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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 9:8–12. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Observe here, concerning the plague of boils and blains,
I.When they were not wrought upon by the death of their cattle, God sent a plague that seized their own bodies, and touched them to the quick.
If less judgments do not do their work, God will send greater. Let us therefore humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and go forth to meet him in the way of his judgments, that his anger may be turned away from us.
II.The signal by which this plague was summoned was the sprinkling of warm ashes from the furnace, towards heaven (Exo 9:8, Exo 9:10), which was to signify the heating of the air with such an infection as should produce in the bodies of the Egyptians sore boils, which would be both noisome and painful. Immediately upon the scattering of the ashes, a scalding dew came down out of the air, which blistered wherever it fell. Note, Sometimes God shows men their sin in their punishment; they had oppressed Israel in the furnaces, and now the ashes of the furnace are made as much a terror to them as ever their task-masters had been to the Israelites.
III.The plague itself was very grievous - a common eruption would be so, especially to the nice and delicate, but these eruptions were inflammations, like Job's. This is afterwards called the botch of Egypt (Deu 28:27), as if it were some new disease, never heard of before, and known ever after by that name, Note, Sores in the body are to be looked upon as the punishments of sin, and to be hearkened to as calls to repentance.
IV.The magicians themselves were struck with these boils, Exo 9:11.
1.Thus they were punished,
(1.)For helping to harden Pharaoh's heart, as Elymas for seeking to ;pervert the right ways of the Lord; God will severely reckon with those that strengthen the hands of the wicked in their wickedness.
(2.)For pretending to imitate the former plagues, and making themselves and Pharaoh sport with them. Those that would produce lice shall, against their wills, produce boils. Note, It is ill jesting with God's judgments, and more dangerous than playing with fire. Be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong.
2.Thus they were shamed in the presence of their admirers. How weak were their enchantments, which could not so much as secure themselves! The devil can give no protection to those that are in confederacy with him.
3.Thus they were driven from the field. Their power was restrained before (Exo 8:18), but they continued to confront Moses, and confirm Pharaoh in his unbelief, till now, at length, they were forced to retreat, and could not stand before Moses, to which the apostle refers (Ti2 3:9) when he says that their folly was made manifest unto all men.
V.Pharaoh continued obstinate, for now the Lord hardened his heart, Exo 9:12.
Before, he had hardened his own heart, and resisted the grace of God; and now God justly gave him up to his own heart's lusts, to a reprobate mind, and strong delusions, permitting Satan to blind and harden him, and ordering every thing, henceforward, so as to make him more and more obstinate. Note, Wilful hardness is commonly punished with judicial hardness. If men shut their eyes against the light, it is just with God to close their eyes. Let us dread this as the sorest judgment a man can be under on this side hell.
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Summary
Exodus 9:8 introduces the sixth plague upon Egypt, a severe affliction of boils and blains, directly commanded by the LORD to Moses and Aaron. They are instructed to gather handfuls of ashes from a furnace, and Moses is to dramatically scatter them towards the heavens in Pharaoh's presence. This pivotal act serves as a powerful, public demonstration of God's escalating judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and Egypt, transforming a symbol of Israelite oppression into a direct instrument of divine wrath.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of the ten plagues, following the first five (blood, frogs, lice, flies, and the murrain on livestock). Each preceding plague, while devastating, failed to break Pharaoh's resolve, as highlighted in Exodus 8:15 and Exodus 9:7. The plague of boils marks a significant escalation in severity, moving from afflictions on the environment and animals to a direct, painful, and humiliating affliction on the bodies of Egyptians and their remaining livestock. Unlike previous plagues, this one is initiated by a symbolic ritual performed by Moses, emphasizing its divine origin and direct targeting. It sets the stage for even more destructive plagues to follow, such as the hail and locusts.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society with a vast pantheon of gods, many associated with specific aspects of nature, health, or kingship. Pharaoh himself was considered a divine figure, a living god, and the embodiment of Egypt's power and prosperity. The plagues, therefore, were not merely natural disasters but direct assaults on the perceived power of these Egyptian deities and on Pharaoh's own divine authority. The "furnace" (Hebrew: kibshân) likely refers to the brick kilns where Israelite slaves toiled, making bricks for Pharaoh's grand building projects, as described in Exodus 1:14. This detail imbues the ashes with profound symbolic meaning, turning a byproduct of Israelite oppression into an instrument of divine retribution. The public nature of Moses's act, "in the sight of Pharaoh," was a direct challenge to the pharaonic court and its religious authority.
Key Themes
Exodus 9:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His active intervention in human history to execute justice against those who defy Him. It further exemplifies the Escalation of Judgment, showing God's patient yet firm progression of consequences in response to Pharaoh's persistent stubbornness and rebellion, fulfilling God's stated purpose to display His power. The passage also highlights the Confrontation of Deities, as the LORD systematically dismantles the credibility of Egypt's gods by targeting their domains (e.g., health, sky, land) and proving His singular supremacy. Finally, it reinforces God's Faithfulness to His Covenant with Israel, as these judgments against Egypt are ultimately for the purpose of delivering His chosen people from bondage, as promised in Exodus 6:6.
Exposition and Analysis
The LORD's specific instructions to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 9:8 are laden with profound symbolism and directly confront Pharaoh's authority and the perceived power of Egyptian deities. The command involves a precise ritual designed to publicly declare the divine origin and pervasive nature of the impending plague.
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to take (in the widest variety of applications)." Here, it signifies a deliberate, commanded action. Moses and Aaron are not merely gathering, but actively "taking" these specific ashes, implying a transfer of purpose and authority from the ordinary byproduct of labor to a consecrated instrument of divine judgment. The act of taking is an obedient response to God's direct command, initiating the next phase of the confrontation.
Derived from a root meaning "to puff away," this word refers to a fine powder, specifically ashes or dust. In this context, it carries significant symbolic weight. Ashes are a byproduct of destruction and are often associated with mourning, repentance, or judgment in biblical literature. Here, they are not merely inert residue but become the physical medium through which God's judgment is manifest, transforming a humble, seemingly powerless substance into a potent agent of divine wrath.
This primitive root means "to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles); to scatter." The act of sprinkling is often associated with ritual purification or sacrifice in the Old Testament, but here it is an act of judgment and defilement. The scattering of the ashes "toward the heaven" is a dramatic, public gesture, signifying that the plague originates from the divine realm and will be widespread, affecting all. It emphasizes the direct, pervasive, and undeniable nature of the impending judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron,"
This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind the command. The LORD (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel, is the initiator of this plague, not Moses or Aaron. His direct address to both leaders underscores the solemnity and importance of the instructions, ensuring they are fully aware of their roles as instruments of His will. This divine directive highlights God's active involvement in the unfolding drama of the plagues.
"Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace,"
This is a precise and symbolic instruction. The "handfuls" (Hebrew: chôphen mᵉlôʼ) suggest a deliberate, measured quantity, emphasizing the controlled nature of God's judgment. The "ashes of the furnace" (Hebrew: pîyach kibshân) are deeply significant. The furnace (brick kiln) was a place of Israelite suffering and forced labor. By commanding the use of these specific ashes, God transforms a symbol of oppression into an instrument of retribution, demonstrating His justice and turning the Egyptians' own tools of cruelty against them.
"and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven"
This command specifies the action and its direction. Moses, as God's representative, is to perform the act, visually linking the plague to divine authority. Sprinkling the ashes "toward the heaven" (Hebrew: shâmayim) is a public, dramatic gesture. It signifies that the plague is not a natural phenomenon or a human magical trick, but a direct, supernaturally initiated judgment from the God of the heavens. It also visually foreshadows the widespread and pervasive nature of the coming affliction, affecting all under the sky.
"in the sight of Pharaoh."
This crucial detail emphasizes the direct confrontation between God and Pharaoh. God ensures that Pharaoh is a personal witness to the source and power of the plague, leaving no doubt about who is bringing this affliction. It is a direct challenge to Pharaoh's authority, his claim to divinity, and the perceived power of his gods. This public display serves to further magnify the LORD's glory and power, fulfilling God's stated purpose to demonstrate His might to all.
Literary Devices
Exodus 9:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Symbolism is central, particularly with the "ashes of the furnace." These ashes, a byproduct of the Israelites' forced labor in brick kilns, become a powerful symbol of divine retribution, turning the instrument of oppression into a vehicle of judgment. The act of Sprinkling itself is also symbolic, representing the pervasive and inescapable nature of the coming plague, directly from the heavens. The phrase "in the sight of Pharaoh" exemplifies Dramatic Irony and Confrontation. Pharaoh, who prides himself on his divine status and power, is forced to witness his own humiliation and the impotence of his gods before the LORD. This direct, public challenge also serves as a form of Foreshadowing, visually predicting the widespread affliction of boils that will affect all Egyptians, leaving no one untouched. The entire scene is an instance of Theophany or divine manifestation, as God directly commands and orchestrates an event that reveals His overwhelming power and authority.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 9:8 profoundly illustrates God's absolute control over creation and His active involvement in human history. He is not a passive observer but an active judge who brings justice upon those who defy Him, using even the most humble elements like ashes to execute His powerful will. This plague, like those before it, serves as a divine object lesson, demonstrating that persistent rebellion against God's clear commands inevitably leads to escalating and more severe consequences. While focused on judgment against Egypt, the plagues simultaneously demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His promise to deliver His people, Israel, from bondage, assuring them of His protective care and commitment to their liberation.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 9:8 offers timeless truths for reflection and application in our lives. It serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against God's will and clear commands inevitably leads to increasingly severe consequences, as evidenced by Pharaoh's hardened heart. Furthermore, this passage powerfully affirms God's unquestionable authority and sovereignty; He can use even the most humble or seemingly insignificant things, like handfuls of ashes, to execute His mighty purposes. This demonstrates that divine justice is real and will ultimately prevail against wickedness and oppression, offering hope to the oppressed and a solemn call to repentance for those who resist God's righteous rule. For believers, it is a powerful affirmation of God's control and His commitment to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. We are reminded to trust in His timing and His methods, knowing that He works all things for His glory and the good of His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God command Moses to use "ashes of the furnace" for this plague?
The "ashes of the furnace" (Hebrew: kibshân) likely allude to the brick kilns where the Israelites endured forced labor under Egyptian oppression. As described in Exodus 1:14, the Egyptians "made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter and in brick." By using these specific ashes, God transformed an instrument of Israel's suffering into a direct vehicle of judgment against their oppressors. It symbolized that the very toil and affliction imposed upon God's people would now be turned back upon Egypt as divine retribution, highlighting the poetic justice and righteous judgment of God.
What was the significance of Moses sprinkling the ashes "toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh"?
This public and dramatic gesture served multiple significant purposes. Sprinkling the ashes "toward the heaven" visually declared that the plague originated directly from the LORD, the God of heaven, not from any natural cause or human magic, thereby challenging the Egyptian deities associated with the sky or health. Performing this "in the sight of Pharaoh" was a direct, personal confrontation. It ensured Pharaoh witnessed the source and power of the affliction, leaving no doubt about who was bringing this judgment. It was a public humiliation for Pharaoh and a clear demonstration of God's absolute supremacy over him and all of Egypt's gods, fulfilling God's stated purpose in Exodus 9:16 to display His power.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The judgment brought upon Egypt through the plague of boils, initiated by the symbolic act in Exodus 9:8, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and the comprehensive deliverance wrought by Christ. Just as the ashes from the furnace, a symbol of oppression and suffering, became an instrument of divine wrath against Egypt, so too did the cross, an instrument of human cruelty and suffering, become the means of God's ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. While this plague brought physical affliction upon the Egyptians, Christ, the Lamb of God, endured the full wrath of God for humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the "boils and blains" of spiritual judgment, as prophetically described in Isaiah 53:4-5. His atoning sacrifice delivers believers from the bondage of sin and the ultimate judgment that awaits the unrepentant (Romans 6:23), fulfilling God's promise of liberation not just for a nation, but for all who believe. Through Christ, we are ushered into a new covenant of grace and freedom (Hebrews 8:6), escaping the plagues of judgment and receiving eternal life.