The Third Plague: Lice

Exodus 8:16-19

• To think of a plague is a frightening thing for sure. This plague particularly is awful. The sheer number of pests attacking the Egyptians is so horrendous that it had to be maddening.
• For ancient Egypt, cleanliness and personal hygiene were paramount. This was especially true among the priestly class. Being covered with lice had to be regarded as unclean ceremonially for them.

¹⁶ So the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’ ”

• God shows supreme authority over all things by turning the dust into living creatures that are used in. This demonstration.

¹⁷ And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

¹⁸ Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast.

¹⁹ Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Authority Over Creation: The transformation of dust into gnats underscores God’s sovereignty over the natural world, echoing the creation narrative where life was formed from dust. 

2. Judgment Against Idolatry: This plague directly challenges the Egyptian gods associated with the earth and fertility, demonstrating their impotence before the God of Israel.

3. Limitations of Human Power: The Egyptian magicians’ inability to replicate this miracle highlights the supremacy of God’s power over human magic and wisdom. 

Word Studies

• “Gnats” (Hebrew: כִּנִּים, kinnim): The exact identification is debated, with translations varying between “gnats,” “lice,” or “mosquitoes.” Regardless, the term denotes a small, pervasive insect causing discomfort.

• “Finger of God” (Hebrew: אֶצְבַּע אֱלֹהִים, etsba Elohim): This phrase signifies a direct act of divine intervention, emphasizing the immediacy and power of God’s actions. 

Application Points

1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty: Recognize and submit to God’s ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs.

2. Beware of Hardened Hearts: Pharaoh’s persistent refusal to heed divine warnings serves as a caution against allowing pride and stubbornness to impede spiritual growth.

3. Recognize the Limitations of Human Wisdom: The failure of Egypt’s magicians reminds believers to rely on God’s power rather than solely on human understanding or abilities.

Citations

• “Exodus 8:16-19 meaning.” TheBibleSays.com. https://thebiblesays.com/exodus-816-19-meaning/.

• “Why Are There 10 Plagues?” The Bible Project. https://bibleproject.com/podcast/why-are-there-10-plagues/.

• “Exodus 8:16 – Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary.” StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/commentary/exodus/8-16.html.

• “Va’eira.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Va%27eira.