Exodus 8

V 1–15: MIRACULOUS PLAGUES: PLAGUE TWO—FROGS The Egyptians regard frogs as sacred. Pharaoh is now warned that his territory and all the households will be overrun by frogs if he does not let the Israelites go. Aaron then carries out the threat, and the frogs cover the land of Egypt, but the magicians duplicate this by producing frogs. (However, they seem to lack the power to get rid of them!) Pharaoh promises Moses that the Israelites can go and worship if he gets rid of the frogs. Moses agrees to do it on the next day. Moses and Aaron cry out to God and the frogs go back into the river. But Pharaoh, on seeing this relief, hardens his heart and breaks his word. V 16–19: MIRACULOUS PLAGUES: PLAGUE THREE—LICE Moses and Aaron then bring lice over the land, this time without warning his magicians. They are unable to replicate this. (Could it be that the lack of notice meant that they are unable to plan their trickery?) With lice everywhere, the magicians tell Pharaoh, ‘This is the finger of God.’ Hardened Pharaoh does not even heed his own men. V 20–32: MIRACULOUS PLAGUES: PLAGUE FOUR—FLIES This time with pre-warning, the Lord sends thick swarms of flies over all Egypt, including Pharaoh’s house, but not a fly lands in Goshen, where the Israelites are. Pharaoh tells Moses and Aaron that they can sacrifice to God in Egypt. Moses replies that it must be in the wilderness or there will be violent opposition (to their sacrifices) from the Egyptians. Pharaoh concurs as long as they do not go too far into the wilderness. Moses keeps his word in entreating God to remove the flies, which He does so that not one remains. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened even further after the flies are taken away, and he refuses to let the people go.