### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻârôb**, represented by `{{H6157}}`, refers to a **swarm** or **divers sorts of flies**. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is derived from a root meaning to swarm and is used exclusively to describe the plague of flies sent by God upon Egypt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6157}}` is a key feature of the fourth plague of Egypt. The LORD sends **swarms** of flies to afflict Pharaoh and the Egyptians, filling their houses and the very ground they stood on [[Exodus 8:21]]. This plague was so grievous that the land "was corrupted" by the **swarm** [[Exodus 8:24]]. It also served as a clear sign of God's power and distinction, as He promised to sever the land of Goshen, where the Israelites lived, so that no **swarms** of flies would be there [[Exodus 8:22]]. The term is later recalled in the Psalms as part of God's mighty acts, where the **divers sorts of flies** are said to have "devoured" the Egyptians [[Psalms 78:45]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{H6157}}`, often in the context of the plagues of Egypt:
* `{{H3654}}` **kên** (a gnat; lice): This word describes the plague of lice that afflicted the Egyptians. It is mentioned in direct succession with the flies in the historical summary of the plagues [[Psalms 105:31]].
* `{{H6854}}` **tsᵉphardêaʻ** (frog): This term refers to the plague of frogs. In the poetic retelling of the plagues, frogs are listed with the **divers sorts of flies** as agents of destruction sent by God [[Psalms 78:45]].
* `{{H7843}}` **shâchath** (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin... corrupt... destroy): This verb describes the destructive effect of the plagues. The land of Egypt "was corrupted" by the swarm of flies [[Exodus 8:24]], and the frogs "destroyed" the people [[Psalms 78:45]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6157}}` is tied to its role in the Exodus narrative as a display of God's power and justice.
* **Divine Judgment:** The **swarm** is a direct instrument of God's judgment against Pharaoh and Egypt for their refusal to obey His command to let Israel go [[Exodus 8:21]].
* **God's Sovereign Control:** The plague demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty. He initiates the plague [[Exodus 8:24]], dictates its boundaries by sparing Goshen [[Exodus 8:22]], and removes it upon Moses' intercession [[Exodus 8:31]].
* **Symbol of Corruption:** The text explicitly states that the land of Egypt "was corrupted" by the **swarm** of flies [[Exodus 8:24]], using a word `{{H7843}}` that means to ruin or destroy. This serves as a physical sign of the moral decay resulting from defying God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6157}}` is more than just a name for an insect. It is a specific term for a divinely orchestrated plague used to demonstrate God's supreme authority over a world power. The **swarm** functions as a key element in the Exodus story, highlighting themes of judgment, divine sovereignty, and the protection God affords His chosen people. It illustrates how even a seemingly common nuisance can become a profound symbol of God's power to corrupt the prideful and deliver the oppressed.
TRV