It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land." It will become fine dustThe phrase "fine dust" in Hebrew is "אָבָק" (avak), which signifies a very small, powdery substance. This imagery of dust is significant in the biblical context, as dust often symbolizes something that is easily scattered and pervasive. In Genesis 2:7, God forms man from the dust of the ground, highlighting the humble and fragile nature of humanity. Here, the dust becomes a tool of divine judgment, spreading across Egypt as a symbol of God's power to transform the ordinary into an instrument of His will. over all the land of Egypt
The phrase "over all the land of Egypt" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the plague. Egypt, a powerful and advanced civilization, is depicted as vulnerable to the divine will. Historically, Egypt was known for its wealth and influence, yet this phrase underscores that no part of the land is exempt from God's judgment. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and lands, regardless of their earthly power or prestige. and festering boils
"Festering boils" translates from the Hebrew "שְׁחִין" (shechin), which refers to painful, inflamed sores. This affliction is not only physically agonizing but also ritually impure according to Levitical law (Leviticus 13:18-23). The boils symbolize both physical suffering and spiritual impurity, serving as a tangible manifestation of God's judgment. The use of boils as a plague highlights the personal and intimate nature of God's intervention, affecting individuals directly and unmistakably. will break out on man and beast
The phrase "will break out on man and beast" indicates the indiscriminate nature of the plague, affecting both humans and animals. This reflects the interconnectedness of creation, where the sin and suffering of humanity impact the entire ecosystem. In the biblical narrative, animals often share in the consequences of human actions, as seen in the account of Noah's Ark. This phrase serves as a reminder of the far-reaching effects of sin and the comprehensive scope of divine judgment. throughout the land
"Throughout the land" reiterates the widespread impact of the plague. The entire nation of Egypt, from the highest official to the lowest servant, experiences the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart. This phrase underscores the theme of universal accountability before God. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's justice is not limited by geographical or social boundaries, and His presence permeates every corner of creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. Moses and AaronThe leaders chosen by God to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. They are the instruments through which God delivers His messages and judgments. 2. PharaohThe ruler of Egypt who refuses to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sends as a demonstration of His power and authority. 3. EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God demonstrates His power through the plagues. 4. The Plague of BoilsThe sixth plague sent by God upon Egypt, where boils break out on both humans and animals, demonstrating God's power over health and well-being. 5. The Magicians of EgyptThey are unable to stand before Moses because of the boils, highlighting the impotence of Egypt's spiritual and magical practices against the power of God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over CreationThe plague of boils demonstrates God's control over health and nature, reminding us that He is sovereign over all aspects of life. The Consequences of Hardening One's HeartPharaoh's refusal to heed God's warnings leads to increased suffering. This serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice. The Limitations of Human PowerThe inability of Egypt's magicians to counteract the plague highlights the limitations of human wisdom and power in the face of divine authority. The Call to RepentanceThe plagues serve as a call to repentance, urging us to turn away from sin and towards God. God's Protection of His PeopleWhile Egypt suffers, God protects the Israelites, illustrating His faithfulness to those who belong to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the plague of boils demonstrate God's power and authority over Egypt and its gods? 2. In what ways can we see the consequences of a hardened heart in our own lives or in the world today? 3. How does the response of Pharaoh and the Egyptians to the plagues compare to the response God desires from us when we face trials? 4. What are some modern-day "plagues" or challenges that remind us of our need for God's intervention and sovereignty? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the plague of boils to our understanding of God's protection and provision for His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28:27This verse speaks of boils as a curse for disobedience, connecting the physical affliction with spiritual rebellion against God. Revelation 16:2The first bowl of God's wrath results in painful sores on those who bear the mark of the beast, drawing a parallel to the plague of boils as a sign of divine judgment. Job 2:7Job is afflicted with painful sores, similar to the boils in Egypt, which serves as a test of faith and endurance. People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, PharaohPlaces Egypt, GoshenTopics Animal, Animals, Beast, Blains, Blisters, Boil, Boils, Break, Breaking, Bursting, Cattle, Dust, Egypt, Festering, Fine, Forth, Skin-disease, Sores, Throughout, WoundsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 9:8-10 5297 disease Exodus 9:9-10 4843 plague Exodus 9:9-11 5136 body Library Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
(Palm Sunday.) Exodus ix. 14. I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. We are now beginning Passion Week, the week of the whole year which ought to teach us most theology; that is, most concerning God, his character and his spirit. For in this Passion Week God did that which utterly and perfectly showed forth his glory, as it never has been shown forth before or since. …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch The Plagues of Egypt
(Palm Sunday.) EXODUS ix. 13, 14. Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth. You will understand, I think, the meaning of the ten plagues of Egypt better, if I explain to you in a few words what kind of a country Egypt is, what kind of people the Egyptians were. Some of you, doubtless, …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Man's Misery by the Fall
Q-19: WHAT IS THE MISERY OF THAT ESTATE WHEREINTO MAN FELL? A: All mankind by their fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries in this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell for ever. 'And were by nature children of wrath.' Eph 2:2. Adam left an unhappy portion to his posterity, Sin and Misery. Having considered the first of these, original sin, we shall now advert to the misery of that state. In the first, we have seen mankind offending; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 9:9 NIVExodus 9:9 NLTExodus 9:9 ESVExodus 9:9 NASBExodus 9:9 KJV
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