“Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.”
Context: Exodus 8:21 is part of the narrative of the plagues of Egypt. Moses and Aaron, as instructed by God, have been repeatedly demanding Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This verse is a warning of the plague of flies that will be sent upon Egypt if Pharaoh continues to refuse to let the Israelites go.
Symbolism and significance: Flies were considered unclean insects in the Egyptian culture, and they were associated with decay and filth. By sending swarms of flies, God was demonstrating His power over Egypt and the Egyptian deities, highlighting the superiority of the God of Israel. This plague aimed to challenge the Egyptian belief system, as well as serve as a judgment on the Egyptian people and their king for their oppression of the Israelites.
- Pharaoh’s response: After hearing Moses’ warning about the coming plague of flies, Pharaoh initially seems to be willing to compromise. In the following verses (Exodus 8:22-24), he proposes allowing the Israelites to worship their God within the land of Egypt. However, Pharaoh’s offer is conditional and falls short of what God had commanded, as He desired the Israelites to be completely set free. Therefore, Pharaoh’s response ultimately reveals his lack of genuine repentance or willingness to submit to God’s will.
- Application and lessons:
- God’s patience and warning: Even though Pharaoh had repeatedly rejected God’s commands, God continued to warn him and give him opportunities to repent. This demonstrates God’s patience and desire for people to turn from their sinful ways.
- The consequences of stubbornness: Pharaoh’s stubbornness and refusal to obey God’s command resulted in the affliction of the Egyptian people and their surroundings. This serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from resisting God’s will.
- The sovereignty and power of God: Through the plagues, God showcased His dominion over nature and the gods of Egypt, revealing His supremacy and authority. This reassures believers of God’s ability to overcome any obstacle or challenge they may face.
- The importance of obedience: The Israelites’ liberation was contingent upon Pharaoh’s obedience to God’s command. Similarly, obedience to God’s will is crucial for experiencing His deliverance and blessings in our lives.
In summary, Exodus 8:21 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the plagues of Egypt. The warning of the plague of flies highlights God’s power, patience, and desire for repentance, as well as the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of obedience.
