Reflection by Don Schwager

As Pharoah's defiance grows, so does God's severity.  The sixth plague threatens not only the Egyptians' livelihood, but their very lives as well. The plague of boils afflicted every Egyptian and his livestock with erupting sores all over their flesh. God spares the Israelites and their livestock of this affliction.

The ashes which Moses used to demonstrate this plague came from a kiln - most probably the one next to Pharoah's palace which was used for burning human sacrifices to one of Egypt's idols. Human sacrifice is an abomination to the Lord. God literally took the remains of their pagan sacrifice and threw it in Pharoah's face.

The ten plagues of Egypt prefigure Jesus' ministry in which he frees people who are oppressed by evil spirits, infirmity, and even death itself. Jesus came to set us free from sin, Satan, and the world which is hostile to God.

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your cross you have set us free. You are the savior of the world. Deliver me from every weight of sin and evil that would keep me from serving you with joy and trusting obedience."

Exodus 9

8 And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Take handfuls of ashes from the kiln, and let Moses throw them toward heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 And it shall become fine dust over all the land of Egypt, and become boils breaking out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt." 10 So they took ashes from the kiln, and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses threw them toward heaven, and it became boils breaking out in sores on man and beast. 

11 And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were upon the magicians and upon all the Egyptians. 12 But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he did not listen to them; as the LORD had spoken to Moses.