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.

Study Bible

But if you will not let My people go
This phrase is part of the series of demands made by God through Moses to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. The demand to "let My people go" is a recurring theme in the narrative of the Exodus, emphasizing God's desire for the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. This reflects God's covenantal promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make their descendants a great nation. The phrase also highlights the concept of divine authority and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

I will send swarms of flies upon you
The sending of swarms of flies is the fourth plague that God inflicts upon Egypt. This plague demonstrates God's power over nature and His ability to disrupt the daily life of the Egyptians. The Hebrew term used here can refer to various types of insects, possibly including biting flies or other pests. This plague serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, who were believed to protect the land and its people from such calamities.

and your officials and your people and your houses
The inclusion of officials, people, and houses indicates the widespread impact of the plague. It affects all levels of Egyptian society, from the highest officials to the common people, demonstrating that no one is exempt from God's judgment. This also underscores the communal nature of sin and its consequences, as the entire nation suffers due to Pharaoh's hardened heart.

The houses of the Egyptians and even the ground where they stand will be full of flies
This phrase emphasizes the severity and pervasiveness of the plague. The infestation of flies not only invades personal spaces but also covers the ground, making it impossible to escape the nuisance and discomfort. This imagery of overwhelming infestation serves as a metaphor for the inescapable nature of divine judgment. It also foreshadows the totality of God's deliverance for the Israelites, contrasting the oppression they faced in Egypt with the freedom they would experience in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is obstinate and refuses to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sends as a warning.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues that God sends as a demonstration of His power.

4. The Plague of Flies
This is the fourth plague that God sends upon Egypt. It is a direct consequence of Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's command.

5. The Israelites
God's chosen people who are enslaved in Egypt and are the focus of God's deliverance plan.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
The plagues demonstrate God's supreme authority over creation and His ability to control nature to fulfill His purposes.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Pharaoh's refusal to obey God's command results in severe consequences, illustrating the dangers of hardening one's heart against God.

God's Protection of His People
Despite the plagues affecting Egypt, God protects the Israelites, showing His faithfulness and care for His people.

The Call to Repentance
The plagues serve as a call to repentance, urging Pharaoh and the Egyptians to recognize God's power and submit to His will.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' role in delivering God's message emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in the face of opposition.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plague of flies demonstrate God's power and authority over nature?

2. In what ways does Pharaoh's response to the plagues reflect the human tendency to resist God's will?

3. How can we see God's protection of His people in the midst of judgment in this passage, and how does that apply to believers today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in delivering God's message to Pharaoh, despite the challenges?

5. How do the plagues in Egypt foreshadow God's ultimate judgment and deliverance as seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Revelation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:16
This verse sets the stage for the plagues, as God commands Pharaoh to let His people go so they may worship Him. It highlights the ongoing conflict between God's will and Pharaoh's stubbornness.

Psalm 78:45
This Psalm recounts the plagues, including the flies, as a testament to God's power and judgment against Egypt.

Revelation 16:13-14
These verses describe unclean spirits like frogs, drawing a parallel to the plagues in Egypt as a symbol of God's judgment in the end times.