The account of the plague of lice, also known as gnats, is a significant event in the narrative of the Exodus, where God demonstrates His power and authority over the natural world through His chosen servants, Moses and Aaron. This miracle is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 8:16-19.

Context and Background

The plague of lice is the third of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Each plague served as a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities and a demonstration of the LORD's supremacy. The plagues were not only acts of judgment but also signs to both the Egyptians and the Israelites of God's sovereign power.

The Miracle Described

In Exodus 8:16-19 , the LORD instructs Moses to tell Aaron to stretch out his staff and strike the dust of the ground. As Aaron obeys, the dust throughout the land of Egypt becomes lice, infesting both people and animals. This transformation of dust into lice is a miraculous act that underscores the divine authority vested in Moses and Aaron as God's representatives.

The text states:

> "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron, "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground," and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.' They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon men and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats." (Exodus 8:16-17)

Significance of the Miracle

The plague of lice is particularly noteworthy because it marks a turning point in the series of plagues. Unlike the previous plagues of blood and frogs, which the Egyptian magicians were able to replicate through their secret arts, they were unable to produce lice. This inability led the magicians to acknowledge the divine origin of the plague, as they confessed to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God" (Exodus 8:19).

This admission by the magicians highlights the limitations of human power and the futility of opposing God's will. It serves as a testament to the unique authority and power of the God of Israel, who alone can command creation in such a manner.

Theological Implications

The miracle of the lice, like the other plagues, serves to affirm the LORD's covenantal relationship with Israel. It is a demonstration of His commitment to deliver His people and fulfill His promises. The plagues collectively reveal God's justice, as He judges the oppressive regime of Egypt, and His mercy, as He works to liberate His chosen people.

Furthermore, the miracle underscores the role of Moses and Aaron as faithful servants and instruments of God's will. Their obedience and faith in carrying out God's commands are central to the unfolding of His redemptive plan for Israel.

In summary, the miracle of lice brought through Moses and Aaron is a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His ability to use His servants to accomplish His divine purposes. It serves as a reminder of the LORD's supremacy over all creation and His unwavering commitment to His people.Exodus 8:17
And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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sons pass through the fire ... and these are enforced by miracles, audible sounds ...
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Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... he putteth no trust in his servants, and chargeth ... the centurion was found worthy
through alms-giving ... who, while he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Secondly, These stones, as they were thus wrought within and ... and immortality is brought
to light through this ... of God; as so, they are but servants, though these ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

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