Exodus 8:16

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, that it may turn into swarms of gnats throughout the land of Egypt.'"

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. It reflects the ongoing relationship between God and Moses, who serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This divine instruction is part of the larger narrative of the plagues, which demonstrate God's power over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh.

Tell Aaron
Aaron, Moses' brother, acts as his spokesperson. This highlights the collaborative leadership between Moses and Aaron, as well as Aaron's role as a priestly figure. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Aaron is instructed to carry out a specific task.

‘Stretch out your staff
The staff is a symbol of divine authority and power. It is used by Moses and Aaron to perform miracles and signs, serving as a tangible representation of God's intervention. The staff's use here connects to earlier events, such as when Moses' staff turned into a serpent before Pharaoh, demonstrating God's supremacy.

and strike the dust of the earth
The act of striking the dust signifies a transformation of the natural world, showcasing God's control over creation. Dust, a common element in the arid Egyptian landscape, is transformed into something living, illustrating the miraculous nature of the plague. This action also recalls the creation narrative, where God formed man from the dust, highlighting His creative power.

that it may turn into swarms of gnats
The transformation of dust into gnats represents a direct challenge to the Egyptian magicians and their inability to replicate this miracle, as noted in the subsequent verses. Gnats, small and numerous, symbolize the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. This plague disrupts daily life and religious practices, as gnats would have been considered unclean.

throughout the land of Egypt
The widespread nature of the plague emphasizes its severity and the comprehensive reach of God's power. It affects all of Egypt, not just isolated areas, demonstrating that no part of the land is beyond God's influence. This also serves as a warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians of the consequences of hardening their hearts against God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is orchestrating the plagues to demonstrate His power and sovereignty over Egypt and its gods.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother and spokesperson, who acts on God's command to initiate the plague by stretching out his staff.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that God sends to compel Pharaoh to release His people.

5. The Plague of Gnats
The third plague sent by God, where the dust of the earth becomes gnats, affecting the entire land of Egypt.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
God demonstrates His control over nature by transforming dust into gnats, reminding us of His ultimate authority over all creation.

The Power of Obedience
Aaron's obedience in following God's command leads to the manifestation of God's power. Our obedience to God's instructions can lead to His work being revealed in our lives.

Judgment and Mercy
The plagues serve as both judgment against Egypt and a call to repentance. In our lives, we should recognize God's discipline as an opportunity to turn back to Him.

Spiritual Warfare
The plagues represent a spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the gods of Egypt. We are reminded of the spiritual battles we face and the need to rely on God's power.

The Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's continued resistance despite the plagues warns us of the dangers of hardening our hearts against God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the transformation of dust into gnats demonstrate God's power over creation, and how can this understanding impact our view of God's role in the natural world?

2. In what ways does Aaron's obedience to God's command serve as a model for our own obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives?

3. How do the plagues in Egypt, including the plague of gnats, serve as both a judgment and a call to repentance? How can we apply this understanding to our own experiences of God's discipline?

4. What spiritual battles are you currently facing, and how can the account of the plagues encourage you to rely on God's power in these situations?

5. Reflect on a time when you may have hardened your heart against God's will. What steps can you take to ensure your heart remains open and responsive to God's guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:7
The creation of man from the dust of the ground highlights God's power over creation, similar to how He transforms dust into gnats.

Psalm 105:31
This psalm recounts the plagues, including the gnats, as a testament to God's mighty acts and faithfulness to His covenant.

Revelation 16:2
The plagues in Revelation echo the plagues of Egypt, symbolizing God's judgment and the call to repentance.