Exodus 8:31

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Exodus 8:31 marks the dramatic conclusion of the fourth plague upon Egypt—the plague of swarms of flies. This verse highlights God's immediate and complete response to Moses' intercession, demonstrating His absolute power and faithfulness to His word.

Context

This verse follows a direct confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh. After the devastating plague of frogs (Exodus 8:6), Pharaoh had initially hardened his heart (Exodus 8:15). The fourth plague, described as "swarms" (often understood as flies or noxious insects), was particularly oppressive, infesting homes and the very ground of Egypt, but notably sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites resided (Exodus 8:22-23). Pharaoh, desperate for relief, had made a conditional promise to let the Israelites go if the plague was removed. Moses interceded, and as this verse states, the LORD acted precisely "according to the word of Moses," removing every single fly.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Power and Control: The immediate and total removal of the swarms ("there remained not one") underscores God's sovereign authority over creation. He can bring judgment and remove it with a single command, demonstrating His might to Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Word: The phrase "the LORD did according to the word of Moses" emphasizes God's commitment to His chosen messenger. When Moses prays, God acts, confirming Moses' divine commission and the truthfulness of God's promises.
  • The Precision of Divine Intervention: Not only did God remove the flies, but He removed them completely. This totality signifies the effectiveness of God's judgment and deliverance, leaving no doubt about the source of the plague or its removal.
  • Pharaoh's Fleeting Submission: While this verse describes God's act of deliverance, the broader narrative shows that Pharaoh's agreement was merely a temporary tactic to escape the immediate consequences. His heart would soon harden again, highlighting a superficial repentance that does not lead to true change (Exodus 8:32).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "swarms" is עָרֹב ('arov). While often rendered "flies," it can refer to a mixed multitude of noxious insects or even wild beasts, emphasizing the severity and unpleasantness of the plague. The phrase "there remained not one" (לֹא־נִשְׁאַר אֶחָד - lo'-nish'ar echad) powerfully conveys the completeness of God's removal, leaving no trace of the torment.

Practical Application

Exodus 8:31 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God Hears and Answers Prayer: Just as God responded to Moses' intercession, He listens to the prayers of His people. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing He is attentive to our needs and pleas (1 John 5:14-15).
  • God's Power is Absolute: This verse reminds us that no problem is too great for God. He controls all things, from the smallest insect to the largest cosmic events, and can bring about deliverance in ways we might not expect (Jeremiah 32:27).
  • Beware of Superficial Repentance: Pharaoh's pattern of promising to obey when under duress, only to renege once relief came, serves as a cautionary tale. True repentance involves a change of heart and a commitment to follow God's will, not just a desire to escape consequences.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.