Exodus 8:1-9:7

The plagues of frogs, gnats, and flies, and then the livestock die.  Interesting, isn't it, that though the magicians could "replicate" the swarms of frogs, it was to Moses and Aaron that the Pharaoh went for relief.  You would think that if the magicians could produce frogs, they could banish them, too, and that Pharaoh would choose to go to his own people rather than seek out these hecklers for help.  But he went to Moses and Aaron and even went so far as to set a day and time for Moses to intercede on his own behalf before the Lord.  Which Moses did.  Moses kept his end of the bargain, and... Pharaoh did not.  Big surprise.

Did you notice that when the plague of gnats came, even the magicians acknowledged that it was the finger of God that brought these things upon Egypt?  But Pharaoh hardened his heart.  I think it likely that Pharaoh knew it as well, but refused to bend his knee.  Pharaoh was ever a mocker and scorner where the Lord was concerned.  And so, the flies came as well.  Notice, also, that Pharaoh gave them permission to sacrifice to God within the land of Egypt and that Moses and Aaron refused the stipulation on the grounds that the Egyptians would be offended, not that it was not possible.  The Lord certainly could be worshiped anywhere (especially since Temple worship was not in existence), but that was beyond the point.  Pharaoh was to let the people go, and he wouldn't.  He cheated the Israelites again and again.  Compromises weren't possible.  First, that was not the Lord's intention; second, because Pharaoh could not be trusted.  So far we've seen the plagues of frogs and flies repealed, but not the gnats or the blood in the Nile.  Did they remain?  I rather think so.  It would be miserable living in Egypt at this time.

And it gets worse: the livestock die.  Pharaoh is warned, but he doesn't listen.  This plague is severe because both animals for work and for food are affected and they die: no food, no work animals.  This one also sets the people of Israel apart because their livestock are left unharmed.  Notice, that as the plagues continue, the Egyptians begin to mark what the Israelites do in order to spare themselves the carnage.

Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 9:8-10:20