Psalm 78:45

Psalm 78:45

Flies and frogs

The second plague, bringing frogs from the Nile, was a judgment against Heket, the frog-headed goddess of birth. Frogs were thought to be sacred and not to be killed. God allowed the frogs to invade every part of the homes of the Egyptians, and when the frogs died, their stinking bodies were heaped up in offensive piles all through the land. Exodus 8:13-14.

With the fourth Egyptian plague, which consisted of flies, begins the great miracle of separation when God shows that He deals differently with His chosen people. The flies were a direct exposure of Khepri the Egyptian god of creation who had the head of a fly. Moses met Pharaoh at the Nile River in the morning and made the demand, speaking on behalf of the Lord, "Let My people go, that they may serve Me." Again, Pharaoh hardened his heart and disregarded the request, resulting in a pronouncement of swarms of flies. This time, however, only the Egyptians were affected by the judgement, or plague, and the children of Israel remained unscathed. This wonder also moved the Egyptian plagues to a different level, adding destruction as well as discomfort to the consequences of their decisions. 

Plagued by flies, Pharaoh tried a new tactic and began to bargain with the Lord, showing his desire to maintain power and authority over God. He tried to dictate the terms and conditions of the offer, telling Moses that the Hebrews may sacrifice but only "in the land", clearly not complying with the requested "three days journey" that the Lord required. Moses wouldn't budge, and Pharaoh relented allowing them to leave, but telling them not to "go very far." 

This temporary allowance is made solely to prompt Moses to "entreat the Lord that the swarms of flies may depart". At this point Pharaoh has learned in part who the Lord is and asks for His assistance over the Egyptian gods and goddesses. As soon as the request is granted by the Lord, Pharaoh reneges on his promise and will not let the Hebrews go and he continues to worship his Egyptian Gods. Exodus 8:21-24.

Pharaoh shows us that it is not wise to do deals with God and if we do, we cannot change the terms as soon as soon as He keeps His word!

 

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