Bible Strands
Exodus 8:24
And the LORD did so. Thick swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials. Throughout Egypt the land was ruined by swarms of flies.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD executes the fourth plague against Pharaoh and his officials, fulfilling the warning in Exodus 8:23 to separate His people from Egypt. This judgment occurs immediately after the threat, marking a direct escalation in the confrontation.
The words — The Hebrew phrase וַיַּ֤עַשׂ כֵּ֔ן (va.ya.as ken) translates literally as "and He did so," emphasizing immediate obedience to the divine command. The term עָרֹב כָּבֵ֔ד (a.rov ka.ved) denotes a "massive swarm," specifying the overwhelming nature of the pestilence.
The thread — This plague echoes in later psalms that recount the Exodus judgments, specifically Psalms 78:45 and 105:31, which recall God sending swarming insects to devastate the land. The event also directly fulfills the warning issued in Exodus 8:21.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that divine threats are executed without delay or negotiation. It requires the reader to acknowledge the concrete boundary God establishes between His people and those who oppose His word.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.
Cross-references
- Psalms 78:45 He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them.
- Psalms 105:31 He spoke, and insects swarmed—gnats throughout their country.
- Exodus 8:21 But if you will not let My people go, I will send swarms of flies upon you and your officials and your people and your houses. The houses of the Egyptians and even the ground where they stand will be full of flies.