How does Exodus 8:31 connect to God's promises in Exodus 6:6-7? Setting the Scene Israel is still in Egypt, Pharaoh’s heart is hard, and God is rolling out plague after plague. Each plague is a visible sermon, proving that the LORD—and not Egypt’s gods—holds absolute authority. Reviewing God’s Promises in Exodus 6:6-7 • “I will bring you out …” – freedom from oppression • “I will deliver you …” – rescue from slavery’s grip • “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment” – decisive, miraculous interventions • “I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God” – covenant relationship, personal and permanent • “Then you will know that I am the LORD” – experiential revelation of His character and power Exodus 8:31 in Focus “And the LORD did as Moses requested; He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his officials, and from his people; not one fly remained.” How the Verses Connect 1. Mighty Acts of Judgment • The plague itself was a “mighty act” promised in 6:6. • By precisely controlling the arrival and disappearance of the flies, God shows His “outstretched arm” at work (cf. Exodus 9:14). 2. Redemption Displayed in Stages • Every plague chips away at Egypt’s power and moves Israel closer to freedom, fulfilling “I will bring you out.” • The removal “not one fly remained” previews the total, final rescue at the Red Sea—complete, unmistakable deliverance (Exodus 14:30-31). 3. Distinction Between Peoples • Earlier in the same plague God said, “I will set apart the land of Goshen … so that no flies will be there” (Exodus 8:22-23). • This fulfills “I will take you as My own people.” Israel is marked off, protected, treasured. 4. Revelation of the LORD • Pharaoh’s magicians fail; Moses prays; God answers instantly. The contrast forces everyone to “know that I am the LORD” (6:7). • Each precise fulfillment deepens Israel’s confidence for the next promise. Living Truths for Us Today • God keeps promises punctually and precisely; no detail slips through His fingers (Psalm 33:4). • Deliverance often unfolds in steps—each step is evidence of His faithfulness we can bank on (2 Corinthians 1:10). • Distinction still matters: those who belong to the LORD are preserved amid judgment (John 5:24). • Prayer, like Moses’, aligns us with God’s plan and showcases His power (James 5:16-18). |
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