Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Flies is the fourth of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This series of divine judgments was aimed at compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The account of the Plague of Flies is found in Exodus 8:20-32.Biblical Account: The narrative begins with the LORD instructing Moses to confront Pharaoh early in the morning as he goes to the water. Moses is to deliver God's command: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 8:20). If Pharaoh refuses, God warns that He will send swarms of flies upon Egypt. The flies will fill the houses of the Egyptians and cover the ground, causing great distress. A significant aspect of this plague is the distinction God makes between the Egyptians and the Israelites. In Exodus 8:22-23, God declares, "But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people live, so that no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow." This divine separation underscores God's protection over His people and His sovereign power over creation. As promised, the next day swarms of flies descend upon Egypt, causing havoc and suffering. The land is ruined by the flies, and Pharaoh's resolve begins to waver. He summons Moses and Aaron, offering a compromise: the Israelites may sacrifice to their God, but they must do so within the land of Egypt. Moses, however, insists that they must journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices, as the LORD has commanded. Pharaoh reluctantly agrees to let the Israelites go into the wilderness, asking Moses to pray to the LORD to remove the flies. Moses agrees but warns Pharaoh not to act deceitfully by refusing to let the people go after the flies are gone. Moses prays, and the LORD removes the flies from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. Not a single fly remains. Despite this, Pharaoh hardens his heart once more and refuses to let the Israelites go, as the LORD had foretold. Theological Significance: The Plague of Flies serves as a powerful demonstration of God's authority over nature and His ability to protect His people. The distinction made between the Egyptians and the Israelites highlights God's covenant relationship with Israel and His faithfulness to His promises. This plague, like the others, reveals the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of hardening one's heart against Him. The Plague of Flies also underscores the theme of divine judgment and mercy. While the Egyptians suffer under the weight of the plagues, God provides opportunities for repentance and obedience. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to heed God's command ultimately leads to further judgment, illustrating the biblical principle that rebellion against God results in dire consequences. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Egyptian context, flies were not only a nuisance but also associated with disease and decay. The presence of swarms of flies would have been seen as a direct assault on the Egyptian way of life and their pantheon of gods, which included deities associated with protection and health. The plagues, therefore, served to demonstrate the impotence of the Egyptian gods in the face of the one true God, Yahweh. The Plague of Flies, like the other plagues, is a testament to God's power and His commitment to liberating His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of defiance. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 8:20And the LORD said to Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; see, he comes forth to the water; and say to him, Thus said the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Nave's Topical Index Library On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Little Sins Moses, the Mighty Intercessor The Rod that Troubled Egypt. That Our Lawful Occupations do not Hinder us from Practicising ... One must Show Fortitude in Fighting against all vices... Appendix Full Redemption Great Miracles Wrought by Magic Arts. Resources What is the cause of the recent plague of child molestation incidents? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Is there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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