Exodus 8:17

This they did, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, gnats came upon man and beast. All the dust of the earth turned into gnats throughout the land of Egypt.

Study Bible

This they did
This phrase refers to the obedience of Moses and Aaron to God's command. It highlights the importance of following divine instructions precisely, a recurring theme in the Bible. This obedience is a model for believers, emphasizing trust in God's plan.

and when Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff
Aaron's action with the staff signifies authority and divine power. The staff, a symbol of leadership and God's presence, was used in several miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16). It prefigures the authority of Christ, who performed miracles by divine power.

and struck the dust of the earth
The dust of the earth is significant, as it recalls the creation of man from dust (Genesis 2:7). This act of striking the dust symbolizes God's control over creation and His ability to use it for His purposes. It also foreshadows the plagues as a reversal of creation, bringing chaos to Egypt.

gnats came upon man and beast
The gnats, a form of pestilence, represent God's judgment on Egypt. This plague affected both humans and animals, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's power. It parallels the plagues in Revelation, which also depict divine judgment (Revelation 16:2).

All the dust of the earth turned into gnats
This transformation signifies the extent of the plague, showing that God's power is limitless. The phrase echoes the creation narrative, where God formed man from dust, contrasting His creative power with the destructive consequences of sin and rebellion.

throughout the land of Egypt
The widespread nature of the plague emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations. Egypt, a powerful empire, is humbled by God's might. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over earthly powers, a theme echoed in the prophetic books where nations are judged for their actions (Isaiah 19:1-4).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
Brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He acts as Moses' spokesperson and performs miracles by God's command.

2. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He communicates God's commands to Pharaoh.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, leading to a series of plagues as a demonstration of God's power.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It becomes the stage for God's miraculous signs and wonders.

5. Gnats
The third plague sent by God upon Egypt. The Hebrew word for "gnats" can also be translated as "lice" or "mosquitoes," indicating a small, irritating insect.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The transformation of dust into gnats demonstrates God's absolute control over nature. He can use the smallest elements of creation to fulfill His purposes.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a call to repentance. God's actions are just, yet He provides opportunities for Pharaoh to relent.

The Power of Obedience
Aaron's obedience in stretching out his hand with the staff is a reminder of the power of following God's commands. Our actions, when aligned with God's will, can lead to significant outcomes.

Spiritual Warfare
The plagues can be seen as a spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. It reminds us of the spiritual battles we face and the assurance of victory through God's power.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues highlights the danger of a hardened heart. It serves as a warning to remain open to God's voice and correction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the transformation of dust into gnats illustrate God's power over creation, and how can this understanding impact our daily trust in Him?

2. In what ways does the plague of gnats serve as a warning against the hardness of heart, and how can we guard against this in our own lives?

3. How does the obedience of Aaron in this passage encourage us to act in faith, even when the task seems small or insignificant?

4. What parallels can we draw between the plagues in Egypt and the judgments described in Revelation, and how do these connections deepen our understanding of God's justice?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's sovereignty and judgment from this passage to current events or personal challenges we face today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3:19
The curse of the ground after the fall of man, where dust is mentioned, connects to the transformation of dust into gnats, symbolizing judgment.

Psalm 105:31
This Psalm recounts the plagues of Egypt, including the plague of gnats, as a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His covenant.

Revelation 16:2
The plagues in Revelation echo the plagues of Egypt, showing God's continued judgment against sin and rebellion.