Biblical Reference:
The account of the third plague, the plague of gnats, is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 8:16-19 . This event is part of a series of ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

Context and Narrative:
The third plague occurs after the plagues of blood and frogs. In Exodus 8:16-19, the Lord instructs Moses to tell Aaron to stretch out his staff and strike the dust of the ground. As Aaron obeys, the dust throughout the land of Egypt becomes gnats. This plague affects both people and animals, causing widespread discomfort and distress.

Exodus 8:16-19 :
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron, "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground," and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.' They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon man and beast. All the dust of the ground became gnats throughout the land of Egypt. The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not. And the gnats were on man and beast. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, 'This is the finger of God.' But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

Significance and Interpretation:
The plague of gnats is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a turning point in the series of plagues. Unlike the previous plagues, the Egyptian magicians are unable to replicate this miracle, acknowledging it as "the finger of God." This admission highlights the supremacy of the God of Israel over the Egyptian deities and magicians, emphasizing His power and authority.

The gnats, which arise from the dust, symbolize the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. The transformation of dust into gnats can be seen as a reversal of creation, where order is turned into chaos, reflecting the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to obey God's command.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the plague of gnats serves as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to control nature. It underscores the futility of opposing God's will and the inevitability of His plans. The inability of the Egyptian magicians to replicate the plague signifies the limitations of human power and the ultimate authority of God.

The hardening of Pharaoh's heart, despite witnessing the divine power, illustrates the theme of human obstinacy and the consequences of resisting God's commands. This theme is recurrent throughout the narrative of the plagues, serving as a warning against pride and disobedience.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Egyptian context, the plague of gnats would have been particularly distressing. The Egyptians placed great importance on cleanliness and ritual purity, and the presence of swarming insects would have been both a physical and spiritual affliction. Additionally, the gnats may have been a direct affront to Egyptian deities associated with the earth and fertility, further demonstrating the impotence of these gods in the face of the God of Israel.

Conclusion:
The third plague, the plague of gnats, is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, highlighting God's power and the futility of resisting His will. It serves as a testament to the divine authority and a warning against the hardness of heart.