Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of Boils and Open Sores is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague is the sixth in the series and serves as a demonstration of God's power and judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities. The narrative is found in Exodus 9:8-12.Biblical Account: In Exodus 9:8-12 , the LORD instructs Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and have Moses toss it into the air in the presence of Pharaoh. The soot becomes fine dust over the entire land of Egypt, causing festering boils to break out on people and animals throughout the land. The text states: > "Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Take handfuls of soot from a furnace, and in the sight of Pharaoh, Moses is to toss it into the air. It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and festering boils will break out on man and beast throughout the land.' So they took soot from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on man and beast. The magicians could not stand before Moses because the boils had broken out on them and on all the Egyptians. But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said to Moses." Theological Significance: The Plague of Boils and Open Sores is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the LORD's supremacy over the Egyptian gods, particularly those associated with health and disease. The magicians of Egypt, who had previously been able to replicate some of the earlier plagues, were powerless against this one, highlighting the impotence of Egypt's spiritual forces in the face of the true God. This plague also serves as a direct attack on the physical well-being of the Egyptians, affecting both humans and animals. The physical affliction symbolizes the spiritual and moral corruption of Egypt, which had enslaved the Israelites and defied the commands of God. Symbolism and Typology: In a broader biblical context, the plague can be seen as a type of divine judgment that foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin. The boils and sores are a physical manifestation of the spiritual decay that results from rebellion against God. This theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, where physical ailments often symbolize spiritual maladies (e.g., Isaiah 1:6). Moral and Ethical Lessons: From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Plague of Boils and Open Sores serves as a warning against the hardness of heart. Despite the clear evidence of God's power, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, leading to further suffering for himself and his people. This narrative encourages believers to remain open to God's guidance and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, diseases and physical afflictions were often seen as manifestations of divine displeasure. The Egyptians, with their pantheon of gods, would have interpreted such a plague as a significant spiritual event. The inability of their magicians to counteract the plague would have been a profound humiliation and a clear indication of the superiority of the God of Israel. Conclusion: The Plague of Boils and Open Sores is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and a reminder of the consequences of defying His will. It underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority over all creation. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 9:8-12And the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. Nave's Topical Index Library Homiletical. A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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