Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Lice, also known as the Plague of Gnats, is the third of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is recorded in Exodus 8:16-19 and serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel.Biblical Account In Exodus 8:16-19 , the narrative unfolds as follows: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron, "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, and it will become lice throughout the land of Egypt."' They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the earth, lice came upon man and beast. All the dust of the earth turned into lice throughout the land of Egypt. The magicians tried to produce lice by their secret arts, but they could not, and the lice were on man and beast. 'This is the finger of God,' the magicians said to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Theological Significance The Plague of Lice is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a turning point in the series of plagues, as it is the first plague that the Egyptian magicians are unable to replicate. This inability highlights the limitations of Egyptian magic and the supremacy of the God of Israel. The magicians' acknowledgment, "This is the finger of God," underscores the divine origin of the plague and serves as a testimony to God's power. Secondly, the plague targets the Egyptians' sense of cleanliness and order, which were highly valued in their culture and religious practices. The infestation of lice would have rendered the Egyptians ritually unclean, disrupting their daily lives and religious ceremonies. This disruption serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, particularly Geb, the god of the earth, as the dust of the earth is transformed into lice. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, lice and other small pests were common nuisances, but the scale and suddenness of this infestation would have been unprecedented. The transformation of dust into lice symbolizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. The plague's impact on both humans and animals further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine intervention. Pharaoh's Response Despite the clear demonstration of divine power, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. This hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme throughout the plagues, illustrating the spiritual blindness and obstinacy that can result from persistent rebellion against God. Pharaoh's refusal to heed the warnings and signs given by God through Moses and Aaron ultimately leads to further plagues and the eventual liberation of the Israelites. Conclusion The Plague of Lice serves as a powerful reminder of God's authority over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes. It also highlights the futility of resisting God's will and the importance of recognizing His sovereignty in all aspects of life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 8:16-19And the LORD said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Stretch out your rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Library On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Little Sins Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ... The Rod that Troubled Egypt. The Plagues of Egypt Full Redemption Great Miracles Wrought by Magic Arts. From Egypt to Sinai. On Psalm Lxxvii. Or Lxxviii. Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | 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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