"As soon as I leave you," Moses said, "I will pray to the LORD, so that tomorrow the swarms of flies will depart from Pharaoh and his officials and his people. But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go and sacrifice to the LORD." As soon as I leave youThis phrase indicates immediacy and urgency in Moses' actions. The Hebrew root for "leave" (יָצָא, yatsa) often implies a departure with purpose. Moses is not merely exiting Pharaoh's presence; he is moving with divine intent to intercede with God. This reflects the role of a mediator, a precursor to Christ's mediatory role in the New Testament. I will pray to the LORD and tomorrow the flies will depart from Pharaoh and his officials and his people But Pharaoh must not act deceitfully again by refusing to let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He acts as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh. 2. Pharaoh The ruler of Egypt who is obstinate and refuses to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues sent by God. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty through the plagues to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where the plagues occur as a demonstration of God's power. 5. The Plague of Flies One of the ten plagues sent by God to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This specific plague involves swarms of flies infesting Egypt. Teaching Points The Power of Intercessory PrayerMoses' willingness to pray for the removal of the flies demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for others, trusting in God's power to intervene. The Consequences of Deceit Pharaoh's deceitful behavior serves as a warning against dishonesty and the importance of integrity. Christians are called to be truthful and faithful in their commitments. God's Sovereignty and Patience The plagues reveal God's control over creation and His patience with Pharaoh. Believers can trust in God's timing and His ultimate plan, even when facing opposition. Obedience to God's Commands The repeated call for Pharaoh to let the Israelites go underscores the necessity of obedience to God's commands. Christians are reminded to heed God's instructions in their lives. The Hardness of Heart Pharaoh's hardened heart is a cautionary example of resisting God's will. Believers should remain open and responsive to God's guidance, avoiding spiritual stubbornness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' role as an intercessor in Exodus 8:29 inspire you to pray for others in your life? Can you think of a situation where intercessory prayer made a difference?2. In what ways does Pharaoh's deceitful behavior challenge you to examine your own integrity and honesty in your commitments? 3. How do the plagues, including the plague of flies, demonstrate God's sovereignty? How can this understanding impact your trust in God's control over your circumstances? 4. Reflect on a time when you struggled with obedience to God's commands. What lessons can you learn from Pharaoh's repeated refusal to obey? 5. How can you guard against a hardened heart in your spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to remain open to God's guidance? Consider connections to other scriptures that address the condition of the heart. Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 7:16This verse sets the stage for the plagues, where God commands Pharaoh to let His people go so they may worship Him, establishing the recurring theme of obedience to God's command. Exodus 9:30 This verse highlights Pharaoh's continued hard-heartedness, despite witnessing God's power, similar to his deceitful behavior mentioned in Exodus 8:29. James 5:16 This New Testament verse emphasizes the power of prayer, which is demonstrated by Moses' intercession for the removal of the flies. Psalm 105:31 This Psalm recounts the plagues, including the flies, as part of God's mighty works in delivering Israel, reinforcing the historical and theological significance of these events.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, Goshen, Nile RiverTopics Act, Behold, Deal, Deceitfully, Depart, Flies, Leave, Letting, Offer, Officials, Pharaoh, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Servants, Sure, Swarms, TomorrowDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 8:29 4843 plague Library Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of John the Baptist. (in the Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 39-56. ^c 39 And Mary arose in these days [within a week or two after the angel appeared to her] and went into the hill country [the district of Judah lying south of Jerusalem, of which the city of Hebron was the center] with haste [she fled to those whom God had inspired, so that they could understand her condition and know her innocence--to those who were as Joseph needed to be inspired, that he might understand--Matt. i. 18-25], into a city … J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews. He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church. Exodus Links Exodus 8:29 NIVExodus 8:29 NLT Exodus 8:29 ESV Exodus 8:29 NASB Exodus 8:29 KJV Exodus 8:29 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |