Egypt, the land of Goshen, where the Israelites reside, remains untouched. This divine act of "severing" serves a dual, interconnected purpose: it unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute power and sovereignty over all creation, and it reveals His unique identity as the LORD, actively present and supreme "in the midst of the earth." This precise intervention is designed to compel Pharaoh and all of Egypt to acknowledge the unparalleled authority of the God of Israel, thereby paving the way for the release of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed as the fourth of the ten plagues, following the plagues of blood, frogs, and lice. Crucially, the preceding plagues had affected both Egyptians and Israelites, serving as a general demonstration of God's power and a warning. With the plague of swarms (likely flies or beetles, *ʻârôb*), God introduces a new, precise element of divine discrimination. This distinction in Goshen sets a precedent for subsequent plagues, such as the [murrain on livestock](/exodus/9-4 "The LORD distinguishes Israel's livestock from Egypt's"), the [hail](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen is spared from the hail"), and the [darkness](/exodus/10-23 "Darkness in Egypt, but light in Goshen"), where Israel is explicitly spared. This escalating pattern of targeted judgment highlights God's increasing pressure on Pharaoh and His growing revelation of Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The land of Goshen, located in the eastern Nile Delta, was a fertile region specifically designated for the Israelite community since the time of Joseph, as recorded in [Genesis 47:6](/genesis/47-6 "Jacob's family settles in Goshen"). This made it the focal point for God's unprecedented act of protection amidst widespread judgment. Egypt was a polytheistic society, with a pantheon of gods associated with various aspects of nature and life. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine figure, a living god. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the perceived power of Egyptian deities and Pharaoh's own divine authority, demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh over all other gods and rulers.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 8:22 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing God's absolute control over natural phenomena and His ability to precisely direct judgment and protection. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Distinction and Election**, emphasizing God's unique relationship with His chosen people, Israel, whom He sets apart from the nations. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it advances the **Revelation of Yahweh**, as God explicitly states His purpose: "to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth." This declaration builds upon earlier statements, such as [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "God's purpose to make Himself known to the Egyptians"), where God declares His intention to make Himself known to the Egyptians through His mighty acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 8:22 declares the LORD's specific intervention: "And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth." This verse is rich with theological significance, revealing God's character and purpose.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sever (Hebrew, _pâlâh'_):** From H6395, meaning "to distinguish (literally or figuratively); put a difference, show marvellous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully." This word emphasizes that God's act was not merely a passive avoidance of the plague in Goshen, but an active, supernatural, and miraculous differentiation. It highlights God's unique ability to intervene with precision and set His people apart in a special way.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." The purpose of this plague is not just to inflict suffering but to bring about a deep, experiential knowledge of God's identity and power. Pharaoh, and indeed all Egypt, were meant to truly *know* who the LORD is through His undeniable actions.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This refers to God's personal, covenant name, YHWH, which signifies His self-existent, eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The declaration "I am the LORD" asserts His unique, incomparable deity against the backdrop of Egyptian polytheism.
* **midst (Hebrew, _qereb'_):** From H7130, meaning "properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition); [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] in, inward, midst." This word emphasizes God's omnipresence and active involvement. He is not a distant deity but is intimately present and sovereign over all lands, not just Israel. His power is not confined to a specific geographical region but extends over the entire earth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen":** This clause highlights God's sovereign initiative and precise timing. The verb "sever" (pâlâh) signifies a deliberate, miraculous act of distinction. "In that day" points to the specific time of the plague, emphasizing God's control over the events. Goshen is explicitly named as the recipient of this divine protection, underscoring its significance as the dwelling place of God's people.
* **"in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there":** This part clarifies the reason for the distinction—it is for "my people," Israel, whom God claims as His own. The explicit statement "that no swarms... shall be there" confirms the complete absence of the plague in Goshen, making the divine intervention undeniable and miraculous. This protection is a direct consequence of God's covenant relationship with Israel.
* **"to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth":** This is the ultimate theological purpose of the distinction. The phrase "to the end" (maʻan) indicates the divine intent. Pharaoh, and by extension all of Egypt, are to "know" (yâdaʻ) experientially that the God of Israel is not merely a tribal deity, but YHWH, the self-existent, sovereign God who is actively present and supreme "in the midst of the earth." This declaration challenges Pharaoh's worldview and asserts God's universal dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 8:22 powerfully employs several literary devices. **Divine Distinction** is the most prominent, as God explicitly separates Goshen from the rest of Egypt, demonstrating His precise control over judgment and protection. This act serves as a **Theophany** or **Revelation**, where God reveals His character and identity ("I am the LORD") not through words alone, but through undeniable, miraculous deeds. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the afflicted land of Egypt in stark opposition to the untouched land of Goshen, thereby highlighting the unique favor and protection bestowed upon Israel. This contrast serves to magnify God's power and underscore the targeted nature of His judgment. Furthermore, the plague itself, and God's control over it, acts as **Symbolism**, representing God's absolute power over creation and His ability to humble even the most powerful human rulers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:22 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's character and His redemptive plan. It profoundly asserts God's **Sovereignty and Omnipresence**, declaring that He is not merely the God of Israel but the LORD "in the midst of the earth," possessing universal dominion that contrasts sharply with the limited power of Egyptian deities. This precise intervention demonstrates His **Covenant Faithfulness**, as He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, acting decisively to deliver His people from bondage. The verse also beautifully illustrates the dual nature of God's character: His **Divine Justice** against Pharaoh's oppression and Egypt's idolatry, coupled with His **Divine Mercy** and protective care for His chosen people. The plagues, particularly this one, serve as a powerful form of **Divine Revelation**, making God's identity and power undeniably known to both His people and His enemies. This act of "severing" also foreshadows a broader theological principle of **Election and Distinction**, where God sets apart His people for His purposes throughout biblical history, culminating in the church.

* [Exodus 9:4](/exodus/9-4 "The LORD distinguishes Israel's livestock from Egypt's")
* [Exodus 9:26](/exodus/9-26 "The land of Goshen is spared from the hail")
* [Malachi 3:18](/malachi/3-18 "The LORD will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:22 offers profound and enduring truths for believers today, reminding us of God's unchanging character and His intimate relationship with His people. Just as God miraculously protected Israel in Goshen, He continues to watch over, provide for, and distinguish His own, demonstrating His sovereign care in multifaceted ways. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in His active presence and power, knowing that He is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity and capable of precise intervention on our behalf. In times of global crisis, personal tribulation, or spiritual attack, we can find immense comfort and bolster our faith in the knowledge that the LORD, who is "in the midst of the earth," knows those who are His and will act according to His perfect will, distinguishing His own from the world's chaos and condemnation. This truth empowers us to live with confidence, not in our own strength, but in the unfailing protection of our sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's act of "severing" Goshen encourage your trust in His personal protection and care in your own life?**
* **What does it mean for us to "know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth" in our contemporary context, where God's presence might seem less overt?**
* **In what ways are believers today "set apart" or "distinguished" by God, and how should this distinction impact our daily lives and witness?**

### FAQ
**Why did God begin to distinguish between Israel and Egypt with the plague of flies?**

Answer: God's decision to begin distinguishing between Israel and Egypt with the plague of swarms (the fourth plague) marked a strategic and significant escalation in His demonstration of power and purpose. The initial plagues (blood, frogs, lice) affected both peoples, serving as a general warning and a display of God's ability to disrupt the natural order. However, by explicitly sparing Goshen from the swarms, God introduced a new, undeniable level of precision and discrimination. This was intended to make it unequivocally clear to Pharaoh and the Egyptians that the plagues were not random occurrences or natural disasters, but targeted judgments from the LORD, who had specific, sovereign control over His creation and a unique, covenantal relationship with His people. It was a direct, undeniable challenge to Pharaoh's hardened heart, compelling him to recognize the LORD's unparalleled authority and the distinct status of Israel.

**What is the significance of God declaring "I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth"?**

Answer: The declaration "I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth" is a profound and multi-layered statement about God's nature and authority. "The LORD" (YHWH) signifies His self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping nature, the personal name of the God of Israel. "In the midst of the earth" emphasizes His universal sovereignty, omnipresence, and active involvement in all creation. It means God is not a localized deity confined to Israel or a distant, uninvolved creator. Rather, He is actively present and sovereign over all lands, nations, and natural phenomena. This declaration was meant to shatter Pharaoh's polytheistic worldview and the notion that the gods of Egypt held sway. It demonstrated that the God of Israel was the supreme, singular God who governs all things, capable of intervening anywhere and everywhere, thus leaving no doubt about His power to deliver Israel and judge Egypt.

**How does God's act of "severing" Goshen relate to His character?**

Answer: God's act of "severing" Goshen, translating the Hebrew *pâlâh* (to distinguish or set apart miraculously), reveals several key aspects of His character. Firstly, it underscores His **sovereignty** and **omnipotence**, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His ability to precisely direct judgment and protection. Secondly, it highlights His unwavering **faithfulness** to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing His commitment to His chosen people even amidst widespread calamity. Thirdly, it showcases His **justice** in punishing the oppressors and His profound **mercy** in protecting the innocent. Finally, it reveals His **holiness** and His purpose to **elect** and separate His people from the unholy nations, setting them apart for His divine purposes and demonstrating His unique relationship with them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine distinction demonstrated in [Exodus 8:22](/exodus/8-22 "Exodus 8:22 - The Distinction in Goshen") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God "severed" Goshen from the plagues, Christ's atoning work on the cross provides a decisive and eternal separation for all who believe, delivering them from the judgment due to sin. He is the ultimate "LORD in the midst of the earth," not merely present but actively reigning, interceding, and gathering His elect from every nation and tribe. Through His sacrifice, believers are set apart as a holy people, a "royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "God's chosen people")), protected from the wrath to come and distinguished by His grace and righteousness. The physical salvation from plague in Goshen foreshadows the spiritual salvation and eternal security offered to all who are "in Christ," where there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus")) and they are eternally distinguished from the world and its condemnation, having been "delivered... from the domain of darkness and transferred... to the kingdom of his beloved Son" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from the domain of darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 9:4

And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all [that is] the children's of Israel.

Malachi 3:18

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Exodus 10:23

They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Exodus 9:6

And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one.

Ezekiel 30:19

Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 110:2

The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

Exodus 12:13

And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye [are]: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy [you], when I smite the land of Egypt.