Exodus 8:24

KJV

And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} did {H6213} so; and there came {H935} a grievous {H3515} swarm {H6157} of flies into the house {H1004} of Pharaoh {H6547}, and into his servants {H5650}' houses {H1004}, and into all the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: the land {H776} was corrupted {H7843} by reason {H6440} of the swarm {H6157} of flies.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI did it: terrible swarms of insects went into Pharaoh's palace and into all his servants'houses - the insects ruined the entire land of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD did so. Thick swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials. Throughout Egypt the land was ruined by swarms of flies.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses: and in all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:24 vividly recounts the immediate and devastating impact of the fourth plague God unleashed upon Egypt. A "grievous swarm" of biting insects permeated every corner of Egyptian life, from Pharaoh's palace to the humblest homes, utterly corrupting the land and demonstrating the escalating severity of divine judgment against Pharaoh's unyielding defiance and his persistent refusal to release the enslaved Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct fulfillment of God's warning to Pharaoh in [Exodus 8:20-21](/exodus/8-20-21 "God's Warning of the Swarm of Flies"). It follows the first three plagues (water to blood, frogs, gnats), which affected both Egyptians and Israelites, and which Egyptian magicians could, to varying degrees, imitate or explain away. The plague of flies marks a significant shift, as [Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "God's Distinction in the Plague of Flies") explicitly introduces God's distinction between the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, and the rest of Egypt. This targeted judgment underscores God's unique relationship with His covenant people and His absolute control over creation, setting the stage for even more severe and discriminatory plagues that would follow, such as the livestock plague in [Exodus 9:1-7](/exodus/9-1-7 "The Fifth Plague: Death of Livestock").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society heavily reliant on the Nile River and its fertile lands. Plagues of insects, while not uncommon, were typically localized or seasonal. A "grievous swarm" affecting the entire land would have brought agricultural production to a halt, contaminated food and water sources, spread disease, and made daily life unbearable. Such an event would have been perceived not merely as a natural disaster but as a direct assault on the cosmic order and the very gods of Egypt, particularly those associated with fertility, creation, or protection from pests, like Ra (the sun god, often associated with creation) or even Seth (god of chaos, but also associated with protection in some contexts). The widespread nature of the plague across "all the land of Egypt" (Mitsrayim) signifies a comprehensive judgment against the entire nation and its pantheon.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 8:24](/exodus/8-24 "The Fourth Plague: Swarm of Flies") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereignty and omnipotence of Yahweh** over creation and over all false gods. The targeted nature of the plague reinforces the theme of **divine distinction and protection** for God's chosen people, contrasting sharply with the universal suffering of the Egyptians. It further emphasizes **Pharaoh's escalating stubbornness** and the **consequences of resisting divine will**, as each plague, despite its increasing severity, only hardens Pharaoh's heart, leading to greater judgment. This plague also serves as a visible demonstration of God's **justice and judgment** against oppression, paving the way for the ultimate deliverance of Israel from bondage, as promised in [Exodus 6:6-8](/exodus/6-6-8 "God's Covenant Promises to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grievous (Hebrew, _kâbêd'_):** From H3515, meaning "heavy," "severe," or "difficult." This word emphasizes the intensity and oppressive nature of the swarm. It was not merely an annoyance but a profound burden, causing significant suffering and hardship. The weight of this plague was felt economically, physically, and psychologically across Egypt.
* **Swarm (Hebrew, _ʻârôb'_):** From H6157, meaning "a mosquito (from its swarming)" or "divers sorts of flies." While often translated as "flies," the root suggests a "mixture" or "mingling," implying a dense, diverse, and perhaps even composite group of biting, stinging insects, rather than a single species. This made the plague particularly unbearable and pervasive, as it encompassed various winged pests.
* **Corrupted (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, meaning "to decay," "ruin," or "destroy." This word indicates a profound and widespread spoilage. The land was not merely inconvenienced but rendered unusable, defiled, and economically devastated. It suggests a breakdown of normal life, agricultural productivity, and public health, demonstrating the comprehensive destructive power of the plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD did so":** This opening phrase immediately establishes divine agency and omnipotence. It signifies the direct and absolute fulfillment of God's word, highlighting that this plague was not a natural occurrence but a precise, purposeful act of Yahweh, executed exactly as foretold. It underscores God's control over all creation.
* **"and there came a grievous swarm [of flies] into the house of Pharaoh, and [into] his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt":** This clause details the pervasive and indiscriminate nature of the plague within Egyptian society. The swarm infiltrated every level of Egyptian life, from the highest authority (Pharaoh's house) to the common populace (his servants' houses and all the land). The term "grievous swarm" emphasizes the severity and oppressive quality of the insects, which were not merely an inconvenience but a source of intense suffering and disruption.
* **"the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm [of flies]":** This final clause describes the devastating consequence of the swarm. The word "corrupted" implies ruin, spoilage, and destruction, indicating that the land became uninhabitable and unproductive. This was not just a temporary nuisance but an ecological and societal breakdown, making it impossible for the Egyptians to carry out normal life, agriculture, or commerce, thereby magnifying the impact of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the "grievous swarm" and the land being "corrupted," emphasizing the overwhelming and destructive nature of the plague beyond ordinary insect infestations. This exaggeration underscores the divine power behind the event. **Divine Retribution** is the overarching theme, as the plague is a direct consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to obey God's command. The narrative also uses **Juxtaposition** by implicitly contrasting the suffering in Egypt with the promised sparing of Goshen, highlighting God's selective judgment and protection. Finally, the "swarm" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing God's ability to use even the smallest and seemingly insignificant elements of creation as instruments of His mighty judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The plague of flies in [Exodus 8:24](/exodus/8-24 "The Fourth Plague: Swarm of Flies") is a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It showcases His power to orchestrate natural phenomena as instruments of divine will, executing precise and targeted judgment against those who defy Him while simultaneously providing distinct protection for His chosen ones. This event reveals that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, intervening decisively to fulfill His redemptive purposes and to reveal His glory. The escalating severity of the plagues, culminating in the corruption of the land, underscores the dire consequences of persistent rebellion against God's authority and the futility of resisting His commands.

* [Psalm 78:45](/psalms/78-45 "God sent swarms of flies and frogs upon them")
* [Revelation 9:2-9](/revelation/9-2-9 "Locusts from the Abyss")
* [Joel 2:25](/joel/2-25 "God's Restoration after the Locusts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the fourth plague in [Exodus 8:24](/exodus/8-24 "The Fourth Plague: Swarm of Flies") offers enduring lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, holding ultimate authority over all creation. Nothing is outside His domain, and His power is absolute. This narrative serves as a potent reminder of the severe and inevitable consequences of persistent disobedience and the utter futility of resisting God's sovereign will. For those who belong to Him, however, it offers profound comfort and assurance. Just as God meticulously distinguished between the Egyptians and the Israelites, providing protection and deliverance for His people amidst widespread tribulation, so too does He remain faithful to His covenant promises, offering refuge and salvation to those who trust in Him. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and obedience, recognizing God's supreme authority and trusting in His protective care, even when the world around us seems to be in chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly resisting God's will, similar to Pharaoh's initial stubbornness?**
* **How does the specific targeting of this plague, sparing Israel, deepen my understanding of God's protective nature towards His people?**
* **What "grievous swarms" or overwhelming challenges in my life or the world today might God be using to reveal His power or call for repentance?**

### FAQ
**What was the nature of the "grievous swarm" in Exodus 8:24, and why was it so devastating?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *‘ârôb* (H6157), translated as "swarm [of flies]," signifies a "mixture" or "swarm" of various biting insects, not merely common houseflies. This likely included a dense, painful assortment of flies, beetles, or other winged pests that caused widespread torment, disease, and made the land unbearable and unusable for the Egyptians. The KJV's addition of "[of flies]" is an interpretation to help the reader understand the general category of the pest. It was devastating because it infiltrated every aspect of life, from homes to agriculture, leading to the land being "corrupted" (*shâchath*, H7843), meaning ruined and rendered unproductive, causing immense suffering and economic collapse across Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 8:24](/exodus/8-24 "The Fourth Plague: Swarm of Flies").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The plague of flies, like all the plagues in Exodus, serves as a powerful prefigurement of Christ's redemptive work. It demonstrates God's sovereign power over creation and His ability to execute precise judgment, a power fully embodied in Jesus Christ, who not only calmed literal storms (as seen in [Mark 4:35-41](/mark/4-35-41 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) but also cast out spiritual demons, demonstrating His ultimate authority over both the natural and spiritual realms. Furthermore, the clear distinction God made between the Egyptians and the Israelites—sparing Goshen from the "grievous swarm"—foreshadows the spiritual distinction between those who are in Christ and those who are not. Just as God protected His people from the physical plagues, Christ offers ultimate deliverance from the spiritual plague of sin and its eternal consequences, providing refuge and salvation for all who are found in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus shields believers from the righteous judgment that will one day fall upon a rebellious world, offering a new covenant of grace and protection, as promised in passages like [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "No Condemnation in Christ Jesus") and [John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "God's Love and Condemnation").

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

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.

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].