Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Lice, also referred to as the Plague of Gnats in some translations, is the third of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This plague is a significant event in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage, demonstrating God's power and authority over creation and the false gods of Egypt.Biblical Account The account of the Plague of Lice is found in Exodus 8:16-19. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage reads: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron, "Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, and it will become lice throughout the land of Egypt."' They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the earth, lice came upon man and beast. All the dust of the earth turned into lice throughout the land of Egypt. The magicians tried to produce lice by their secret arts, but they could not, and the lice 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." Context and Significance The Plague of Lice is the first plague that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate, marking a turning point in the series of plagues. This inability led the magicians to acknowledge the divine origin of the plague, stating, "This is the finger of God." This admission highlights the supremacy of the God of Israel over the Egyptian deities and the limitations of human power and magic. The plague's occurrence after the Plague of Frogs and before the Plague of Flies suggests a progression in the severity and impact of the plagues. While the first two plagues involved water and amphibians, the Plague of Lice directly affected the people and animals, causing discomfort and distress. The transformation of dust into lice symbolizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of God's judgment upon Egypt. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the Plague of Lice serves as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to use the natural world to fulfill His purposes. The plague underscores the futility of resisting God's will, as seen in Pharaoh's hardened heart despite the clear evidence of divine intervention. It also serves as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness to the Israelites, as He acts decisively to secure their release from slavery. The Plague of Lice, like the other plagues, can be seen as a judgment against the gods of Egypt. Some scholars suggest that this plague specifically targeted Geb, the Egyptian god of the earth, as the dust of the earth was turned into lice. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of the plagues as a polemic against the pantheon of Egyptian deities, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the one true God. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, lice were a common nuisance, often associated with uncleanliness and discomfort. The sudden and widespread infestation of lice would have been a severe affliction, affecting daily life, religious practices, and the overall well-being of the Egyptian populace. The inability of the magicians to replicate or reverse the plague would have further emphasized the extraordinary nature of the event and the power of the God of Israel. The Plague of Lice, as part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, serves as a foundational account for the Israelite identity, illustrating God's deliverance and the establishment of Israel as His chosen people. The plagues collectively demonstrate God's justice, mercy, and ultimate authority over all nations and their gods. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 8:16-19And the LORD said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Stretch out your rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 105:31 Library On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Concerning the Ten Plagues which came Upon the Egyptians. Little Sins The Plagues of Egypt The Rod that Troubled Egypt. Great Miracles Wrought by Magic Arts. Full Redemption A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ... From Egypt to Sinai. On Psalm Lxxvii. Or Lxxviii. Resources What is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.orgLice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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