What is the meaning of Exodus 8:31? The LORD did as Moses requested • The narrative is straightforward: “the LORD did as Moses requested” (Exodus 8:31). God answers the earnest plea of His servant, just as He had promised in Exodus 7:2–4. • Moses’ intercession reflects a pattern seen elsewhere—Abraham for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), Samuel for Israel (1 Samuel 12:19-23), and later, Elijah for rain (1 Kings 18:42-45; James 5:17-18). Each episode shows that faithful prayer moves the hand of the sovereign God without compromising His sovereignty. • The verse reminds us that obedience and trust go hand-in-hand; Moses obeyed God’s call (Exodus 3:10-12), so his petitions carried the authority of divine commission (John 15:7). He removed the swarms of flies • Just the previous day, Egypt was blanketed with tormenting insects (Exodus 8:24). Now, at God’s word, they vanish. Creation itself submits to its Maker (Psalm 33:9). • This plague-removal mirrors later events: hail stops at Moses’ prayer (Exodus 9:33), locusts depart (Exodus 10:18-19), darkness lifts (Exodus 10:22-23). The pattern underscores both judgment and mercy—God strikes, then relents when His purpose is achieved (Jeremiah 18:7-8). • The sudden reversal exposes the impotence of Egypt’s gods, especially Khepri, depicted with a fly-like scarab head (Exodus 12:12; Numbers 33:4). Only Yahweh rules. from Pharaoh and his officials and his people • Judgment touches every level of Egyptian society. Earlier, God shielded Goshen, where Israel lived (Exodus 8:22-23), marking a clear distinction between covenant people and oppressors (Malachi 3:17-18). • Pharaoh’s court experiences firsthand that political power cannot block divine intervention (Psalm 2:1-4). Leaders, nobles, commoners—all must reckon with the LORD (Revelation 6:15-17). • Yet mercy is offered universally; the same God who afflicts also relieves (Isaiah 45:7). This foreshadows the gospel’s reach to every tribe and tongue (Acts 10:34-35). not one fly remained • “Not one fly remained” (Exodus 8:31) highlights total deliverance. God’s works are complete; He leaves no residue of judgment when He chooses to lift it (Deuteronomy 32:4). • The meticulous detail mirrors the Red Sea deliverance, where “not one” Israelite was lost (Exodus 14:28-30). It anticipates Christ’s promise: none given to Him will be snatched away (John 10:28). • Such precision encourages believers to trust God for thorough salvation—He finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). summary Exodus 8:31 showcases the LORD’s responsive faithfulness to the prayers of His obedient servant, His unrivaled mastery over creation, His comprehensive reach across societal strata, and His perfect, complete deliverance. The verse reassures us that when God acts, He does so decisively and thoroughly, affirming His promises and revealing His character. |
    |