The account of boils and blains, also known as the plague of boils, is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt through His servants Moses and Aaron. This particular miracle is recorded in the Book of Exodus and serves as a demonstration of God's power and judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities.

Biblical Context

The narrative of the plagues is found in Exodus 7-12, where God commands Moses and Aaron to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from bondage. Pharaoh's persistent refusal to let the Israelites go results in a series of divine judgments upon Egypt. The plague of boils is the sixth plague, following the plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, flies, and the death of livestock.

Scriptural Account

The specific account of the plague of boils is detailed in Exodus 9:8-12 :

"Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Take handfuls of soot from a furnace, and in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air. It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land.'

So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on man and beast. The magicians could not stand before Moses because the boils had afflicted them and all the Egyptians. But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses."

Theological Significance

The plague of boils serves multiple purposes within the narrative of the Exodus. It is a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly to deities associated with health and disease, such as Sekhmet and Imhotep. By afflicting both humans and animals with painful sores, God demonstrates His supremacy over these false gods and the impotence of Egyptian magicians and priests.

Furthermore, the plague of boils highlights the hardening of Pharaoh's heart. Despite the physical affliction and the inability of his magicians to replicate or reverse the plague, Pharaoh remains obstinate. This hardening is both a divine act and a reflection of Pharaoh's own stubbornness, illustrating the theme of divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Role of Moses and Aaron

Moses and Aaron act as God's chosen instruments in executing His will. Their obedience in performing the miracle as instructed underscores their faithfulness and the authority granted to them by God. The act of tossing soot into the air, resulting in widespread affliction, symbolizes the power of God's word and the immediacy of His judgments.

Impact on Egypt and Israel

The plague of boils, like the other plagues, serves to weaken the resolve of the Egyptian people and their leadership. It contributes to the cumulative pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus. For the Israelites, the plagues are a testament to God's commitment to their deliverance and His ability to protect and vindicate His chosen people.

In summary, the miracle of boils and blains wrought through Moses and Aaron is a pivotal event in the Exodus narrative, demonstrating God's power, challenging the authority of Pharaoh, and affirming the faith of the Israelites in their covenant-keeping God.Exodus 9:10,11
And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains on man, and on beast.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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