Topical Bible: Intercession: Answered for the plague of flies

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In the biblical narrative, intercession plays a crucial role in the relationship between God and His people, often serving as a means through which divine intervention is sought and granted. One notable instance of intercession is found in the account of the plague of flies during the time of Moses and the Israelites' bondage in Egypt.

The plague of flies is the fourth of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is described in Exodus 8:20-32. The Lord instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites so they could worship Him. When Pharaoh refused, God sent swarms of flies upon the Egyptians, a severe affliction that did not affect the land of Goshen, where the Israelites resided.

The text in Exodus 8:24 states, "And the LORD did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies." The severity of the plague prompted Pharaoh to summon Moses and Aaron, offering to let the Israelites go and sacrifice to their God within the land of Egypt. However, Moses insisted that they must go a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices, as the Lord had commanded.

Pharaoh, in desperation, agreed to let them go, provided Moses would intercede with the Lord to remove the flies. Moses responded in Exodus 8:29 , "As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the LORD, and tomorrow the flies will depart from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."

Moses' intercession is a pivotal moment, demonstrating the power of prayer and the role of a mediator between God and man. Moses left Pharaoh's presence and prayed to the Lord, as recorded in Exodus 8:30-31 : "Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD, and the LORD did as Moses asked. The flies departed from Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly remained."

This answered intercession highlights several key themes in the biblical understanding of intercession. Firstly, it underscores the responsiveness of God to the prayers of His chosen servants. Moses, as a prophet and leader, acts as an intermediary, pleading on behalf of the people and Pharaoh. Secondly, it illustrates the conditional nature of divine mercy, contingent upon human obedience and sincerity. Despite the removal of the flies, Pharaoh's subsequent hardening of heart and refusal to let the Israelites go led to further plagues, demonstrating the consequences of insincere repentance.

The account of the plague of flies and Moses' intercession serves as a testament to the efficacy of prayer and the importance of genuine repentance and obedience to God's commands. It reflects the broader biblical theme of intercession as a means through which God's will is sought and His mercy is extended, contingent upon the faithfulness and sincerity of those who seek Him.

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Exodus 8:30-32
And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the LORD.
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Library

Moses, the Mighty Intercessor
... the word of Moses." When the grievous plague of flies ... But Moses made tender and earnest
intercession for his ... God when prayed, and always was he answered by God ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/iv moses the mighty intercessor.htm

Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ...
... Is that it?" I answered, "No," until finally what I was ... I am sitting at home a lizard
catching flies, or a ... for certain how far I am clean of this plague; and I ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book ten from autobiography to.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... by his atonement, mediation, and intercession; and the ... but such as feel the plague,
and see ... Lord Jesus, slighting their compliment, answered, "Verily, verily ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. ... SECOND, Of the benefit
of his intercession"'Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost,' &c. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... But innumerable prayers have been read and offered up which have not been answered. ...
that is, personally, and the people by him, as he made intercession for them ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the dead; there the Lord was entreated by David to take away the plague, and to ... and
their lily work did signify, and how all was most sweetly answered in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession
for us ... and if it be answered they are good in the main, or good in the general ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... fully analysed 'The Design,' exposed the sophistry, and scripturally answered the
gross ... reconciled, we shall be saved by his life,' or intercession (Romans 5:10 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Doctrine
... Wherein, for the better understanding of the reader, there are several questions
answered touching the law and grace, very easy to be read, and as easy to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... He answered, Sir, I perceive, by the book in my hand, that I am condemned to die,
and after that to come to judgment, (Heb.9:27); and I find that I am not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm