Exodus 8:1-32
Q.1. What were the conditions of the next plague in Egypt? Why did Moses allow Pharaoh to select the end of the plague? What made him change his mind? – (Exo.8:1-15)
Pharaoh had been warned to let Israel go to serve the Lord – But if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite your whole territory with frogs (Exo.8:2). When Aaron returned, he stretched out his staff over all the watercourse of Egypt – and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt (Exo.8:6). However – The magicians did the same with their secret arts, making frogs come up on the land of Egypt (Exo.8:7). Nevertheless, the plague was repulsive, and soon Pharaoh relented with the promise – I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord (Exo.8:8). Since the magicians could duplicate the plague of frogs, Moses offered Pharaoh – …” The honour is yours to tell me: when shall I entreat for you and your servants and your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, that they may be left only in the Nile?” … May it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God (Exo.8:9-10). Pharaoh was used to getting His own way, so again broke his promise. – But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the Lord had said (Exo.8:15).
Q.2. What plague next struck Egypt? What did the magicians conclude when they could not replicate the sign? Why did Pharaoh refuse to listen to Moses? – (Exo.8:16-19)
This time, without another appeal to Pharaoh, God sent a plague of gnats that would strike man and beast throughout the land of Egypt (Exo.8:16-17). The magicians of Egypt could not reproduce the plague. They told Pharaoh – This is the finger of God (Exo.8:19). However, by this time – Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to the magicians, as the Lord has said (Exo.8:19).
Q.3. What made the next plague on Egypt different? Why would Moses not sacrifice to God in Egypt? On what basis would the plague be removed? – (Exo.8:20-32)
Moses and Aaron were dispatched in the morning to confront Pharaoh once more, with the same request to – Let My people go, that they may serve Me (Exo.8:20). The next plague was swarms of flies which permeated throughout the land (Exo.8:21). However, the plague was selective, and the flies only inflicted the Egyptians – 22 But on that day, I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the Lord, am in the midst of the land. 23 I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign will occur” (Exo.8:22-23). Soon Pharaoh had had enough. He told Moses that he would allow Israel to sacrifice to God within the land (Exo.8:25). However, Moses insisted that they go three days’ journey into the wilderness, to do as the Lord God commanded (Exo.8:27). He questioned Israel’s ability to sacrifice in the land, since this would be an abomination to the Egyptians, and would bring dire consequences (Exo.8:26). Pharaoh gave Moses permission to travel a short distance and added – Make supplication for me (Exo.8:28). Moses promised that the plague would be lifted the next day, but he warned Pharaoh not to deal deceitfully again, by refusing Israel’s request (Exo.8:29). In spite of the gracious reprieve, Pharaoh again hardened his heart as he had done numerous times before (Exo.8:32).