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Commentary on Exodus 8 verses 20–32
Here is the story of the plague of flies, in which we are told,
I. How it was threatened, like that of frogs, before it was inflicted. Moses is directed (Exo 8:20) to rise early in the morning, to meet Pharaoh when he came forth to the water, and there to repeat his demands. Note, 1. Those that would bring great things to pass for God and their generation must rise early, and redeem time in the morning. Pharaoh was early up at his superstitious devotions to the river; and shall we be for more sleep and more slumber when any service is to be done which would pass well in our account in the great day? 2. Those that would approve themselves God's faithful servants must not be afraid of the face of man. Moses must stand before Pharaoh, proud as he was, and tell him that which was in the highest degree humbling, must challenge him (if he refused to release his captives) to engage with any army of flies, which would obey God's orders of Pharaoh would not. See a similar threatening, Isa 7:18, The Lord will hiss (or whistle) for the fly and the bee, to come and serve his purposes.
II. How the Egyptians and the Hebrews were to be remarkably distinguished in this plague, Exo 8:22, Exo 8:23. It is probable that this distinction had not been so manifest and observable in any of the foregoing plagues as it was to be in this. Thus, as the plague of lice was made more convincing than any before it, by its running the magicians aground, so was this, by the distinction made between the Egyptians and the Hebrews. Pharaoh must be made to know that God is the Lord in the midst of the earth; and by this it will be known beyond dispute. 1. Swarms of flies, which seem to us to fly at random, shall be manifestly under the conduct of an intelligent mind, while they are above the direction of any man. "Hither they shall go," says Moses, "and thither they shall not come;" and the performance is punctually according to this appointment, and both, compared, amount to a demonstration that he that said it and he that did it was the same, even a Being of infinite power and wisdom. 2. The servants and worshippers of the great Jehovah shall be preserved from sharing in the common calamities of the place they live in, so that the plague which annoys all their neighbours shall not approach them; and this shall be an incontestable proof that God is the Lord in the midst of the earth. Put both these together, and it appears that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the earth, and through the air too, to direct that which to us seems most casual, to serve some great designed end, that he may show himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts are upright with him, Ch2 16:9. Observe how it is repeated: I will put a division between my people and thy people Exo 8:23. Note, The Lord knows those that are his, and will make it appear, perhaps in this world, certainly in the other, that he has set them apart for himself. A day will come when you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked (Mal 3:18), the sheep and the goats (Mat 25:32; Eze 34:17), though now intermixed.
III. How it was inflicted, the day after it was threatened: There came a grievous swarm of flies (Exo 8:24), flies of divers sorts, and such as devoured them, Psa 78:45. The prince of the power of the air has gloried in being Beelzebub - the god of flies; but here it is proved that even in that he is a pretender and a usurper, for even with swarms of flies God fights against his kingdom and prevails.
IV. How Pharaoh, upon this attack, sounded a parley, and entered into a treaty with Moses and Aaron about a surrender of his captives: but observe with what reluctance he yields.
1.He is content they should sacrifice to their God, provided they would do it in the land of Egypt, Exo 8:25. Note, God can extort a toleration of his worship, even from those that are really enemies to it. Pharaoh, under the smart of the rod, is content they should do sacrifice, and will allow liberty of conscience to God's Israel, even in his own land. But Moses will not accept his concession; he cannot do it, Exo 8:26. It would be an abomination to God should they offer the Egyptian sacrifices, and an abomination to the Egyptians should they offer to God their own sacrifices, as they ought; so that they could not sacrifice in the land without incurring the displeasure either of their God or of their task-masters; therefore he insists: We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, Exo 8:27. Note, Those that would offer an acceptable sacrifice to God must, (1.) Separate themselves from the wicked and profane; for we cannot have fellowship both with the Father of lights and with the works of darkness, both with Christ and with Belial, Co2 6:14, etc.; Psa 26:4, Psa 26:6. (2.) They must retire from the distractions of the world, and get as far as may be from the noise of it. Israel cannot keep the feast of the Lord either among the brick-kilns or among the flesh-pots of Egypt; no, We will go into the wilderness, Hos 2:14; Sol 7:11. (3.) They must observe the divine appointment: "We will sacrifice as God shall command us, and not otherwise." Though they were in the utmost degree of slavery to Pharaoh, yet in the worship of God, they must observe his commands and not Pharaoh's.
2.When this proposal is rejected, he consents for them to go into the wilderness, provided they do not go very far away, not so far but that he might fetch them back again, Exo 8:28. It is probable he had heard of their design upon Canaan, and suspected that if once they left Egypt they would never come back again; and therefore, when he is forced to consent that they shall go (the swarms of flies buzzing the necessity in his ears), yet he is not willing that they should go out of his reach. Thus some sinners who, in a pang of conviction, part with their sins, yet are loth they should go very far away; for, when the fright is over, they will return to them again. We observe here a struggle between Pharaoh's convictions and his corruptions; his convictions said, "Let them go;" his corruptions said, "Yet not very far away:" but he sided with his corruptions against his convictions, and this was his ruin. This proposal Moses so far accepted as that he promised the removal of this plague upon it, Exo 8:29 See here, (1.) How ready God is to accept sinners' submissions. Pharaoh does but say, Entreat for me (though it is with regret that he humbles so far), and Moses promises immediately, I will entreat the Lord for thee, that Pharaoh might see what the design of the plague was, not to bring him to ruin, but to bring him to repentance. With what pleasure did God say (Kg1 21:29), Seest thou how Ahab humbles himself? (2.) What need we have to be admonished that we be sincere in our submission: But let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more. Those that deal deceitfully are justly suspected, and must be cautioned not to return again to folly, after God has once more spoken peace. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; if we think to put a cheat upon God by a counterfeit repentance, and a fraudulent surrender of ourselves to him, we shall prove, in the end, to have put a fatal cheat upon our own souls.
Lastly, The issue of all was that God graciously removed the plague (Exo 8:30, Exo 8:31), but Pharaoh perfidiously returned to his hardness, and would not let the people go, Exo 8:32. His pride would not let him part with such a flower of his crown as his dominion over Israel was, nor his covetousness with such a branch of his revenue as their labours were. Note, Reigning lusts break through the strongest bounds, and make men impudently presumptuous and scandalously perfidious. Let not sin therefore reign; for, if it do, it will betray and hurry us to the grossest absurdities.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 8:30 powerfully illustrates Moses' immediate and unwavering obedience following Pharaoh's conditional promise to release Israel. This concise verse captures Moses' swift departure from the king's presence to earnestly supplicate the LORD, showcasing his consistent role as a faithful intercessor, his profound reliance on divine power, and his steadfast commitment to God's will amidst escalating divine judgment upon Egypt.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed immediately after Pharaoh's desperate plea to Moses to remove the plague of flies. The narrative of the plagues in Exodus follows a distinct pattern: God announces a plague, it afflicts Egypt, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he eventually relents under pressure, Moses intercedes, the plague is removed, and then Pharaoh reneges on his promise. Exodus 8:28 records Pharaoh's offer to let the Israelites go into the wilderness to sacrifice if Moses would remove the flies. Moses' action in Exodus 8:30 is the direct fulfillment of his part of this agreement, setting the stage for the plague's removal and, predictably, Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of heart, as seen in Exodus 8:32. This verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal moment, demonstrating Moses' faithfulness and God's responsiveness, even as it foreshadows Pharaoh's continued rebellion.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where the Pharaoh was considered a divine king, a living god, and the mediator between the gods and humanity. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh's supposed divine authority. The plague of flies (עָרוֹב, 'arov), which likely refers to a swarm of various biting insects, would have been a direct challenge to Egyptian deities associated with creation, order, or even specific insects. Moses' ability to command the cessation of such a plague, purely through prayer to Yahweh, profoundly undermined Pharaoh's religious and political standing. His departure from the palace to pray highlights the stark contrast between the earthly, self-proclaimed divine ruler and the true, unseen God of Israel, whose power was demonstrated through His humble servant.
Key Themes: Exodus 8:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus. Foremost is the sovereignty of Yahweh over all creation and all earthly rulers, including Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. Moses' immediate and effective intercession underscores the theme of divine responsiveness to prayer and the efficacy of intercession by God's chosen servants. It also reinforces Moses' role as God's appointed mediator and prophet, standing between God and humanity, and between God and Pharaoh. Furthermore, this verse, by setting the stage for the plague's removal, subtly advances the theme of Pharaoh's hardening heart, a recurring motif throughout the plague narrative that highlights the consequences of resisting divine will and the escalating nature of sin and rebellion against God.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices, though subtly. Conciseness is evident, as the verse uses minimal words to convey significant action and meaning, focusing on Moses' immediate and purposeful movement. The structure itself, "Moses went out... and intreated," demonstrates cause and effect, linking Moses' physical departure from Pharaoh directly to his spiritual act of prayer. Furthermore, the verse functions as a moment of Dramatic Irony, as the reader knows Pharaoh's heart will harden again, making Moses' earnest intercession for the plague's removal a poignant act of grace that will ultimately be rejected. This irony underscores the escalating nature of Pharaoh's rebellion against God's persistent mercy.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' immediate and fervent prayer in Exodus 8:30 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, the power of prayer, and the role of God's chosen servants. It demonstrates that true deliverance and change come not from human negotiation or power, but from humble reliance on the Almighty. This act of intercession, even for a hardened oppressor, foreshadows God's expansive mercy and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His people, even when the recipients of that mercy prove undeserving.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:30 offers a timeless lesson on the priority and power of prayer in the life of a believer. Moses, confronted with a critical situation and a conditional promise from a powerful ruler, did not hesitate to turn immediately to the LORD. His action underscores that our first and most critical response to challenges, promises, or even the pleas of others, should be earnest supplication to God. This verse calls us to cultivate a habit of immediate and fervent prayer, trusting that God hears and acts according to His perfect will. It challenges us to move beyond mere human effort or despair, and instead, to engage in consistent intercession, not only for our own needs but also for those around us, even those who may seem to be adversaries. Just as God remained faithful to Moses and responded to his plea, we can have confidence that our prayers, offered in faith, are powerful and effective, aligning our hearts with God's purposes and inviting His divine intervention into our circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses pray for Pharaoh, who was God's enemy and would only harden his heart again?
Answer: Moses' prayer for Pharaoh, despite Pharaoh's persistent opposition to God's will, demonstrates several profound truths. Firstly, it highlights the compassionate nature of true intercession, which extends even to those who are hostile to God, reflecting God's own patience and desire for all to acknowledge His sovereignty. Moses, as God's faithful servant, was fulfilling his role as a mediator, demonstrating divine patience and giving Pharaoh every opportunity to repent and acknowledge the LORD's supremacy. Secondly, Moses' act of intercession was also an act of obedience to God's command to remove the plague, thereby continuing the unfolding of God's plan to display His power and glory to both Egyptians and Israelites. Even though Pharaoh would ultimately choose to harden his heart again, as seen in Exodus 8:32, Moses' prayer was still effective in removing the plague, thus demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word and His servant.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' role as an intercessor in Exodus 8:30, standing between God and humanity to plead for deliverance from a physical plague, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses earnestly "intreated the LORD" for the cessation of a temporary affliction, Christ, our eternal High Priest, continually intercedes for His people before the Father. His intercession is not for temporary physical relief, but for eternal spiritual deliverance from the plague of sin and its ultimate consequences, securing our salvation and sanctification. Romans 8:34 declares that Christ "is at the right hand of God and indeed is interceding for us." Similarly, Hebrews 7:25 affirms that He "always lives to make intercession for them." Moses' temporary and limited intercessory work, though vital in its context, finds its full and permanent fulfillment in Christ's ongoing, perfect advocacy, which provides unending access to God's grace and a complete reconciliation between God and humanity.