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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 8:31 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. 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. 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, 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.
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
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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), 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. 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) and healing the sick with a mere word (Matthew 8:16). 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). Furthermore, Jesus is our perfect and eternal Intercessor, continually pleading on behalf of His people before the Father (Romans 8:34), 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).