Exodus 8:23

The Fourth Plague: Flies · Exodus 8:20–32
Read Exodus 8

Translations

Modern
I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’”
Traditional
And I will put a division between my people and thy people: to morrow shall this sign be.
Literal
And I will make a distinction between My people and between your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.’”
Latin
Ponamque divisionem inter populum meum et populum tuum: cras erit signum istud.

Original

Hebrew
English
I will make a distinction between My people and your people. This sign will take place tomorrow.’”

Notes

The fourth plague was the plague of flies. The Egyptians worshiped insects such as flies that seemed to be able to turn death into life, as their young seemed to emerge from decaying matter. If the Egyptians thought that insects had the secret of life, God would let them have all the insects they wanted. Some say that this infestation was the natural result of all the dead frogs, but there were no flies in Goshen (8:22), the northeastern delta area where the Hebrews lived. God’s miraculous power was clearly seen in his ability to infest one area while sparing another at will.

Theme notes and profiles

Egypt Moses Pharaoh The Plagues

Events

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Frog Gnat Hardness of Heart History of Israel Jannes and Jambres Magic Numbers and Numerology Plague Plagues upon Egypt

Topics

Flies: Plague of God: Preserver Israel: Exempt from the Plagues Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God: Moses and Aaron: Flies Brought