Flies are small, winged insects that are often associated with decay and uncleanliness. In the Bible, flies are mentioned in various contexts, symbolizing nuisance, corruption, and divine judgment. The presence of flies often serves as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and the disruption of order.

Exodus 8:21-24
In the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, flies are depicted as instruments of divine judgment. The LORD warns Pharaoh through Moses: "If you do not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies, and even the ground where they stand" (Exodus 8:21). This plague demonstrates God's power over creation and His ability to use even the smallest creatures to fulfill His purposes. The flies invade the land, causing great distress to the Egyptians, yet sparing the land of Goshen where the Israelites reside, highlighting God's protection over His people.

Ecclesiastes 10:1
Flies are used metaphorically in Ecclesiastes to illustrate the impact of folly: "As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor" (Ecclesiastes 10:1). This proverb underscores the idea that even a small amount of foolishness can ruin the reputation and effectiveness of wisdom and honor, much like how a few dead flies can spoil a whole batch of perfume.

Isaiah 7:18
In a prophetic context, flies are mentioned as a symbol of impending judgment and invasion. Isaiah prophesies: "In that day the LORD will whistle for the fly that is at the farthest streams of the Nile and for the bee in the land of Assyria" (Isaiah 7:18). Here, flies represent the foreign armies that God will summon to execute His judgment upon the land, emphasizing His sovereignty over nations and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine plan.

Psalm 78:45
The psalmist recounts the plagues of Egypt as a testament to God's mighty acts: "He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them" (Psalm 78:45). This verse serves as a reminder of God's intervention in history and His willingness to use natural elements to achieve His purposes and deliver His people.

Revelation 16:13-14
While not directly mentioning flies, the imagery in Revelation of unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet (Revelation 16:13-14) echoes the theme of plagues and divine judgment. The association of unclean creatures with demonic activity and deception highlights the ongoing spiritual battle and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness.

Throughout Scripture, flies are consistently associated with themes of corruption, judgment, and the consequences of sin. They serve as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for divine intervention and redemption.Ecclesiastes 10:1
Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking smell: so does a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.
Nave's Topical Index

Dr. Martin Luther Concerning Penitence and Indulgences.
... to be proved by any reasoning or any scriptures, that they ... as the Pope has over
purgatory in general, such has ... preach man, who say that the soul flies out of ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/disputation of dr martin luther.htm

General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... Areobindus, a Roman general, [197]162 ... is accused of peculation, threatened with death,
and flies to Rome ... to Eusebius Pamphilus on copying the Scriptures, [546]16 ...
/.../general index to socrates ecclesiastical.htm

Regeneration
... can certainly be done, this general judgment: Without ... the Law, and therefore in terror,
flies from the ... they only select from the Scriptures passages concerning ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 8 regeneration.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... Question Will you give any commandment concerning your bones ... attended to their duties
in the general work, and ... to cross, often scanty fare, flies and mosquitoes ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Of Predestination
... it is, the wise man will teach you in general""He made ... out!" The whole tenor of the
Scriptures shows that ... which is Paul's sanctuary, whither he flies unto as ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xv of predestination.htm

2 Timothy iii. 16, 17
... Thou hast the Scriptures, he says, in place of me. ... more swiftly than a bird: for
a bird only flies over it ... Here again he calls virtue in general righteousness. ...
/.../homily ix 2 timothy iii.htm

On the Opinion of Dionysius.
... expression in the Scriptures, yet collecting from the actual Scriptures their general
sense, I ... But the other is sent forth and flies forth, and is borne ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/on the opinion of dionysius.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... of Egypt, but there were no flies in the ... that the above declaration is of general
application-it ... His counsels, is to repudiate other Scriptures equally explicit ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

John iv. 54; v. 1
... producing much wealth, so in the holy Scriptures it is ... the king was asleep or drunk,
the general should endure ... as soon as it appears it flies away, withering ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvi john iv 54.htm

Original Sin
... This day, like all the former, flies: ... which reign in particular persons, as by the
general flood of ... good will to you, and reverence for the Holy Scriptures. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm

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