Exodus 8:31

KJV

And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms [of flies] from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} did {H6213} according to the word {H1697} of Moses {H4872}; and he removed {H5493} the swarms {H6157} of flies from Pharaoh {H6547}, from his servants {H5650}, and from his people {H5971}; there remained {H7604} not one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and ADONAI did what Moshe had asked: he removed the swarms of insects from Pharaoh, his servants and his people -not one remained.

Berean Standard Bible

and the LORD did as Moses requested. He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not one fly remained.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 8:31 marks the dramatic and complete cessation of the fourth plague, the swarms of flies, across all of Egypt, excluding Goshen, in direct response to Moses' intercession. This pivotal moment powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His unwavering faithfulness to His divine word and His chosen messenger, and the precise, comprehensive nature of His judgment and deliverance, leaving no ambiguity regarding the source of both the affliction and its miraculous removal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to the fourth plague, the plague of `ʻârôb` (swarms). It follows Pharaoh's desperate plea for Moses to intercede, promising to let the Israelites go if the plague is removed, a pattern seen previously with the plague of frogs in [Exodus 8:8](/exodus/8-8 "Pharaoh's Plea During the Plague of Frogs"). The narrative highlights the escalating severity and specificity of the plagues; unlike the earlier plagues that affected all of Egypt indiscriminately, the plague of swarms uniquely distinguished between Egyptians and Israelites, specifically sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites dwelled, as explicitly stated in [Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "God Distinguishes Between Egyptians and Israelites"). This distinction underscores God's protective care for His people and His targeted judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt. The immediate and total removal of the plague in this verse sets the stage for Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of heart in [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again"), revealing the cyclical nature of his resistance and the divine purpose behind the escalating judgments.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt, deeply reliant on the Nile and its surrounding ecosystems, was familiar with various insect pests, but a plague of this magnitude would have been catastrophic. The `ʻârôb`, often translated as "flies," likely refers to a dense, oppressive swarm of noxious insects, possibly biting flies, mosquitoes, or even a mixture of various pests, making daily life unbearable and threatening livestock. Such an infestation would have been seen as a direct attack on the order and prosperity of Egypt, challenging the power of its gods, particularly those associated with creation, fertility, and the well-being of the land, like Ra or Shu. Pharaoh, as the living embodiment of the gods and the supposed maintainer of cosmic order (Ma'at), would have been deeply humiliated by his inability to control such a natural disaster. The precise removal of the plague, leaving "not one," would have been an undeniable sign of a power far superior to any Egyptian deity or Pharaoh's own authority.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 8:31 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to manipulate natural forces to achieve His purposes, whether in judgment or deliverance. Secondly, it highlights the **Efficacy of Intercessory Prayer** and the **Divine Validation of Moses' Authority**, showing that God responds directly and precisely to the prayers of His chosen servant, thereby authenticating Moses' role as His true prophet and mediator. Thirdly, the verse, when read in conjunction with the subsequent hardening of Pharaoh's heart, underscores the theme of **Pharaoh's Stubbornness and the Nature of Repentance**, illustrating that Pharaoh's concessions were merely tactical responses to immediate pressure, not genuine changes of heart or submission to God's will, a pattern that continues throughout the plague narrative leading up to the ultimate deliverance at the [Red Sea](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 8:31 is a concise yet profoundly significant statement, encapsulating the immediate and total fulfillment of God's promise and Moses' intercession. It marks a critical juncture in the escalating confrontation between the LORD and Pharaoh.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. The use of "the LORD" here, rather than a generic term for God, underscores that the specific, covenant-keeping God of Israel is the one acting decisively and powerfully, fulfilling His word and demonstrating His unique authority over Egypt's gods and Pharaoh.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing not only spoken utterance but also a matter, thing, affair, or decree. When God acts "according to the word of Moses," it signifies that God is honoring Moses' petition as if it were His own divine decree, validating Moses' role as a true prophet and confirming that his words carry divine authority and are aligned with God's will. It highlights the precision and reliability of God's response to His servant.
* **removed (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn off," "to take away," or "to withdraw." The use of this verb emphasizes the active, deliberate, and complete action of God in causing the swarms to vanish. It implies a total cessation, not merely a dispersal, signifying God's sovereign control over the plague's initiation and its termination, leaving no lingering effects.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD did according to the word of Moses":** This opening clause is a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness and Moses' authority. It states unequivocally that God's action was a direct, precise, and immediate response to Moses' intercession, validating Moses as God's chosen messenger. It underscores that God honors the prayers of His faithful servants and acts in accordance with His revealed will.
* **"and he removed the swarms [of flies] from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people":** This segment specifies the scope and target of God's action. The plague was removed comprehensively from all Egyptians, from the highest authority (Pharaoh) to his officials (servants) and the general populace (people). This demonstrates the pervasive nature of the plague's affliction and the wide-ranging impact of God's deliverance, leaving no doubt about the source of the relief.
* **"there remained not one":** This concluding phrase powerfully emphasizes the totality and completeness of God's removal. It signifies that the cessation was absolute, leaving no trace of the tormenting swarms. This hyperbolic statement leaves no room for natural explanation or coincidence, underscoring the miraculous and undeniable nature of God's intervention and His absolute control over the natural world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Action/Human Intercession** is a prominent theme, where the direct link between Moses' prayer and God's immediate, comprehensive response is highlighted, underscoring God's attentiveness to His chosen mediator. The phrase "there remained not one" functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis, powerfully conveying the absolute and miraculous nature of the plague's removal, leaving no room for doubt about the divine hand at work. There is also an element of **Contrast** implicit in the narrative: the overwhelming, pervasive presence of the swarms is instantly and completely contrasted with their utter absence, emphasizing God's power to reverse a devastating situation with a single act of will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 8:31 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereign power over creation and His responsiveness to the prayers of His covenant people. It serves as a testament to the fact that God is not a distant deity, but one who intervenes directly and decisively to fulfill His purposes and deliver His people. The precision of the plague's removal, leaving "not one," underscores the meticulous nature of divine judgment and deliverance, affirming that God's actions are purposeful and complete. This verse, therefore, becomes a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of divine power, human intercession, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 105:31](/psalms/105-31 "God Sent Swarms of Flies and Gnats")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Prayer of a Righteous Person is Powerful and Effective")
* [Hebrews 11:6](/hebrews/11-6 "Faith is Essential to Please God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 8:31 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. The immediate and total removal of the plague in response to Moses' word reminds us that God is actively involved in our world and hears the prayers of His people. This should inspire us to cultivate a life of persistent and confident prayer, knowing that our God is able to act decisively in seemingly impossible situations, whether personal or global. Just as God demonstrated His complete control over the swarms, He possesses ultimate authority over every challenge, illness, or oppressive force we face. Furthermore, the narrative surrounding this verse, particularly Pharaoh's subsequent hardening, serves as a powerful cautionary tale: true repentance involves a genuine change of heart and sustained obedience, not merely a temporary desire for relief from consequences. We are called to respond to God's power and mercy with sincere submission, allowing His interventions to lead us to deeper faith and lasting transformation, rather than fleeting convenience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "complete removal" of a problem, knowing that "there remained not one" is within His power?**
* **How does God's immediate response to Moses' word encourage your own practice of intercessory prayer for others and for difficult situations?**
* **Reflecting on Pharaoh's pattern, how can you ensure your own repentance or obedience is rooted in genuine change of heart rather than just a desire to escape consequences?**

### FAQ
**Why were flies chosen as a plague, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The plague of `ʻârôb` (swarms), often translated as "flies," was chosen for its pervasive and debilitating nature. Unlike earlier plagues like blood or frogs, which were localized or could be somewhat mitigated, these swarms would have infested every part of life—homes, food, and even the very ground, making existence unbearable. Their significance lay in demonstrating God's ability to disrupt the most basic aspects of Egyptian life and economy, challenging their gods who were supposed to maintain order and prosperity. Crucially, this plague marked a turning point by specifically targeting Egyptians while sparing the Israelites in Goshen ([Exodus 8:22-23](/exodus/8-22-23 "God Distinguishes Between Egyptians and Israelites")), highlighting God's discriminatory judgment and protective care.

**What does the phrase "the LORD did according to the word of Moses" signify about God and Moses?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound statement about God's faithfulness and Moses' divine authentication. It signifies that God directly and precisely honored Moses' intercession, confirming Moses' role as a true prophet and mediator. It shows that God listens and responds to the prayers of His chosen servant, thereby validating Moses' authority before Pharaoh and the Israelites. It underscores that Moses' words were not merely his own, but carried the weight of divine commission, aligning with God's sovereign will and purpose to deliver Israel.

**Did Pharaoh truly repent in this instance, given the immediate removal of the plague?**

Answer: No, Pharaoh's "repentance" or concession in this instance was superficial and temporary, driven by the desire to escape immediate suffering rather than genuine contrition or submission to the LORD. While he promised to let the Israelites go if the plague was removed, his heart quickly hardened again once the pressure was lifted, as seen in [Exodus 8:32](/exodus/8-32 "Pharaoh Hardens His Heart Again"). This pattern of temporary compliance followed by renewed defiance is a recurring theme throughout the plague narrative, serving as a theological warning against a repentance that is not rooted in a transformed heart but merely in self-preservation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 8:31, with its powerful depiction of God's sovereign control over creation and His immediate response to Moses' intercession, profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD demonstrated absolute power by instantly removing the destructive plague, Jesus, as the incarnate God, displays ultimate authority over all creation, including natural elements and disease, as seen in His miracles of calming the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and healing the sick with a mere word ([Matthew 8:16](/matthew/8-16 "Jesus Heals Many")). More significantly, Christ is the ultimate Deliverer, not merely from physical plagues but from the far more devastating plague of sin and its eternal consequences, offering a complete and lasting salvation that leaves "not one" sin unforgiven for those who believe ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Forgiveness of Sins Through Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus is our perfect and eternal Intercessor, continually pleading on behalf of His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ Intercedes for Us")), ensuring that God's will is done and His promises are fulfilled for His new covenant community. Unlike Pharaoh's fleeting and superficial submission, Christ brings about true repentance and a new heart through the Holy Spirit, enabling genuine and lasting obedience to God's will ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "A New Heart and Spirit")).

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.