Plague of Gnats, mixed media by Yvette Rock

Reflection by Don Schwager

The plague of gnats, which are possibly mosquitos, mercilessly oppress the land of Egypt, striking every man, woman, and child, as well as every living beast. Their bite, which draws blood from their prey pollutes and spreads infectious disease – an apt symbol for the power of sin which makes people spiritually impure and unclean when they are given over to wrongdoing. (See Romans 1:18-32 which describes how the wrath of God punishes those who suppress the truth because of wickedness.)

When Pharoah's sorcerers could not match the power of this third plague, they recognized that the God of Israel was stronger than their gods – "This is the finger of God," they exclaim (Exodus 8:19). With each new plague, Pharoah's stuborn pride and defiance grow harder. 

Unless sinful pride is put to death in our lives, it will only harden our hearts to God's word of life and truth.

"Lord Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Teach me your ways and give me a docile heart that is teachable and ready to obey. May I never stray from the path of truth and holiness which leads to everlasting life with you." 

Exodus 8

16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to Aaron, `Stretch out your rod and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become gnats throughout all the land of Egypt.'" 

17 And they did so; Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and struck the dust of the earth, and there came gnats on man and beast; all the dust of the earth became gnats throughout all the land of Egypt. 

18 The magicians tried by their secret arts to bring forth gnats, but they could not. So there were gnats on man and beast. 19 And the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them; as the LORD had said.