Exodus 8:22

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Exodus 8:22 (KJV)

Exodus 8:22 marks a significant turning point in the series of plagues God inflicts upon Egypt. Following the plagues of blood, frogs, and lice, the fourth plague introduces swarms of flies, but with a crucial distinction: the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided, would be miraculously spared. This verse highlights God's power and His unique relationship with His chosen people.

Context and Setting

This verse is situated during the unfolding of the ten plagues, which God sent to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Up to this point, the plagues had affected both Egyptians and Israelites, serving as a general demonstration of God's power. However, with the plague of flies, God introduces a new element: precise divine discrimination. The land of Goshen was a fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta, specifically designated for the Israelite community since the time of Joseph.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Distinction: The most prominent theme is God's active separation of His people from the Egyptians. This act of divine distinction is a recurring theme throughout the plagues, as seen later with the murrain on livestock and the hail. It underscores God's ability to protect those who are His, even in the midst of widespread judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty and Knowledge: The stated purpose of this separation is "to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth." This declaration emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, not just a localized deity. Pharaoh and the Egyptians were meant to understand that the God of Israel was not merely one god among many, but the supreme God who governs all things and is present everywhere. This theme of God making Himself known is central to the entire Exodus narrative, as also declared in Exodus 7:5.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: By protecting the Israelites, God demonstrates His faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He remembers His promises and acts decisively to deliver His people.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "sever" translates the Hebrew verb ืคึธึผืœึธื” (palah), which means "to distinguish," "to separate," or "to set apart." It carries the nuance of doing something special or wonderful. This isn't just a passive avoidance of the plague, but an active, miraculous act of differentiation by God Himself. The name "LORD" (capitalized in KJV) represents the Hebrew ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” (YHWH), God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His unique, self-existent nature and His commitment to His people.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:22 offers enduring truths for believers today:

  • God's Protection: Just as God protected Israel in Goshen, He continues to watch over and protect His people in various ways. We can find comfort in His sovereign care, knowing He is intimately involved in our lives.
  • God's Identity: The verse reminds us of God's unique identity as the LORD, present and active "in the midst of the earth." He is not distant or powerless, but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity and capable of precise intervention.
  • Faith and Trust: Witnessing God's distinction should bolster our faith. In times of trouble or judgment, we can trust that God knows those who are His and will act on their behalf according to His perfect will.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 9:4 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Psalms 110:2 (5 votes)

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

  • Exodus 12:13 (4 votes)

    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.